Characteristics of Singapore Notes

Lack of national
identity


Definition Depiction of a country as a whole, encompassing its culture, traditions, language, and
politics; usually measured by whether its citizens have national pride and a sense of belonging to the
country

Some people have narrow/cynical view of what it means to be a Singaporean:
Perception that pre-requisites are needed to be a Singaporean, such as men serving the
compulsory National Service, gone through series of examinations in the education system, and
having the kiasu-ism attitude (known as the fear of losing out)

No such thing as national identity in Singapore due to largely exogenous population and that Singapore
is too young for a true sense of identity to be developed:
To be Singaporeans, we are required to assimilate into policies, cultures, and ideologies put up
by the government
o Culture and identity meticulously monitored, disciplined, and regimented by
politicians who judge what acceptable and unacceptable expressions of ethnic identity
are
o Increase in cultural stability, but decrease in richness and spontaneity of expression
through sterilising our local cultures thus no deep feeling for our identity
o E.g: Chinese dialects degraded in favour of Mandarin as mother tongue; Malays
forbidden from wearing headscarfs if attending public school; Muslim-Malays cannot
serve key positions in armed forces as assumed to have divided loyalty
Not protective of our native culture compared to other countries
o Only Asian country where English is medium of instruction in all schools not a
problem but the language is not actively used to promote and sustain native culture
and identity
o We imitate Western cultures rather than develop native cultures do not support
local architect and imitate glamorous Western cities rather than develop native
aesthetics: Supreme Court, Esplanade, Raffles City all foreign designed

Singaporeans do feel a sense of belonging to the country in these ways:
Singapore tries to build national identity and to maintain multiracialism and meritocracy to
ensure social stability and racial harmony
Obsession with nation-building due to past racial segregation lessons
o Past British colonial Divide and rule policy which made Malays stay in Geylang,
Chinese in Chinatown, and Indians in Little India class division along racial lines and
different races allocated to different resources
Unique focus to increase home ownership
o Housing Development Board (HDB) early mission to provide economical yet high
quality housing for all Singaporeans regardless of race + racial quotas to coerce good
mixes of races to stay together
Stand towards national symbols
o National language, national anthem, and military commands all in Malay despite
majority Chinese population sign of respect that Malays were the original
indigenous race here

Singapore is essentially a hybrid of East and West and has a cosmopolitan and multicultural value
system food varieties, Singlish language, and mixed architectural languages.

However, we did not embrace Western concepts of equality ion all people, public spiritedness, and the
love for individuality we embraced its more tangible and practical values of meritocracy: no one
should favour any race, and everyone judged on individual capability and merit alone

Geopolitical
constraints
Definition conditions that may undermine or weaken countrys authority or legitimacy to effectively
rule and control state which can upset peace and stability within country

Water
Problem: lack of natural water supplies purchase water from neighbouring countries
including Malaysia, but the 2 water procurement agreements end in 2011 and 2061
respectively
Solution: Reverse osmosis and desalination of seawater via NEWater, 40% of all water in 2015

Land
Problem: Scarcity of land, with only 660km square of mainland insufficient for development
increasing population density + need for foreign influx to contribute to economy
Solution: Land reclamation increased land area to 690km square currently, but due to
international regulations on national boundaries and fear of intruding Malaysia boundaries,
there is a limit on how much seawater we can reclaim
o Thus shifted towards proper land planning and strict adherence relocation of
industries away from mainland to maximise utility of land offshore (Jurong island
houses heavy industries located offshore on reclaimed island)

People
Problem: Declining birth rates of 1.1 (standard 2.1) and aging population shrinking
workforce
Solution: Foreign workers influx (50% of population by 2050)

Location
Problem: Strategically located as ideal trade destination, but no longer an advantage to
Singapore now because our location is now becoming threat to national sovereignty
o Small country with no natural resources survival highly dependent on survival of
surrounding countries too need to forge strong and friendly relationships
need to consider interests of neighbouring countries when embarking on internal
economic development
Solution: ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries) set up in 1967 which include SG,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar aim
to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in matters of interests in PEST fields

Political
concerns
Issues with Malaysia
Sale of water
1961 and 1962 lapse till 2011 and 2061 Malaysia supplies raw water, and Singapore treats
some and sell them back
Disagreements over water issues raise tensions over decades
Land reclamation by Singapore
Malaysia thinks Singapore is getting closer to intruding its borders
Environmentalists concerned land reclamation will change tidal patterns, impact vulnerable
ecosystems, and affect livelihood of fishfarmers
Expansion of Pulau Tekong incurred Malaysias displeasure as they say this would make the
use of Malaysia Gudang Port more expensive because it will narrow approach route for ships
Disagreement over sovereignty of Pedra Branca
24 nautical miles to East of Singapore and commands entire eastern approach of Singapore
Strait
~30years of dispute over ownership years of bilateral talks failed to resolve matter and
both parties agreed to seek intervention of UN court
In 23 May 2008, International Court of Justice (ICT) awarded sovereignty to Singapore
But there are still disputes of who has control over the territorial waters near the islands

Human Rights
International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expressed concerns about
limitations on freedoms of expression makes 18 recommendations and urge government
to implement as a matter of priority especially democratic debate and media comment
restrictions
Freedom House ranks Singapore as Not Free in its Freedom in the World report
However, MM Lee Kuan Yew dismissed criticisms from human rights organisations and said
that they were trying to do us in. He also said that they have never run a country and do not
know what is needed in response to their assertions that we are not a liberal democracy

Paternalistic
government
Paternalism interference of state with another person, against their will, and defended or motivated
by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm

Paternalistic measures needed to bring Singapore out of backwater state
Massive overcrowding, lack of public services, high unemployment up to 14%, 1/3 population
living in squatters, GDP less than $4000, half population illiterate

However, issue of paternalism rises with respect to restrictions by law such as anti-drug legislation and
compulsory wearing of seatbelts overly paternalistic
Central Provident Fund (CPF)
o Started in 1995, all Singaporean workers need to save 25% of salary, and together
with their employers, they make monthly contributions to the CPF in these
accounts:
Ordinary account housing, insurance, education, investment
Special account investment in retirement-related financial products
Medisave account for hospitalisation and approved medical insurance;
in which Medifund helps the poor and needy to cover medical bills
o Claim money only after age 55
o Aims to provide workers with sense of security and confidence in old age
Anti-social behaviours not permitted
o Fine $250 littering, jaywalking, spitting, smoking (ban extended to all public areas)
percentage of smokers in population dropped from 23% to 10% (aim to be
smoke-free by 2015)
o Drug trafficking death
Compulsory National Service
o All able-bodied male Singaporeans and PRs to undertake NS for 2 years (can be
shortened by a few weeks on new SG bill) if failing to comply, will be charged in
court for up to 3 years imprisonment and fine up to $5000
o Reservist national service till the age of 40
o More than 350000 men serve as servicemen, and 72500 as full time NS men
Compulsory Education
o 2003, minimum P6 level, key objectives to give Singaporean children common core
of knowledge for strong foundation for future generation; and to prepare them for
a knowledge-based economy; and a common education experience to build
national identity and cohesion
o Fine of $5000 and imprisonment of 12months if fail to attend regularly to Pri school

However, positive implications of such paternalistic measures:
From slum to world-class city
Globally preferred place to live in and to do business with robust social, industrial, and
physical infrastructure; 3
rd
highest GDP per capita, 9
th
largest foreign reserves despite small
size, Singapore Armed Forces most technologically advanced and equipped in region

Nanny state If Singapore is a nanny state, then I am proud to have fostered one. Lee Kuan Yew
Nanny state when a government has strict controls over decisions made for the people

PAP practises socio-political engineering to dominate all aspects of personal life

Pros:
- Ensures security in country (vandalism
taken very strictly, Swiss Oliver Fricker
caned 3 times for vandalising public
transport)
- Lower crime rates lowest in the world
- Maintains economic stability - limit
consumption of imported goods through
higher prices (protectionism)
Cons:
- Lesser freedom restricts freedom of
speech; censorship laws very strict to cater
to governmental sustainability
- Led to cant be bothered attitude or a
sense of apathy in Singaporeans loss of
sense of belonging to country since more
people feel that they are not actively
involved in happenings of the country +
increasing emigration abroad


Political apathy Government and media to be blamed
Top-down government in a highly regulated environment many professionals feel that
their ideas and suggestions make little or no difference to policies
Media overemphasised the good and downplayed the bad, lulling people into fall sense of
security and well-being
Deeply entrenched perceptions of people
Exaggerated fear of long authoritarian rule people fear of making suggestions/comments
and leave everything to the government

Reducing political apathy:
Involving highly educated citizens to be more involved; incorporating more public areas into
policy or responding sensitively to peoples sentiments on various issues
o E.g: Politician Facebook profiles, Our Singaporean Conversation, etc

Authoritarian
state
Authoritarian state is one that: a single power generated/gained by a repressive system excluding
potential challengers; controls all aspects of country to maintain in power; use of propaganda and use
of strict media control; no freedom, liberty, and equality for people

PAP claims that Singapore is a Socialist Democracy
Pure democracy wont work in our Asian country, some aspects must be moderately
controlled
Fairly elected by people during General Elections and do not eliminate opposition parties
Advocates equality by Meritocracy give citizens equal opportunities by rewarding them
based on merit
Minority representation also exists to prevent majority tyranny

However, Singapore is seen as an authoritarian state by some
Stifles political opposition and public dissent restricts Workers Party and Singapore
Democratic Party
o Public Order Act (POA) amends the Public Entertainment and Meeting Act such that
everyone needs a permit to appear in public with a cause-related intent makes
it impossible for opposition parties to be known to spread their goals
o Workers Party refused permission to celebrate its 50
th
anniversary in 2007 with a
bicycle party in a public park
o PAP ruling since 1959, holding majority of the seats
No freedom of expression
o Illegal to badmouth and defame PAP offenders humiliated and dealt harshly
But growing internet communities spreading political unhappiness and
dissent but little the government can do to control and clamp down all
online communities

Secular
government
Secular government a government that strives to separate itself from any religious matters pertaining
to governing the state

Singapore as a secular society:
Majority subscribe to a religion, Buddhists and Taoists 51%, Christians and Muslims 15% each,
Hindus 4% multi-religious
Need to be extremely conscious that racial and religious fautlines could be exploited and
passions inflamed the need to avoid riots at all cost
Thus a need to treat all religions equally and no one religion is regarded by the state as
superior to another

The need to remain secular:
Multi-religious ensure secular common space where Singaporeans are comfortable
whatever their beliefs organisations that receive government funding must similarly ensure
no one is denied services due to his beliefs, thus no proselytization (act of convincing one into
another ideology) occurs without explicit content
Thus government keeps religion out of the public square which creates opportunities for
interaction and mutual understanding and accommodation
Being secular and neutral, the government can help to facilitate both interreligious dialogue
among those reluctant to do so
E.g: PAP reminds candidates not to mobilise members of their church or temple or mosque to
campaign for elections

National Day Rally 2009 and secularism
PM Lee: The public debate cannot be on whose religion is right and whose is wrong. It has to
be secular, rational considerations of public interest what makes sense for Singapore.
E.g: Debate over whether SG should build casinos govt made the final decision to build the
integrated resorts despite the representations of the anti-casino lobby which included the
Islamic Religious Council, Singapore Buddhist Federation, the Hindu Endowments Board and
the National Council of Churches

How government ensures secularism
Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (signed in 1990)
o MRHA enables Ministry for Home Affairs to restrain ill feelings between religious
groups which restrains religion and its usage to promote political causes and carry
out subversive acts
o Have not been invoked since 1990
Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles
o Set up at the grassroots level to provide platform for confidence building and
developing friendship and trust between communities, they include almost every
ethnic and religious leaders in the communities
o Aims to facilitate collaborations between religious/ethnic/community groups and
maintain social cohesion and instil solidarity in times of racial and religious tensions
National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony
o To strengthen inter-faith understanding and to strengthen networks of trust where
apex religious leaders come together to discuss issues impacting communal
relations

Nation-building
journalism
(Censorship of
presses)

Reporting of resources (with the authority of the government) that help construct the country.

SG government Other governments
Protected by the media Protected from the media
Blogs and articles censored with respect to
ethnicity and race dealt harshly
With exception of China and North Korea, other
eastern countries slightly more liberal, however,
some would definitely be censored

Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA)
All publications require government license, and ministers have right to grant and withdraw
press licenses if deem fit
Appointments and dismissal of shareholders and directors of newspaper companies subjected
to government approval Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH) and MediaCorp
Government may limit circulation of foreign publications that deem to be interfering with
domestic politics Far Eastern Economic Review banned in SG after an interview with
opposition politician Dr Chee Soon Juan is published in 2006
Ensures active presence of governmental control promotes self-censorship among
journalists

Films Act
Bans making, distribution, and exhibition of party political films fine $100000 and max
imprisonment of 2 years

Examples
Documentary Singapore Rebel by Martyn See on opposition leader Dr Chee Soon Juan
banned from 2005 Singapore International Film Festival
Singapore blogger mrbrowns article on the rising income gap and costs of living suspended
Only positive reports on the Integrated Resort were published
Singaporean couple in 2008 charged with sedition for distribution of The Little Bride and
Who Is Allah? in order to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between Christians and
Muslims

Rationale for tight control on journalism
Necessary to avoid upsetting of balance of Singapores delicate multi-racial society
o Minister of Foreign Affairs: Race, language, and religion will always be sensitive
issues in Singapore. A balance must always be struck between free expression and
preservation of racial and religious harmony.
Construct a national identity using the power of the state aims to unify people within the
state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run

Implications and drawbacks
Citizens live in delusions of the real situation in Singapore not involved in decision making
Threaten socio-political credibility in SG
o Reporters without Borders ranked Singapore 144 out of 173 for press freedom in
2008
o National Building journalism conflicts the aim of freedom of expression under
Human Rights, and UN official Githu Muigai criticised our free speech limits

Singapore journalism will only truly live up to Nation-building partner if we build a community and
balance scepticism with hope that everyone can contribute to our society we should allow views on
ethnicity, to identify potential issues of discomfort, and work together to find solutions

Focus on
Environmental
protection
Rationale
To manage demands of the growing city so as to ensure growth does not jeopardise environ
Adapt to growing resource constraints ensure sufficient supplies for future generations
Mitigate climate change

How and methods
Sustainable Development Blueprint 2030
o Pollution control approve proposed industrial development only if it complies with the
pollution control standards
o Water management NEWater to meet 50% and desalination 30% by 2060, and the
Deep Tunnel Sewerage System helps to recycle water as well
o Energy policies National Energy Efficiency Plan to promote awareness of energy saving
technologies and set standards for household appliances. Power supply mainly from
natural gas which is relatively less carbon-intensive
o Waste management National Recycling Programme which provides centralised
recycling bins and door-to-door collection of recyclables every fortnight
o Transport management encourage use of public transport by constant improvement;
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and Vehicle Quota System (VQS) employed to reduce car
usage
Green Wave
o Inculcate awareness and motivate students to gain sense of responsibility, and
appreciation of the environment

Effective
Education
system
Pros, and why is our education system effective?
Lacking in natural material resources, our government hopes to focus on human resources
Good teachers and effective school leaders are key players in the system teachers are
comprehensively selected and trained
Compulsory 10-year education policy
o Criminal offence for parents to fail to enrol children and ensure their regular
attendance
o To ensure everyone goes through basic education to be valuable in the market and get
a job though compulsory, some do not get to go through such education
Education heavily subsidised cost not a barrier at all
Policies drafted are sensitive to the global climate and demands
o English compulsory subject important language connecting the world
o Compulsory lessons to teach moral values students shaped positively in values
o Teach less learn more allows students to learn independently
o No examinations for P1 and 2 students help students adapt and orientate in system
o Compulsory Mother Tongue subject bilingualism for the rise of China and India

Cons of our education system
Exams orientated too much emphasis on academia students only know how to answer
questions but do not know how to apply to real world situations
Focus too much on textbooks and rigid system
o Memorising answers lack of understanding and significance of learning
o Lack of creative thinking skills
High stress level due to meritocracy and high competiveness
o Ranked 131 out of 178 in Happy Planet Index
o Suicide cases prominent in some students

Emphasis on
productivity of
workforce
Rationales
Reduce dependence on foreign workers
Core theme as government tries to enhance Singapores competitive edge
Help achieve higher wages help the poor and raise standard of living
Increase investment flows (foreign direct investment) and sustain economic growth
Increased competition in region from other economies like Hong Kong, India, and China

Policies involved
Government pledge $1.1 billion annually through tax benefits, grants, and training subsidies
to improve efficiency
Companies must pay higher levies to hire overseas workers

Clean but
sterile






Clean 1
st
in cleanest country in SEA
No littering (clean and green city)
o Strict laws against littering and many environmental campaigns
o 1968 LKY launched Keep Singapore Clean campaign, 1987 higher fines, 1992
Corrective Work Order (CWO) [offenders pick up trash or face $5000 fine]
o Illegal dumping heavy fine of $50000 or imprisonment up to 12 months
o Clean and Green Week (CGW) week-long campaign every November
o Singapore Green Plan 2012 takes on 3 challenges of Clean Air, Water, and Land
No air pollution
o Well-maintained roads and National Environment Agency (NEA) passed a law to make it
compulsory for all vehicles to be fitted with catalytic converters
Relatively crime-free and safe
o Tightly controlled, law-abiding, and highly security-conscious state
Comprehensive, highly-automated and efficient refuse collection system
o 70% wastes incinerated at 4 incineration plants fitted with flue gas cleaning devices ash
disposed of at a landfill on an off-shore island of 350hectares

Clean, green, and well-ordered society resulted in a sterile city that lacks vibrancy and deemed boring
Over the years, Singapores sterile image has been mocked even to the extent of describing
he government as a dictatorship that instils paranoia among people and denying personal
freedom
A Disneyland with the death penalty famously said by writer William Gibson

Family as
building block
of society


Perception of family among Singaporeans
Social Attitudes of Singaporeans 2005 Survey majority of 96% viewed family as close-knit and
were able to relate to and turn to family members for help

Why is it important in Singapore
Basic units of social life
o Major agents of sustainable development at all societal levels crucial for societys
success
o Strong families central to overall effort to improve social and economic development
creates sustainable communities and increase global prosperity
o Family is a bulwark of support against hard times for individuals
o Basic values and morality are formed an positive social values and interaction formed in
family overall advancements of our civilisation
Fullest reflection of the social environment in Singapore
o Our social policies have been based on the concept of family being core source of care and
support for the family members
o Hence, family stability means there is social stability
Families also the basic law-making body of the society
o Children encounter rules of conduct and our ideas of law greatly shaped by our family
life is seen through the law structure the family gives the child
o Parental authority: ones attitude and behaviours dependent on family background

Family Service Centres (FSCs) set up to help families through a range of social services and needs
~40 FSCs in Singapore, all aiming to promote and improve social well-being of individuals in
family

However, family will increasingly come under strain due to globalisation
Constant struggle and stress to balance work and life future of the family as a key supporting
pillar is now becoming less certain
Postponing marriages and child bearing (TFR 1.1)
Divorce rates increase from 3634 cases in 1990 to almost 7000 in 2005

Pragmatic
society


Refers to dealing with issues sensibly in the practical way rather than in the theoretical way

As a small nation with a lack of natural resources, Singapore is dependent on neighbouring countries in
order to maintain sustainable development need to be pragmatic society in order to survive

Examples
Compulsory citizen based military service (NS)
o Pragmatic approach towards building nations army force as there is an urgent
priority for Singapore to build up own defence capabilities
Job selection and scholarship opportunities based on meritocracy
o Selected based on qualifications rather than experiences
Rote learning quick memorisation needed to master foundational knowledge in education
Establishing relations with neighbouring countries
o ASEAN (build stronger bonds for easier negotiations) and FTAs (liberalise trade
where both parties can benefit) gain support from regional countries

However, Singapore trying to swerve away from pragmatism to cultivate creativity
Rote learning in education less emphasised now active learning and critical thinking more
emphasised now Teach less learn more and Thinking schools, learning nation as part of
the new ideals in terms of education

Result-oriented
ethos


Rationale
Addiction to economic expansion and growth of global trade clout reliance on highly literate,
vastly versatile, and results-oriented youth to sustain growth
Gain employment in competitive financial and high-end manufacturing sectors to fuel economic
growth youths pressured from young age to achieve top grades so as to enter top
universities where top employers source for top employees
Pride drawn from achieving exceptional grades

East vs West ideologies
In western part of the world
o Youth more freedom in more liberal and modern culture pressure is often only
on self-development rather than economic expansions
o Youths tend to have space to discover own talents and thus leading to personal self-
expression instead

In most Asian societies
o Advocate on the need to be result-oriented in achievements
o Implores youths to pride themselves over academic achievements

Soulless


High achievements recognised show nothing about the spirit and the life of Singaporeans soulless
Students excelling in education have no desire and ream of their own
Singaporeans feel a lack of attachment to Singapore and no sense of belonging spent most of
their life studying and aiming for lucrative careers

Examples of a soulless nation full of achievements
Singaporean youths are high exam achievers but apathetic and unaware of Singapore politics
o Straits Times survey shown most young Singaporeans dont know their ministers
No sense of identity and no attachment
o Emigration rate 1000 per year, with about 250000 Singaporeans living in foreign
countries most are graduates who want to test new and greener areas overseas
Too driven by material gain (materialistic)
o Rat race in education and search for employment
o Students more stressful especially due to emphasis on foreign talents and liberal
foreign workers policies (high level of competition in education and employment)
High level of stress
o Suicide rates increased from 8.76 per 100000 residents in 2008 to 9.35 in 2010
o Rise in suicides among youths from 10 to 19 of age reached peak in 2009
Kiasuism = Fear of losing out
o Refers to experiencing inconvenience, failure, and trouble due to execution of certain
action and also described as wanting the best for one self (do or die at the expense
of others)
o Competitive mindset becoming uncaring, self-centered, selfish, and apathetic
Lack of happiness and no zest in life
o 49 out of 143 in Happy Planet Index (second lowest in SEA)
o HPI is an innovative measure that shows ecological efficiency with which human well-
being is delivered around the world

Greying
population
Stats
Population above 65 is 8.3% in 2006, projected 20% by 2030
Sold age support ratio fell from 10.1 in 1999 to 8.3 in 2009

Reasons and causes
Young Singaporeans career minded and focus on careers rather than starting family
Effects of brain drain (40% university graduates work as expatriates in 2007)
Low birth and TFR + undergraduates and working women rising (TFR 1.1)
o Past Stop at 2 policy curb baby boom
o Failures of baby bonus policy entrenched societal values

Advantages Disadvantages
Silver lining for investors
o Hospitals and medical industries
benefit
o Life insurance and asset management
benefit
Benefits of an older workforce
o Wealth of experience and knowledge
o Consistent in work and better
leadership
o Less likely to job-hop due to stable
workforce
o Provide valuable advices and lessons
for the younger generation based on
their past rich experiences
Unable to achieve sustained economic growth
Sharp reduction in productivity and growth
o Slow 3.9% of GDP expansion between 2006
and 2030
o Youth labour participation declined in 2009
Hurt public finances
o Mandatory public pension plans inevitable
o $90000 in 2005 planned to increase ever
year by $4000 till $120000 in 2013
Outflow of potential investments
o FDIs go to countries with more youthful and
growing populations to sustain long-term
growth
Lower productivity of workforce

Policies to curb ageing population
o Increase birth via incentives like baby bonus and increase of paternity and maternity leaves
o Increase retirement age from 62 to 65 in 2010 and to 67 in 2013
o Increase productivity level by retraining by the Skills Programme for Upgrading + Resilience,
Continuing Education and Training (CET)

Affluent Abundance of money, property, and other material goods
o 3
rd
richest country in terms of GDP per capita, and has 9
th
largest foreign reserves despite its
small geographical size
o Median household income = $7870 in 2013

Elements contributing to our affluence
o Free trade, scientific and technological progress, improvements in digital communications
o Employability of citizens increase, resulting in individuals receiving income increase in
affluence

Importance of
community
cohesiveness
Critical to our long-term success other than building the social safety nets like health care is
maintaining our social cohesion and particularly looking after our racial and religious harmony. PM
Lee in National Day Speech 2009

Building of National Identity
Multi-racialism
o Secular government; meritocratic everyone has equal chances regardless background
o Everyone is seen as a valued member of the Singaporean society
Common practices
o National Education introduced in all aspects of school life and Racial Harmony Day as well
o NE teaches students about responsibility and commitment to family, community, and nation
o Inculcating loyalty and national pride towards Singapore
Bilingualism
o Since 1966, compulsory
o English as a language linking different ethnic groups, and Mother Tongue to impart moral
values and cultural traditions on each race strengthening sense of identity and rootedness
to the country

Safeguarding the interests of minority groups
Minority representation
o Gives minority groups a say in governance
o Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR) consists of members form minority racial and
religious groups ensure no racial or religious group is disadvantaged in a Law
o Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system at least one of the candidates running in
the team in elections is from the minority racial groups (Malay, Indian, or Eurasian)

Managing perceptions of different racial groups
In a multi-ethnic society like Singapore, understanding between racial groups is essential as lack
of it can unravel threads in our delicate social fabric
E.g: Singapore experienced race riots in 1964 resulting in 36 dead
Suspicion and unhappiness may lead to outbreaks of violence and disrupting societal peace, and
the irresponsible media reporting can also breed suspicion, distrust, and hostility
Individual freedom of speech vs protecting social fabric

Managing perceptions of different religious groups
E.g: Maria Hertogh riots in 1950
If religious issues not handled carefully, hostility and animosity could occur amongst people
Disregard or biasness towards particular religion can spark riots

Threats from external forces
Transnational terrorism can test social bonds in Singapore
E.g: 34 Jemmah Islamiyah (JI) members arrested under Internal Security Act for their
involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001 to 2002
These threats can divide the people when ill feelings are created by these external parties

Fast-paced
society
Why the need to be fast?
Limited natural resources, need to race ahead of time to gain competitive advantage over other
countries fast paced in order to move forward to seize business opportunities

Causes of fast-paced society
Kiasu attitude urge to be better than the rest in every way multitasking and increase working
speed in order to be constantly at the top
Improvement in transportation and communication allowed things to be done instantaneously
reduce friction of distances

Evidence
Singapore has the fastest walking speed in the world, a worldwide research in 2007 by British
psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman

Problems
High level of stress and anxiety level

Possible solutions
Reconnect with place, companions, wild animals, plants, cycles of human life, and our wild
bodies increase our soul and emotional attachment thus resisting our constant rushing

First world
country
Highly developed nation
0.944 out of 1 in UN HDI (23
rd
in the world)
High literacy rate of 96.3%
Low infant mortality rate of 2.2 per 1000 live births
Long life expectancy of 81.4 years
High GDP per capita 3
rd
in the world

Worlds 4
th
leading financial centre and cosmopolitan world city
One of the richest states in East Asia due to strategic port location
Singapore boasts a highly urbanised central so as to facilitate business transactions with stable
financial institutions like DBS and POSB bank

High standard of living in terms of healthcare coverage and basic education level
96.4% educated commented as world-leading by British ministers

Greater involvement in other aspects of life such as engagement in Art scene and Sports hub

Multiculturalism 74.2% Chinese, 13.2% Malay, and 9.2 Indians in 2013

Governments stance
Equal participation in all aspect of society for all races
English language as a neutral linking medium for all races
Singapore has succeeded in creating a remarkable tolerance of racial and religious differences

Policies, initiatives, and schemes
Speak Mandarin Campaign
Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) implemented to promote racial integration and harmony
Bilingualism in education system
All major religious festivals are public holidays
Each race has its own heritage site
o Chinese Chinatown, Malay Kampong Glam, Indian Little India, Others Holland Village
o Each cultural site has its own attraction to promote its cultures (E.g: Kampong Glam has the
Sultan Mosque that attracts others to learn more about Malay cultures)
Different types of food available everywhere in Singapore
o Food is an important factor promoting multiculturalism in Singapore
o Hawker centres where every dishes of food for every race can be found easily
o Increasing phenomenon whereby each race is selling other races traditional food instead

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Confucian
values
Meritocracy
Introduced by Confucius by introducing the Imperial examination system in China allowed
anyone who passed the examination to become a governmental officer
Similar to Singapore whereby everyone is given equal opportunities in excelling via examinations

Respect towards authority
Confucius emphasised personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships,
justice, and stability
Society will only be peaceful and stable if the order of the hierarchical relationships are maintained
and upheld one needs to pay respect the elders and do not question authorities
Citizens are expected to be obedient to the government political dissent and rallies outlawed
The problem with Singaporeans is that we do not think, analyse, or question admitted by PM Lee
himself we accept everything the government says and does without questioning if it is right all
the time Singaporeans become one-sided, unimaginative, and a partisan state propaganda

Filial piety
Confucius emphasised the respect for our elders
Singapore is promoting this in recent years (like advertisement videos, etc)
Focus on family values as building block of society