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Building a society prioritizing collective well-being over individual ambition in Singapore presents notable hurdles, stemming not from material constraints but from deeply ingrained social norms and relational dynamics. This requires a fundamental shift in societal values, a process complicated by Singapore’s historical emphasis on individual meritocracy and economic competitiveness.
Singapore’s Socio-Economic Context
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Singapore’s rapid economic growth since independence in 1965 has been largely driven by a focus on individual achievement and national economic growth. This emphasis, while successful in raising living standards, has fostered a competitive environment where individual success is highly valued. The government actively promoted self-reliance and individual duty as core tenets of national progress.
According to Singapore Department of Statistics data from June 2023, the total population is 5.64 million, comprising 3.46 million citizens and 0.53 million permanent residents. This diverse population, while generally affluent, exhibits varying levels of social cohesion and trust.
Historical emphasis on Individualism
The concept of a “we first” society, prioritizing collective welfare, contrasts with Singapore’s historical emphasis on individual responsibility and meritocracy. This system, while effective in driving economic growth, can inadvertently foster a sense of competition and limit the development of strong social bonds based on mutual support.
The government’s early policies focused on providing basic needs – housing, education, healthcare – but largely operated on a principle of individual contribution and benefit. While community involvement was encouraged, it often took the form of state-led initiatives rather than organically developed social networks. For example, the Housing & Development Board (HDB), established in 1960, focused on providing affordable housing, but primarily as individual units rather than communal living arrangements.
A 2018 study by the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Policy Studies found that while Singaporeans generally express positive attitudes towards social responsibility, actual participation in volunteerism and community service remains relatively low compared to other developed nations.
Shifting singaporean society towards a “we first” mentality requires addressing several key challenges, including deeply ingrained cultural norms and a pragmatic focus on individual advancement. This involves fostering a greater sense of empathy, trust, and collective responsibility.
One significant obstacle is the prevalence of “kiasu” (fear of losing out) and “kiasi” (fear of death) mentalities, which drive intense competition in education and career advancement. These attitudes prioritize individual success and can hinder collaboration and mutual support.The SG Cares movement,launched by the Ministry of Culture,community and Youth (MCCY) in 2019,aims to promote volunteerism and social connectedness,but faces the challenge of overcoming these deeply rooted behaviors.
Moreover, Singapore’s relatively small size and dense population can contribute to social fragmentation and a lack of organic community spaces. While the government has invested in creating community hubs and parks, fostering genuine social interaction requires more than physical infrastructure.
Government Initiatives and Future Directions
The Singaporean government recognizes the importance of strengthening social cohesion and is implementing initiatives to promote a greater sense of community and collective responsibility. These efforts include promoting volunteerism,supporting social enterprises,and fostering intergenerational connections.
In 2023, the government announced the National Movement to Strengthen Social Fabric, a multi-year initiative aimed at fostering stronger social bonds and promoting a sense of belonging. This movement builds upon existing efforts like SG Cares and seeks to encourage greater civic participation and social innovation.
However, the success of these