Dr. David Ong on Global Readiness: A Wake-Up Call for SG100
Will Singapore make it to SG100?
This question was at the heart of Dr. David Ong’s keynote — and his answer was clear and unsettling:
“No — unless we change.”
On October 7, 2025, the inaugural SMU-SMC Becoming Global Ready Symposium was successfully convened, bringing together a diverse community of policymakers, ambassadors, business leaders, educators, and students in a shared exploration of what it means to be truly global-ready—in mindset, capability, and action.
In this powerful talk, Dr. David challenges the status quo and introduces Global Readiness — the mindset Singapore needs to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. Being relevant is no longer enough. We must be AI-wt: Adaptive and Innovative With the Times.
He explains why local businesses and even Singapore itself are losing their competitive edge — and why the solution starts with Global Ready Parents raising Global Ready Youth.
Through a Global Integrated Talent Ecosystem, SMC is preparing the next generation to leverage global wisdom, networks, and opportunities. To sustain Singapore’s economic success, Dr. David also calls for a Global Integrated Investment Ecosystem, enabling local and globally affiliated companies to expand beyond Singapore and win on the global stage.
Watch. Reflect. Act
Reflections from Leaders and Youths
The speech was truly eye-opening and mind-blowing. Singapore needs exceptional, selfless leaders like Dr. Ong - leaders who are altruistic, visionary and bold.
—Yeo Kiat Seng, Chairman of the University Research Board at SUTD
Dr. David Ong’s vision for mentorship is both bold and pragmatic. His call to ‘build a three-tier intergeneration ecosystem: current, emerging and future leaders’ and to ‘explore the power in diversity and spark inspiration’ resonates deeply with the
challenges and opportunities facing our industry today.
—Eugene Ng,General Manager for Sales & Marketing, APR and Director at Chevron Oronite Pte Ltd
Dr. David Ong’s speech deeply inspired me with his reflection on Singapore’s leadership philosophy of “ 居安思危”— staying vigilant even in times of stability.
—Tracy Chen,CEO & Founder, GNOVA
Dr. David Ong is able to inspire youths, and share insights that drive and encourage them to be competitive and prepared in a very quickly changing world.
—Susanto Suwarto, Co-Founder, Indonesia Emtek
It shows our young generation must have a global mindset to be successful. AI skills = Adaptability and Innovation. Singaporean must take bold steps to change.
—Ricky Ang, Associate Provost, SUTD
Singapore will lose its plot if it doesn’t accelerate the creation of global ready alumni; Singapore needs local unicorns for sustainable success; Singapore needs to take advantage of global ready individuals with expertise and willingness/passion to develop the existing and future leaders.
— Andre Andonian,Chair Asia Pacific Flagship Pioneering and Chairman Emeritus North Asia McKinsey&Company
Speaking the honest truth. Good is the enemy of great. Singapore needs to be great!
— Per Magnusson, Group CEO, Jebsen & Jessen
David's speech brought focus to the importance of being global ready and the role we have to play to groom the next generation. This is important and urgent.
—Wong Joo Seng, Co-founder & CEO, Spark Systems
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Explore deeper reflections from Singapore and beyond
Media Contact:
Singapore Mentorship Committee (SMC)
Email: singaporementorshipcommittee@gmail.com
Website: https://www.smcmentorship.org/