Attending National Youth Council Pre-Budget Dialogue 2023

In October 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the National Youth Council (NYC) Pre-Budget Dialogue held at the Asian Civilisation Museum. The session brought together youth representatives and policymakers, including Senior Minister of State for Finance & Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, and Minister for Culture, Community & Youth & Trade & Industry, Mr Alvin Tan.

The evening began with a networking reception, where I had the chance to interact with fellow youth participants from diverse fields and backgrounds. This was followed by a facilitated breakout discussion, where we discussed key national priorities for the upcoming Budget cycle,. Hearing the perspectives of other participants helped me better appreciate the breadth of concerns and aspirations across Singapore’s youth community. The dialogue concluded with a panel session on the importance of fiscal planning, long-term economic resilience, and the role of young Singaporeans in shaping future policies. I found the discussion particularly meaningful in understanding the complexity of policymaking, especially the balance between short-term needs and long-term national sustainability.

Overall, the experience deepened my awareness of Singapore’s budgetary considerations and the importance of engaging youth voices in national conversations. It strengthened my belief that young people have a critical role in shaping Singapore’s future, and I am happy to have had the the opportunity to attend this dialogue session.