Trust, Kindness, and Integrity: The Most Observed Values Among Singaporean Youth

Press Release

24 March 2025

SINGAPORE, 24 March 2025 — A new survey by Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) on youth perceptions in Singapore highlights the critical role of trust, kindness, and integrity in shaping young individuals' values and actions today. A survey of 1,000 youths aged 16–24 reveals that these values are not only widely observed among their peers but also play a key role in leadership potential and social engagement.

A preliminary summary of the survey results* was unveiled at the NextGen Steward Leaders’ Summit: Bridging Values for Tomorrow, co-organised by SAC and the National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore. As part of the SG60 commemoration, the summit explored how youths can build resilience through values and create an inclusive community.

Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & the Ministry of Social and Family Development, was the guest of honour. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of values-driven leadership and its crucial role in developing the next generation of leaders.

The event brought together over two hundred youths from local and international schools around the country to discuss ethics, stewardship, and social responsibility. Through interactive panels and keynote sessions, participants explored ways to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and drive positive change in their communities.

Societal issues that concern youth

The survey results also showed that young Singaporeans are deeply committed to societal issues, particularly mental and physical well-being, digitalisation, and social inclusion. More than half of the youths cite their core beliefs, ability to make a difference to society and personal fulfillments as motivations to engage in social action. 

The survey further highlights strong ethical decision-making among youth. Four in five recognise the importance of core values in navigating ethical dilemmas and demonstrate persistence in making tough decisions. When faced with conflicts in values, half actively attempt to find a compromise that preserves their ethical beliefs.

Young Singaporeans also recognise key existential challenges, including climate change, lack of economic opportunity, and pollution. Other concerns such as an aging population, geopolitical instability, and labor challenges are also on their radar. Encouragingly, four in five express confidence in young leaders’ ability to act with integrity. Many have expressed hope of building an equitable society, with many already supporting ethical businesses, engaging in sustainability initiatives like recycling, and raising awareness about climate and environmental issues.

“The study illustrates that Singaporean youth are not only aware of societal challenges but are actively contributing to solutions through steward leadership and social responsibility. Their dedication to fostering a more equitable society, embracing lifelong learning, and prioritising mental and physical well-being positions them as vital changemakers for the future,” said Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of SAC.

Mr David Chua, Chief Executive Officer of NYC added, “We are heartened that our youths recognise the importance of and embrace the values of trust, kindness and integrity. This is especially crucial as we partner them in developing the SG Youth Plan – a five-year action blueprint – which will empower them to jointly build the future that they will lead.”

*A detailed analysis of the survey results will be made available at a later date.

 

About Stewardship Asia Centre 

Stewardship Asia Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping business and government leaders, investors, and individuals accelerate leadership action on environmental and social challenges through catalytic knowledge and advisory. We are part of the Temasek Trust ecosystem with a shared purpose of building a better future for every generation. Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Singapore-based global investor Temasek Holdings