Chapter 2 (Ideas shaping Governance)

Question 1

Good leadership (Define and describe)

Answer 1

• Government representatives must be honest and capable
• They must also have the moral courage and integrity to do what is right, including making decisions that may not be popular with the people
• Leaders of good moral character and who are incorruptible will win the confidence and respect of the people

Question 2

Good leadership (Named example)

Answer 2

• Lee Kuan Yew was the first Prime Minister of Singapore, leading Singapore through a period of political unrest and instability in the 1950s and the 1960s
• When the merger with Malaysia failed, he took it upon himself and his government to rebuild Singapore, putting in place policies that improved our economy and housing for the people
• His capability allowed Singapore to prosper and her people to have better lives

Question 3

Anticipating change and staying relevant
(Define and Describe)

Answer 3

• When citizens needs and interests are adversely affected in the short term due to a decision based on more long term considerations, tensions may arise
• The government needs to manage these tensions and remain forward-looking
• They need to make decisions that will benefit the people of Singapore in the future

Question 4

Anticipating change and staying relevant
(Named example)

Answer 4

• The Integrated Resorts
• In April 2005, the government decided to build two IRs at Marina Bay and Sentosa
• In making this decision to build the IRs, the government tried to anticipate change and stay relevant, especially in seeking potential economic benefits, such as job opportunities and higher tourist spending
• The government was aware of the social consequences in terms of concerns about higher gambling rates and took measures to lessen the potential impact of problem gambling
• The National Council of Problem Gambling was set up to conduct public education and outreach on problem gambling prevention, as well as provide counselling services for problem gamblers and their family members

Question 5

Providing a stake for everyone
(Define and Describe)

Answer 5

• Fostering a sense of belonging through emotional ties and community participation
• Having a say in decision-making which can develop a greater sense of belonging in citizens
• More opportunities created to encourage Singaporeans to share their views about policies and decision-making

Question 6

Providing a stake for everyone
(Named Example)

Answer 6

• The Public Housing Scheme (PHS), which enable many Singaporeans to own their own homes, for example, through the provision of housing grants
• A couple who applies for public housing for the first time is eligible for the Special Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Grant and may qualify for the Additional CPF Housing Grant

Question 7

Practising Meritocracy (Define and Describe)

Answer 7

• A system that distributes opportunities to enable future successes
• People are rewarded according to the effort they put in rather than factors such as their race, religion or socio-economic background

Question 8

Practising Meritocracy (Named Example)

Answer 8

• Students who perform well in their studies and CCAs are rewarded in ways to help them excel further in their education
• The Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary schemes reward the top 10 percent and 25 percent of school students respectively