Singapore’s mood ahead of GE2025: What the people are feeling, hoping, and worried about

Singapore’s mood ahead of GE2025: What the people are feeling, hoping, and worried about

With Singapore’s General Election set for 3 May 2025, a new pulse check conducted by Milieu Insight on 14 April offers a revealing snapshot of how Singaporeans feel about their lives, the country’s direction, and the world at large.

From optimism to anxiety, satisfaction to concern, here’s what the data tells us about Singaporeans as the countdown to the ballot box begins.

How are Singaporeans feeling about life right now?

When asked about overall life satisfaction, a majority of respondents (80%) say they are at least “somewhat satisfied,” though only 5% reported being “very satisfied.” This modest satisfaction cuts across age groups, with older respondents (55+) being the most content (6% very satisfied, 39% satisfied) and those aged 25–34 feeling the most strain, showing the highest dissatisfaction (15% somewhat dissatisfied, 4% dissatisfied).

In terms of optimism about the next six months of their personal lives:

• 77% of Singaporeans say they feel at least “somewhat optimistic.”
• Youths aged 16–24 are the most upbeat- 40% are “optimistic” and another 37% are “somewhat optimistic.”
• In contrast, those aged 45–54 are more divided, with 21% feeling pessimistic to some degree.

Singapore’s future outlook: A mix of hope and hesitation

When it comes to Singapore’s national future in the next six months:

• 70% of respondents are at least “somewhat optimistic.”
• Optimism peaks among the youngest age group (16–24), while the 45–54 age group showed the most doubt, with 31% of them expressing pessimism.
• Interestingly, only 3% of all respondents say they feel “very optimistic” about Singapore’s future.

The outlook on the global future? More somber:

• Only 15% feel optimistic, while a sizable 52% lean pessimistic.
• Anxieties about the world are particularly prominent among the older age groups (45+), while youths again maintain a relatively hopeful stance.

‍Emotionally charged: What people felt in the last week

Emotional health paints a complicated picture:

• 42% felt worried, and 37% felt anxious.
• Positive emotions like happiness (33%) and calmness (32%) were less common.
• Youths again stood out, with 55% feeling happy, but also the most anxious (58%) and confused (37%).

What’s working and what’s not in Singapore's day-to-day

Top aspects people are satisfied with:

• Family relationships (52%)
• Living situation (41%)
• Physical health (30%)
• Friendships (31%)

But there’s a generational divide: only 17% of older adults (55+) are satisfied with their love lives, versus 27% of those aged 25–34.

Top concerns include:

• Financial situation (46%)
• Physical health (35%)
• Mental health (25%)
• Work/studies (25%), especially for younger age groups (43% of 16–24s)

Life in Singapore: What brings joy and what needs work

What contributes to happiness and satisfaction:

• Public safety (64%)
• Transportation & infrastructure (56%)
• Housing & living conditions (48%)
• Healthcare (43%)
• Government efficiency (39%)

What needs improvement:

• Employment opportunities (37%)
• Housing and living conditions (25%)
• Healthcare (21%)
• Government services & efficiency (24%)
• Personal freedoms & rights (23%)

Notably, 30% of respondents aged 25–34 feel that personal freedoms and rights could be improved, hinting at a possible priority issue among younger voters.

Why it matters for GE2025

With less than three weeks to go until the general election, these insights offer a timely look into voter sentiment:

• The electorate appears cautiously optimistic but carries underlying stress about finances, health, and job opportunities.
• Youths feel everything more intensely (both good and bad) indicating a passionate, engaged demographic to watch.
• Public safety and infrastructure continue to be key pillars of satisfaction, while employment and cost of living remain key battlegrounds for improvement.

As political parties finalize their messaging, tapping into these real concerns and hopes may make all the difference in capturing votes this May.