Who are ‘we’? Why some Singaporeans bristle at ‘we first’ inclusive society call

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong's recent remarks about an inclusive "we first" society, potentially including foreigners, have sparked debate among some Singaporeans. The discussion stems from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's earlier call for Singaporeans to unite and prioritize the collective. At a recent conference, Gan clarified that "we first" means prioritizing the collective over the individual, encompassing foreigners and emphasizing Singapore's responsibility to help them. Acting Minister David Neo highlighted that achieving a "we first" society requires a shift in interpersonal relationships, posing a challenge beyond resources and laws. The core issue revolves around defining "we" and addressing concerns about potential exclusion or preferential treatment.