Issue 1 Citizenship and Governance

Citizenship – Citizen is a legally recognized member of the country, defined law, and shaped by
sense of belonging and participation in meaningful cause to complement the government
Economic impact – Financial impact that something has on a person or country
Social impact – impact on community and well-being of individuals and families

Chapter 1
Ways to obtain legal status
By descent, by country of birth, by marriage, by naturalization

Right of citizens
Article 10 – Slavery and forced labor prohibited – no person shall be made a slave
Article 15 – Freedom of religion, every person has the right to practice one’s religion
Article 16 – Rights in respect of education. No citizen in Singapore will be discriminated against
on the grounds of religion, race, descent or a place of birth when it comes to the administration of
any institution by a public or an authority

Responsibilities of citizens
Pay taxes, serve National Service

Benefits of having legal status / problems without a legal status (Egs)

- Hard to find job
- Cannot continue to study further
- No work / travel / healthcare
- Subsidized school fees
- Able to buy a house at HDB
- Not entitled to free childhood immunizations, childcare subsidies or subsidized rates at a
polyclinic
- Being able to stay in home country freely with various privileges and rights

Economic Impacts
- No proper income
- No subsidies for anything
- Unable to buy HDB

Social Impacts
- Hard to socialize with the people that has citizenship
- Bad standard of living
- Unable to carry out rights
- Back of queue compared to others in education
- Not as good living condition
- Less income
- Less safe
Sense of Identity
1. A sense of national identity comes from a shared belief that we belong to the same country
2. Besides common experiences, Singaporeans also share common practices Eg National
Anthem, National pledge

Examples for Shared Ideas

- Singapore is a food haven, searching and sharing good eating places -> common interest
- Singlish -> speaking language that only we can understand thus creates a unique sort of bond
- Common practices stated above to bond, foster national identity and thus shape citizenship

Significance on Country
- Creates desire to be involved in the affairs of the country and make it a better place to live (Mr
Benny Se Teo setting up Eighteen Chef F&B outlets to employ ex-convicts) -> boost
economy -> no more crime since have financial support
- No sense of identity -> no sense of belongings -> higher chances of desiring to leave country
to search for more opportunities (61% of employees in Singapore willing to emigrate for a job
in the country) -> affect revenue and earnings of the country

Participation in Public Affairs

Public Affairs – issues that are of general interest or concern to most people in the society
1. Citizens can contribute to good of society as individuals / organized groups -> greater
ownership and commitment (Singapore Conversation gives Singaporeans a voice in charting
future of the country) -> strengthens citizenship

Chapter 2
Good of society – common facilities or benefits provided to most or all citizens of country to fulfil
shared interests (education, infrastructure, housing)
How to decide what is good for society?
1. Resource (time, people, money)
2. Taking different views
3. Priorities / urgency

Challenges
1. Different groups have different interests, but limited resources (whether preserving the Bukit
Brown cemetery as a heritage site is necessary since government wants to build a road to ease
congestion) -> cannot satisfy everyone’s interests -> challenging
2. Differing priorities -> citizens disagreeing on what government should prioritize (Trace
Together app introduced to speed up contact tracing during COVID 19, but news also said it is
also used for criminal tracing) – personal privacy problem -> protests -> resistance causes
government to implement compulsory use of TT -> challenging
3. Unequal sharing of costs in another challenge (government wants to build studio apartments
for elderly in Toh Yi estate, residents signed petition as studio apartment causes them to -lose
recreational spaces) -> does not benefit everyone -> unequal cost -> challenging

How to manage conflicting demand?

1. Making trade-offs
2. Representative democracy
3. Ideas shaping governance

Making trade-offs
Making trade-offs -> exchange that an individual has to choose between two or more things that
cannot be obtained at the same time (Bukit Town Cemetery, TT, Toh Yi Example) -> limited land
for two uses -> government has to make trade-offs

Representative democracy
Representative democracy -> representatives of government are elected by the citizens -> process
of decision – making is facilitated by 3 organs of state -> make decision on behalf of citizens
when there are conflicting interests and demands -> manage government on managing conflict
demands
Legislative (rule-making) – consists of president and parliament (speaker of parliament, the
cabinet, members of the parliament) Eg. Little india riot in 2013 caused by liquor
consumption -> passed law to make drinking illegal from 1030pm to 7am
Executive (rule execution) – consists of the cabinet led by the PM and includes the DPMs and
ministers of the 16 ministries -> responsible for all government policies and day-to-day
administration of the affairs of the state -> ministries responsible of implementing and
formulating government policies such as on education, healthcare etc. Eg. Police take down
people drinking illegally
Judiciary (rule adjudication) – consists of the Supreme Court, the State Courts and the
Family Justice Courts -> independently administer justice Eg. Under the law, those drinking
illegally can be fined up to $1000 by the Court, repeat offender jailed up to 3 months
Ideas shaping governance
1. Having good leadership
2. Anticipating change and staying relevant
3. Providing a stake for everyone
4. Practicing meritocracy

Good Leadership (sub1)

Elaboration - Leaders must be able to have moral courage, integrity to do what is right, confident,
optimistic
Example - Government wants to build two more integrated resorts with casinos to enhance
country’s economic growth, but 19000 signatures on online petition worries about societal costs of
gambling like addictions and family problems
Build IRs not popular but government has good reputation as incorruptible and always put
interests of Singapore first -> people trust government and eventually realized that government
making decisions that are good for the country -> more willing to accept the decision

Anticipating change and staying relevant (sub2)

Elaboration - Modification and forward thinking by the government (pro-active) to prepare for the
future
Example - Same IR example, people worried about money laundering and loan sharks
Nation Council of Problem Gambling was set up to conduct public education on gambling
addiction and provide counselling services to problem gamblers + Singaporeans have to pay entry
fee of $150 to enter casino

Providing a stake for everyone (sub3)

Elaboration - Providing the citizens of Singapore a say in the decision-making so that they can
develop a greater sense of belonging
Example – residents wants to stay safe while walking on the foot path and want the government to
ban PMD (personal mobile device) but some people are using PMD as a livelihood such as food
delivery riders already owning a PMD -> banning PMD will severely impact their life ->
government provided a choice for people -> made subsides for the riders -> everyone was satisfied

Practicing Meritocracy
Elaboration - Provides opportunities based on achievements regardless of race and religion;
encourage hard workers (equal chance) ; Fair, Motivated - development of society with people of
higher capabilities
Eg. – Students performing well in their CCAs are eligible to apply for DSA (Direct School
Admission) -> increasing fairness by spreading opportunities to everyone
Chapter 3

How can we work for the good of the society?

- Role of the government
- Role of the citizens

Role of government
1. Maintaining internal order and external security
2. Enduring justice
3. Providing goods and services for the public
4. Safeguarding the interests of the citizens

Maintaining Internal Order

Reason – government is voted by citizens into power to look after citizen’s needs
Problem – Terrorist threats
Solution – counter terrorism exercise prepares security agencies to better deal with terrorism ->
protect Singapore’s interests + prepare citizens for emergency situations -> ensure future’s peace
and security (Ministry of Home Affairs)
Link to Good of the society
Social stability - protect citizens, property and social services -> ensure peace and security ->
citizens feel protected -> needs for social stabilities met -> no protest -> social stability
Econimic stability – ensured safety in Singapore -> encourage foreign investors and tourists ->
increased revenue -> economic stability
Political stability – measures done by government inspire greater faith among citizens (trust) ->
support the government and its policy and not trying to overthrow it -> strengthen government
control and power -> stable government and leadership -> economic stability

Maintaining External Security

Reason – duty of government to protect citizens as they are voted into power, citizens contributed
by paying taxes thus government has enough financial resources to maintain country’s external
security
Example – Joint Military Defense exercise between Military of Defense (MINDEF) with
Australia (Exercise Wallaby) -> exchange of expertise and specialized training between Singapore
and Australia military forces -> build up Singapore’s military capability -> well-trained defense
force to deter potential external threats
Example 2 (diplomacy) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage water agreement with Malaysia
(Malaysia want increase price) -> Singapore depend raw water on Malaysia but Johor depend
treated water on Singapore -> agreement achieved -> Singapore can continue to get water
Link to Good of the society
Political stability - military able to deter threats and ensure safety of the country -> citizens
support the government -> stable government and leadership -> political stability
Economic stability - deter potential attacks -> Singapore society function normally -> conducive
for business -> more attractive for foreign investors -> increase revenue -> economical growth and
economic stability

Ensuring Justice
Reason – duty of government to protect citizens as they are voted into power
Problem – cases of family violence -> Family Justice Court
Solution -> Established that the offender has committed sexual assault and severity of the abuse -
> meted out corresponding punishments and offender sentenced according to the law -> legally
ensured welfare and safety of victim by preventing offender to enter house of applicant
Link to Good of the society
Social stability – applying law that is equal to all -> enforces logical consequences for family
violence -> offender learn from punishment and will reform -> citizens deterred if break law ->
law-abiding behavior helps to preserve nuclear family unit (key means by which social orders are
achieved -> social stability
Political stability – everyone treated equally -> citizens have confidence on the legal system in
Singapore -> serve their well-being and their interest safeguarded -> support government ->
political stability

Providing Goods and services for the public

Reason – citizens have contributed by paying taxes and entrusted the responsibility to improve
their well-being in the government they voted for
Problem – Train service disruptions
Solution – working overnight to repair railway so it can work smoothly during peak hours the
next day + investing in new technologies to solve current problems -> improve efficiency ->
improve well-being of citizens
Link to Good of the society
Economic stability - society has basic infrastructures for business -> attract foreign investors to
Singapore -> create job opportunities -> increase in national income and revenue -> economic
stability
Social + Political stability - provision of public services -> social problems from lack of basic
services minimized -> citizens do not voice unhappiness -> social stability -> citizens obey and
support government -> political stability

Safeguarding Interests of Citizens

Reason – citizens have contributed by paying taxes and entrusted government’s responsibility to
look after them
Problem – noncompliance of employment regulation
Solution – Labor initiatives to safeguard worker’s rights -> addressed concerns that low-wage
workers may be taken advantage of -> create awareness of employment rights
Link to Good of the society
Economic stability – labor force assured workers on their employment rights -> satisfied with the
government that safeguards their interests -> workers work more productively -> -> increased
production rate -> more income and profit -> economic stability
Political stability - labor force assured workers on their employment rights -> satisfied with the
government that safeguards their interests -> support government and policies -> do not overthrow
or vote government out -> government power and position strengthened -> political stability

Role of Citizens
1. Contributing to the needs of the society
2. Influencing government decisions
3. Strengthening sense of belonging

Contributing to The Needs of the Society

Reason – citizens can ensure the good of the society by contributing to the needs of the society ->
improving and sustaining general well-being of the society + citizens must do it to complement
the government’s roles in addressing more specific and urgent needs of the society
How citizens do it?
Individual
- Volunteer their time, effort, and money towards meaningful socials causes
- Eg. Project Smile Masks – individual volunteer sews masks and also special “smile masks”
which have a plastic see-through portion in the mouth area to make it easier for people who
are deaf to lip-read the person wearing mask -> meeting need of masks by front line workers
and special individuals
Citizens-formed organized groups
- Formal groups – formally registered with government with clear objectives to cater to
specific groups of society + complement government in working for the good of society
- Such as NGOs (Non-governmental Organization), VWOs (Voluntary Welfare Organizations)
- Eg. MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) – offer special education
and employment opportunities to intellectual disabled -> cater to the needs of persons with
intellectual disability
- Informal groups – may not be registered with the government with specific and short-term
objective to solve issues and needs that arise suddenly which may not be met by current
measure
-
- Eg. Project Smile Masks – started by Ms Rosalind Tong in 2020 during the COVID-19
pandemic -> sew mask with volunteers for front-line workers and elderly, as well as the
special “smile masks”
Link to Good of the society
Social stability – fellow citizens provide immediate response to address needs of vulnerable
groups in society -> meet the needs of people desperately needing masks during the pandemic ->
lesser panic in the society during the outbreak -> social stability
Political + Social stability – volunteers + trained staff provide care -> intellectually disabled have
access to basic skills and knowledges to live independently -> families feel supported -> will not
protest against the government -> political + social stability

Influencing Government Decisions

Reason – giving feedback and suggestions at citizens in order to refine and influence policy ->
necessary changes and improvements can be made to proposals and plans for Singapore to benefit
everyone
How citizens do it?
Individual
- Eg. OSC (Our Singapore Conversation), nationwide conversation set up by PM Lee in 2012 -
> citizens participate in OSC to share changes they hope to see and aspirations for Singapore -
> view shape future plans for Singapore when the government is takes opinions into
consideration when crafting policies such as PSLE scoring system where T score is replaced
with a wider scoring band and implemented in 2021
Citizens-formed organized groups
- Formal groups – efforts of NGOs to refine government policies and point to areas which
require more attention
- Eg. TWC2 (Transient Workers Count Too) -> put forth recommendations (one day off per
work) for domestic helpers to rest, and campaigned for better working conditions for the
foreign construction workers
Link to Good of the society
Social + Political stability – government can make informed decisions as they understand the
needs of the citizens -> citizens feel they are heard and government cares about them -> will not
rise up against government -> social + political stability
Social stability – government able to make improvements catering to the specific needs of foreign
workers -> reduce likelihood of protest or unrest due to dissatisfaction working in Singapore ->
social stability

Strengthening Sense of Belonging

Reason – involving citizens in sharing and discussing of views related to Singapore, so as to
develop a stronger sense of belonging to Singapore -> citizens interested in Singapore’s national
and social issues -> less likely to migrate + views and suggestions help government to better craft
policies to meet concerns of the society
How citizens do it?
Individual
- Eg. OSC (Our Singapore Conversation), nationwide conversation set up by PM Lee in 2012 -
> people gather to share their views and ideas about matters in Singapore like the PSLE
scoring system can be less stressful for children -> feel they have a stake in decision making -
> sense of ownership -> stronger SOB
- Eg.2 Social Media account for government officials (Louis Ng) -> citizens expressed concerns
over COVID-19 vaccine on children -> ask feedback from public -> share thoughts and
opinions
Citizens-formed organized groups
Social stability – citizens have strong SOB -> take more active interest in Singapore’s national
and social issues in areas such as healthcare, education, transportation -> willing to raise their
concerns and suggestions -> government can make changes to meet concerns of Singaporeans ->
make better policies -> minimize social tensions as citizens’ needs are met -> social stability
Economic stability – citizens SOB to Singapore enhanced -> citizens more willing to work to
contribute to Singapore’s overall economy -> more productive -> boost business performance +
profits -> economic stability
Political stability -> citizens can reach out easily to political leaders through social media
engagement -> leaders respond to their suggestions and opinions -> feel valued + appreciated by
government -> support government -> political stability
.

Issue 2 Diversity
Social-economic society – mixture of ppl of different SES, income and wealth
Social-cultural society – mixture of ppl of different culture bg, religion, race

Having open immigration policy

Reasons for greater diversity in SG (immigration policy) – GIP (global investor program) allow
individual and family to apply for PR status if start business with min 2.5M in SG

(Shrinking population) – SGp migrate, impact: sandwiched population

How attract foreigners – stable economy and political environment, safe to invest

Provision of conducive socio-cultural environment

Education system – NTU NUS top 75 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings

Community support – Singapore Bangladeshi Society

Safe environment – MHA (Ministry of home affairs)

Economic opportunities
Investment opportunities – SG index of 2 making it one of the best counties to do business in,
Extensive double tax treaties, lesser tax

Employment opportunities – SG has base of pro companies with high salary (white collar),
attracting foreigners

Experiences living in diverse society

Common space – HDB void decks, National Service

Benefits
Developing unique SG culture – Chef Willin Low, unique SG food

Developing R&D (Research and development) – research collab between SG and Switzerland
discovered H1N1 vaccine

Challenges and management

Prejudice – preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

Misconceptions – a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking or

understanding

Prejudice eg – PRC renter don’t clean room

Solution (ensure sufficient resources for all) – job opportunities

(Ensure good standard of living) – Expand rail network by 2021 to tackle crowd

(Improving social mobility) – Education so ppl can go for high skill industries

How respond to diverse social-cultural society

Assimilation – Process which person acquire social and psychological characteristics of a majority
group in society

Eg for assi (Education) – French immigrant need learn French, ban religious items
(Employment) – communicate in same language as college, more harmonious

(Naturalization process) – attend full day of civic education about life in French before gaining
PR, need pass cultural test

Integration – Process which immigrants retain unique identities while forging common ground
with groups already living in the society

Eg for inte (Bilingual policy) – introduced in 1966 everyone take MTL

(Presidential Council of Minority Rights) – consists of members of minority groups

(Group representation constituency) – GRC ensures at least one candidate in a team contesting in
the general election is from minority races

(Ethnic integration policy) – gov put limit on ratio of proportion of a race group in block or estate

(Community support) – immigrants find out more about the local history and culture then blend in

(Common experience) – NS

*got 3 more no need memo

How tackle SES gap (healthcare)

Sweden (Gov-financed approach)
- High interference by gov
- Cost ceiling of 122 euro for all
- Heavy taxes to fund everything

USA (Market based approach)

- No interference by gov
- Cost varies and depends on market situation and competitiveness

Singapore (Shared responsibility)

- High interference by gov
- 3M, Medisave (force people save), Medishield (pay hospital fee), Medifund (low SES)
- But people need copay with gov
Issue 3 Globalization
Globalization – process through which ideas and activities of people in different parts of the world
become interconnected

Interconnections and interdependent relationships more intense and frequent than before

Improvement in transportation – largest commercial plane capacity 853 passengers, efficient

baggage handling

MNC – multinational cooperations – starbucks coffee source from 27 countries across the globe,
packed and delivered to 65 countries (outlets)
Advances in technology – smartphone + internet

Impacts on companies
Economical impacts on SMEs – Teafolia, SG 61 brands in 2020 to 47 brands in 2022

Economical impacts on MNCs – Starbucks more outlet more profit

Impacts on individuals
Individuals higher income – silicon valley for IT 154k to 210k working overseas from 2004 to
2014

Negative impacts on individuals – UNIQLO China to Vietnam for half cost

How SG tackle – WTS (workfare training support), old ppl low pay get free course

Impacts on countries
SG MNC benefit – 17.2B fixed asset investments in SG

SG MNC negative impact – COVID-19 81% 4300 job loss rip GDP, tourism 85.7% lesser tourists

Cultural impacts
Homogenization – Process of making cultural identity uniform or similar (change)

Hybridization – Process of combining aspects of different cultures to create fusion identity

Homo threat – English overshadow dialague (80% online communication in English, more useful)

How tackle – Bilingualism, learn MTL, Speak Mandarin campaign in 1979

Entertainment homo – Kpop, Hollywood

Entertainment Hybird – Hollywood infuse movie with other cultures, Kungfu panda

Tension – local stuff dies out, decreasing of exposure to local contents

How tackle – films at conjunctions during events (Bak Hwa), ban

How globalization lead to homo and hybird of food – Starbucks, Nasi Lemak burger (mac)

Food tension – Resistance from countries who do not welcome the change in their food landscape

How tackle – Seek UNESCO, hawker center, recognize intangible cultural heritage

Security impacts
Decline in cyber security – USA accuse China for mounting cyber attacks in 2013 collecting
personal information

Threat to commercial businesses – business lost US$360M to cyber criminals

How gov respond (Strengthen defenses)– 2018 5 year National cyber security masterplan

(Collab with other countries) – Asia-Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT)

(Collab with private companies) – IDA work closely with local companies, thus boost

(Individual vigilance) – computing stuff

Transnational terrorism (economical decline) – 911 incident 4 plane crash into various important
locations (2001), 40B cost

(Increased death tolls) – 80min kill 3000 people

(Social disharmony) – 911 negative light on Muslims, misunderstanding

How gov respond (preventive measures) – ICA develop special identification for dangerous stuff
at public places (border control)

(Responsive measures) – SG SCDF (Singapore Civil Defense Force) frequent exercises