SINGAPORE — As Singapore intensifies efforts to foster a “we first” society, emphasis must be placed on compassion, not obligation, when encouraging volunteerism and giving, said Tony Soh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). 

In an interview with local media, Mr Soh highlighted that building a culture where people willingly support one another should stem from genuine care rather than societal or institutional pressure. According to him, collective responsibility has long been a foundation of Singapore’s social resilience, evident in acts of generosity during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The concept of a “we first” society — where community and collective well-being take precedence — has featured prominently in public discourse, especially as national conversation shifts beyond recovery from the pandemic. Leaders have underscored the importance of unity and shared purpose, with volunteerism seen as a key expression of this mindset. 

Mr Soh noted that Singaporeans have continued to demonstrate a robust spirit of giving, with both volunteer participation and donations remaining strong in recent years. He pointed out that this trend reflects a deep-seated inclination among citizens to contribute when needs arise, reinforcing social cohesion. 

While encouragement remains central, the NVPC chief emphasised that fostering compassion-driven engagement — rather than mere compliance — will be critical to sustaining civic responsibility and strengthening bonds within the community.