Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s tone during the National Day Rally was one of compassion, understanding and care for the people.

The various measures introduced, especially the tweaks in healthcare, housing and education, are to help alleviate the burden faced by the low- and middle-income, the sandwiched classes and the man in the street.

These changes would not have been possible if not for the strong fundamental policies in our system of governance, which our forefathers worked hard to build.

What was most heartening was that these changes were a follow-through from the consolidation of ideas from Our Singapore Conversation, which is a testament that the Government is willing to listen, change and actively engage diverse citizens.

It is comforting that the leadership has not forgotten its citizens. Mr Lee has placed Singaporeans first, and that made all the difference.