Chpt 2- Ideas Shaping Governance

Question 1

Explain how Practicing Meritocracy is an important idea, which shaped how Singapore is governed.

Answer 1

Because
- people are rewarded according to the effort they put in and not according to race, religion or socio-economic background

• thus, meritocracy ensures that when one works hard, one would enjoy the opportunities and rewards based on their abilities and effort
• in turn, encouraging them to work harder

Example
- Singaporean students who perform well academically and in their CCAs, would be rewarded to help them excel further

• The Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary schemes reward the top 10 and 25% respectively, motivating students to work harder and perform better

Question 2

Explain how Providing A Stake For Everyone is an important idea, which shaped how Singapore is governed

Answer 2

Because
- having a say in decision making and home ownership can develop a greater sense of belonging to the country and support policies that are made

• citizens would feel that they have a stake in Singapore’s future an more willing to work towards the good of society

Example
- Public Housing Scheme(PHS) enables many Singaporeans to own their own homes through the provision of grants

• by owning the home, Singaporeans will be more willing to defend their country
• and more willing to ensure the progress of the nation as the value of their homes are directly tied to the economic development of the country
• Our Singapore Conversation(decision making)

Question 3

Explain how Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant is an important idea, which shaped how Singapore is governed,

Answer 3

Because
- it enables a country to stay relevant and overcome difficulties to remain competitive and have a viable economy

• government would not be caught unprepared when faced with long-term challenges for the benefit of the people(pearls centre)

Example
- the government’s decision to build the two integrated resorts in 2005 at Marina Bay and Sentosa was resulted from the government anticipating change and staying relevant

• In staying relevant and anticipating change, Singapore seek economic benefits such as higher job opportunities and tourist spending which can be found in the construction of the resorts
• however, social consequences would arise such as an increase gambling rates and gambling problem which Singapore anticipated
• thus, The National Council of Problem Gambling was set up to educate and prevent gambling addiction and help problematic gamblers
  (gain support from Singaporeans on their policies)
• this allow Singapore to overcome obstacles efficiently and develop their economy further, so that Singapore can remain competitive
• see pg 60

Question 4

Explain how having Good Leadership is an important idea, which shaped how Singapore is governed

Answer 4

Because
- honest and capable leaders are needed to maintain stability in the government and make right decisions for the country and not what is popular with the people

• thus, they will have the confidence and the respect of the people, allowing them to effectively implement policies with the support of the people

Examples
- Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister in Charge of Civil service

• removed the pension, very unpopular but very necessary
• to allow Singapore to grow economically and build infrastructure as the excess money would be able to be spent elsewhere, better for the society
• government gain support of people