As the upcoming Presidential Election 2023 garners substantial attention, particularly among younger Singaporeans, many of whom are set to cast their inaugural votes, its significance is undeniably profound. Holding the mantle of Head of State, the President shoulders two salient responsibilities – as a symbol of unity for Singapore’s multi-cultural fabric and as a guardian of the nation’s reserves and public service integrity.
The importance of a presidential election mirrors the weight of pivotal historical occurrences, reminiscent of the significance seen in the General Election of 2020. In line with one of our primary missions, the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) upholds its commitment to nurturing engagement and discourse on politics and policy. This commitment, dedicated to positively contributing to Singapore’s political and intellectual progress, has now culminated in the launch of its latest initiative, the “Meet our Presidential Candidates Series 2023.”
NUSS recognises that open and informed discussions about political matters are integral to cultivating a more gracious social environment and driving intellectual growth. Building on the success of the Pre-General Election (GE) Forum held on 3 July 2020, where members engaged with representatives from various political parties, this series is yet another means of fostering meaningful discourse.
The series of sessions, which were held on 25 and 26 August 2023, provided a platform for the three presidential candidates – Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Mr Ng Kok Song, and Mr Tan Kin Lian – to connect with the public, share their perspectives, and address important issues.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam: Inspiring Ideas for the Future
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the former Senior Minister, extended an exclusive invitation to NUSS members to a Town Hall event held at the Pasir Panjang Power Station on 25 August 2023, at 6pm. Following a riveting 20-minute address, Mr Tharman seamlessly transitioned into a dynamic interactive segment, wherein he eagerly entertained a multitude of questions. By doing so, he provided a golden opportunity for NUSS members to be active participants, lending their voices and perspectives to the discourse.
Ng Kok Song: A Dialogue of Motivations and Aspirations
That same evening at 7.30pm, Mr Ng Kok Song, one of the three candidates contending for Singapore’s presidency, engaged in a robust 90-minute dialogue at Kent Ridge Guild House. This discourse, accessible exclusively to NUSS members, was extended to a wider audience through live streaming on Mr Ng’s Instagram page. Moderated by Assistant Professor Walid Jumblatt Bin Abdullah from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Social Sciences, the dialogue delved into Mr Ng’s motivations for his presidential bid, with a fervent focus on enhancing public understanding of pivotal topics, including the nation’s reserves.
Tan Kin Lian: Shifting Perspectives for Tomorrow
Mr Tan Kin Lian actively participated in a dialogue session held at the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House. This event, moderated by NUSS’ second vice-president, Mr Nakoorsha A.K., facilitated an open platform for Mr Tan to articulate his profound aspirations and optimistic visions for Singapore’s future. The interactive dialogue session was streamed live on Mr Tan’s Facebook page and Telegram group.
The “Meet our Presidential Candidates Series” organised by NUSS serves as a beacon of intellectual growth and societal progress. These sessions offer an exclusive avenue for engaging discourse, fostering a society that values diverse perspectives. With the upcoming polling day on 1 September 2023, they provide vital insights into candidates’ aspirations, enriching Singapore’s political dialogue and democratic process.
