Deciding What is Good For Society

Question 1

Give an example of how differing needs and interests is an issue for the good of society

Answer 1

• In 2020, to curb the spread of Covid-19, schools engaged in home-based learning, and has been continued to complement learning for students. While some feel that students now have the opportunity to be self-directed, there are people who are concerned if home environments are supportive for learning.
• The government needs to identify the needs and interests of society as a whole, and not just individuals, as they are responsible for the whole population. There could be less agreement on what is good because needs and interests pf people vary across the population.

Question 2

Give an example of how differing priorities is an issue for the good of society

Answer 2

• In the construction of the Cross-Island Line, the government had to balance the transport needs of the citizens, versus preserving the natural habitats in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Because of the lack of alternative routes and accessibility needs, the government eventually decided that transport should be prioritized, while looking for the best ways to minimise disruption to flora and fauna.
• The government faced push back from nature conservationists, who had different priorities, but had to make decisions that will optimally benefit the population. It is challenging as the trade-offs to the natural environment are still undesirable, and have to look for ways to manage it.

Question 3

Give an example of how Unequal sharing of costs is an issue for the good of society

Answer 3

• In 2020, the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Manpower announced that more dormitories will be built for foreign workers near some residential areas. There were mixed reactions from citizens, with some commenting on the crowds it will cause in the neighbourhood and public facilities.
• While the government recognizes that there is a need to house foreign workers comfortably, and that we do need a sizeable number of workers to help in our construction of buildings, residents near these sites may voice concerns they have. The government then needs to step in to manage the situation and tradeoffs such that people reap the most benefits from this decision

Question 4

Give an example of having good leadership in governance

Answer 4

• Mr Lim Kim San was the first chairman of HDB. He led the construction of low-cost public housing from 1960-1963 to tackle housing shortages. In slightly over 3 years, HDB constructed 26000 flats. He had also chaired HDB voluntarily without any salary till 1963.
• Mr Lim’s decisions had helped to build low-cost public housing to meet the citizens’ needs, giving of his time and expertise without expecting anything in return, in order to help citizens achieve a better standard of living.

Question 5

Give an example of anticipating change and staying relevant in governance

Answer 5

• PM Lee spoke about the impact of climate change on Singapore, and introduced a budge of $5 billion in 2020 for the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund to manage the risks of rising sea levels. This includes the construction of walls and stone embankments along our coastlines.
• With the protection measures, it ensures that the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels is minimized. This brings less threat to the safety of citizens, and allows us to go about daily living with minimal disruption.

Question 6

Give an example of ensuring a stake for everyone, opportunities for all

Answer 6

• Opportunities are created to encourage Singaporeans to share their views on policies and decision-making. The Singapore Together movement was launched in June 2019, where over 16000 Singaporeans from different backgrounds came together with government agencies to share how Singapore can emerge stronger from Covid-19. Some areas included digitalisation and technology, as well as social support for the less privileged in Singapore.
• This allows for the government to see the needs and perspectives of everyday citizens, and cater their policies to meet actual needs of citizens that have been mentioned. Citizens will thus feel like they played a part in shaping the policies and direction of the country, and will continue working with the government to give their best to develop the country and contribute to meeting needs.

Question 7

Give an example of practising meritocracy

Answer 7

• Students in government and specialized schools are offered awards based on their character, leadership, conduct and academic performance. For instance, the Edusave Good Progress Award is given to students within the top 10 per cent of their school’s level and course in terms of improvement, and have shown good conduct.
• This encourages individuals to work harder as they are recognised for their abilities and effort. As a result, the population will strive for excellence, knowing that their efforts will pay off, and will continue to be a contributing member, using their expertise to develop Singapore’s various sectors.