Social unity would furthermore continue to be important, as culture, language and religion remain Singapore’s standard problem lines, said Mr Lee.
Despite efforts to create a common identity for Singapore, the population will always be drawn by “external troops.”
Singaporeans never reject their different racial roots and shared religious values, he said, referring to the affinities between the various ethnic groups and China, India, as well as the wider Muslim-majority area and the world Arab community.
” They can be threats, but we do not want to reduce these abundant cultural and historical ethnicities”, said the Prime Minister.
Singapore must be aware of different potential conflicts, but racial and religious harmony may continue to be a work in progress.
These include conflicts between the set and have- females, Singaporean- born and naturalised people, social conservatives and liberals, and current and future generations, which can be exploited socially,  , he said.
As the Singaporean personality is not stable, the government has to “guide that development, as best we may, carefully and thoughtfully”, he said, highlighting techniques on Section 377A and caregivers wearing the tudung.
IMPORTANCE OF TRIPARTISM
According to Mr. Lee, tripartism has been a significant factor in Singapore’s advancement when speaking to unionists from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
He pointed to 1969 as a key turning point when an “adversarial approach” between unions and employers was replaced with a” cooperative, tripartite” strategy.
Trust and confidence among tripartite partners continued to be built through challenges like Singapore’s recession in 1985, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID- 19 pandemic, he said.
” Through the symbiotic relationship with the PAP, the NTUC has done right by workers, and helped them and their families , to enjoy a better life” . ,
In the face of uncertainty in terms of geopolitical and economic policy, he added, the unions will continue to play an even greater role.
” Looking ahead, there are certainly dark clouds on the horizon, but also many opportunities”, said Mr Lee.
Singapore can act as a reliable partner when rival nations are uncertain about one another. Its stability is also advantageous when other nations” change directions” and change leaders “every few months,” he said.
SINGAPORE’S PROGRESS OVER LAST 20 YEARS
Mr. Lee compared the progress Singapore made during his 20 years as prime minister to his own 20 years.  ,
Under his premiership, Singapore has become “much better off”.
According to Mr. Lee, Singapore’s plans to transform and modernize the economy have succeeded, which has attracted multinational corporations and assisted Singapore businesses in expanding their markets overseas.  ,
The government has expanded support measures with CDC vouchers and other forms of assistance, according to Mr. Lee, despite the worrying inflation and rising living costs.  ,
New HDB towns were also built, but older towns were not left behind.  , Through various upgrading programmes, the government has rejuvenated older estates, kept them up to date and made them fit for a more elderly population, he added.  ,
” This is why, unlike public housing projects elsewhere in the world, our HDB estates never turn into slums or ghettoes” . ,  ,
Public transport has also improved, he said. In the last 20 years, Singapore has added three more MRT lines, the Circle, Downtown, and Thomson-East Coast. In the upcoming years, two more lines, the Cross Island and Jurong Region lines, will be added.  ,
Rail reliability issues have “improved significantly” and Singapore’s MRT system is now ranked among the best in the world.  ,
According to Mr. Lee, the government also made a significant investment in a “first-class healthcare system.”
” We have kept our healthcare system up to scratch, we’ve tuned it up after COVID. And we want to make sure that if another pandemic like COVID strikes us, we can be more certain that we will be prepared to take the load and see everyone through.”
He continued,” The educational system now adopts a more comprehensive and comprehensive approach that encourages lifelong learning.”  ,
Students have multiple options and diverse pathways that are not limited to just traditional arts and science courses, but also specialised programmes in music, dance, sports, robotics, among others.  ,
” ‘ Every school is a good school’… it is a good slogan, because it contains a lot of truth”, said Mr Lee. ” In Singapore, unlike in some other countries, your postal code does not determine your destiny” . ,
Mr. Lee added that by using programs like Comcare to improve social programs and Workfare to supplement lower-wage workers ‘ incomes, he had also made an effort to make Singapore a more inclusive place.
The elderly, the disabled, the elderly, and those with lower income groups are among the beneficiaries of programs like MediShield Life, CareShield Lift, CPF Life, and Silver Support.  ,
” I HAVE DONE MY DUTY”
According to Mr. Lee, a solid foundation has been laid for future generations, and this benefit should not be taken for granted.  ,
Singapore now has enough reserves to deal with challenging circumstances, international support that “gives us a seat at the table,” a cohesion that “hangs together in the darkest hours,” and a vibrant and inclusive economy.  ,
” Make the most of these advantages, never throw them away”, said Mr Lee. ” Stay united, think long term and maintain our political stability. That is the way forward for Singapore” . ,
He continued,” Every confidence” in his team now that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will take over the title in two weeks.  ,
Mr Wong’s fourth- generation, or 4G, team will “have their hands full” dealing with issues which will arise, and realising their Forward SG agenda.
” I ask all Singaporeans to rally behind them, and work together to make Singapore succeed, for your sake.  ,
That is our plan for the future: for each generation to bestow Singapore with the best of its abilities so that the next generation can succeed in becoming a better Singapore and ultimately lead our nation onward and upward. ”  ,
Looking back on his 40 years in politics, the Prime Minister said he was satisfied with what has been achieved.
” It has been my great honour to , have served you, including as your PM. I’ve made an effort to guide you and to govern Singapore in the way you deserve, and to mobilize Singaporeans to demonstrate what we can accomplish together, he said.
” As I prepare to hand over Singapore in good order to my successor, I feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness.  ,
Mr. Lee remarked,” I have done my duty, and I am very glad I chose this path of public service all those years ago,” to a standing ovation from the crowd.  ,
He thanked his Cabinet, the public service, the labour movement and Singaporeans for their support.
Mr. Lee then took a deep bow before receiving another standing ovation, to which he clearly became upset.