ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INCLUSIVENESS
While Singapore is often lauded for its economic success, its social achievements have been no less remarkable. Investment in education, public housing and healthcare have laid strong foundations for inclusive growth over the decades. With Singapore now among the most expensive cities in the world, sustaining inclusive growth requires new policies to strengthen social assurance and keep social mobility going.
In many advanced economies, unfettered globalisation has widened inequality over the years and provoked a reaction from the economically disenfranchised. As a result, right-wing populism is on the rise and countries are turning insular.
By stepping up social investment and support, Singapore can be a paradigm for inclusive growth and development, where economic gains are spread across society, with opportunities for all to move up in life.
Inclusivity amid diversity should become a hallmark of the Singapore identity. As a nation with immigrant roots that experienced communal riots in the 1960s, Singapore has always prioritised racial and religious harmony. Today, we need to extend the concept of inclusivity by making new immigrants and migrant workers feel welcome and part of our community, so that all can flourish under the Singapore tent.
At a time where the excesses of political partisanship are eroding social cohesion in many countries, Singapore has the opportunity to show the way in political discourse that is informed and respectful, and political competition that strengthens rather than divides society.
Singapore is already widely known and admired abroad, but its soft power can be significantly enhanced through stronger corporate brands, innovations, and personalities, along with a reputation for inclusivity.
Further progress in each of these areas will allow Singapore to exert greater influence as a nation that inspires people and societies around the world.
Terence Ho is Associate Professor in Practice at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He is the author of Governing Well: Reflections on Singapore and Beyond (2023).
