Forward Singapore: Revisiting Our Social Compact

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Let’s broaden definitions of success to go beyond academic, material achievements: PM Wong​

In a video message on June 22, PM Lawrence Wong outlined his vision of the kind of society that he and his team of ministers hope to build – a Singapore where every Singaporean matters. PHOTO: ST FILE

Aqil Hamzah

Jun 23, 2024

SINGAPORE – There needs to be a broader definition of success in Singapore that goes beyond narrow metrics of academic and material achievements, and where everyone is valued for who they are, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In a six-minute video message on June 22, PM Wong outlined his vision of the kind of society that he and his team of ministers hope to build – a Singapore where every Singaporean matters.
That would mean moving away from past definitions of success, such as the much-vaunted 5Cs – cash, car, credit card, condominium and country club, he added.
He said: “Now, these were not bad things in and of themselves. Who doesn’t want a better life for themselves and their children? But we have also seen how such a narrow definition of success can lead to negative consequences.”
It has led to society becoming more frenetic – and competition more toxic – as Singaporeans seek to outdo one another, he added.
“We become more anxious and stressed, and worse, we pass this on to our children. This is not the society I want Singapore to become. It is certainly not the society that I hope our children will grow up in,” he said.
Instead, PM Wong said he wants to see a Singapore where every Singaporean matters, and where everyone is valued for who he or she is.

“One where we can all strive to be the best possible versions of ourselves. One where our success is defined by how we help each other to do well collectively.”
Success, PM Wong said, is not a zero-sum game. “We are all in this together, and we truly succeed only when we succeed together.”
To that end, the 4G team envisions a future in which success and what counts as achievements take a broader definition, he added.

Said PM Wong: “My team and I want to build a society that allows space for U-turns, side-steps, slowdowns, pauses, experimentations, and outliers. We want to broaden our concept of achievement.”
He last outlined in detail his approach to governance and his aspirations for Singapore in May, ahead of being sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister, where he touched on embracing different pathways to success and how the country is prepared to relook fundamental assumptions amid changes.
In his video message, PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said he received feedback from many young Singaporeans, who asked if the Singaporean view of success can be expanded into one where every individual’s skills and talents are taken into account, so that everyone can thrive.


Getting there, however, will not be easy, said PM Wong. He spoke about his own experience in wanting to leave the government sector because of the constant competition and comparison.
One way to achieve the goal would be to expand one’s perspectives, he added, citing healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic as an example.
For instance, doctors are often celebrated because it is a profession that people think is prestigious, he said.
“But there are many other unsung heroes – nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers – who put in their hearts and souls in supporting every patient’s recovery.
“To me, they are all successful role models we should look up to.”
Each path is different, said PM Wong, and there is no need to compare or judge. He said: “Success is about excelling at what we do today, persevering at it and doing it with pride instead of worrying about status or rewards.”
He himself did not go to top schools, he added, and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, making the most of his opportunities.
He said: “There is no need to squeeze ourselves into boxes we were never meant to fit into.”
Sometimes, despite putting in the effort, people may still not get what they want, whether it is a desired placing in a school or a top position in an organisation, which are all in limited supply.
“But do not despair. When a door closes, other doors will open.”

 

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Take metrics with ‘a pinch of salt’, S’pore’s education success goes beyond rankings: Chan Chun Sing​

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing (left) and former diplomat Bilahari Kausikan at the Middle East Institute's annual conference on June 25. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

Gabrielle Chan

Jun 25, 2024

SINGAPORE - Defining the success of an education system goes beyond looking at rankings, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on June 25.
Such success should instead be defined by individuals’ desire for continuous learning, and whether society can tap diverse strengths to build resilience, he added.
“Many rankings have ranked our education system very highly, and I’m very proud of our accomplishments,” Mr Chan said, but it is not just things that are measurable that are important.
He added that all metrics should be taken “with a pinch of salt”.
Mr Chan was responding to a question from former diplomat Bilahari Kausikan, who is the chairman of the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, on the Republic’s performance in a global test of creative thinking that was reported recently.
Singapore’s 15-year-olds had ranked first out of 64 education systems in the test, which was part of the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) 2022, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Mr Kausikan was moderating the closing session of the Middle East Institute’s annual conference with Mr Chan.

The definition of creativity looks different when applied to various contexts, Mr Chan said, and is but one dimension of achievements.
“Creativity is not just about waking up with the lightbulb coming on,” he said. “Creativity is a disciplined pursuit or disciplined inquiry into issues, problems, and trying to find new and innovative solutions that add value.”
It requires a deep understanding of the surrounding context – cultures, systems, fears and aspirations – along with the ability to create new value propositions, said Mr Chan.

He added that he is not fixated on how people define creativity – whether it is the creativity associated with art and breakthrough inventions, or creativity measured by the Pisa creative test, involving everyday problem-solving at home or work.
Instead, he is “more interested in whether our people have that gumption for disciplined pursuit of ways to overcome challenges”.
Creativity was one of multiple topics covered by Mr Chan and Mr Kausikan during their closing session, which came after three panel discussions on Gulf education systems and changes necessary to address challenges like unemployment. Held both in person at Orchard Hotel and online, the conference had about 170 attendees in its 10th edition. The first conference was held in 2015.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing taking a wefie with university students at the Middle East Institute’s annual conference on June 25. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Mr Chan also spoke about changing the public perception of vocational training, in response to a question by Mr Kausikan about how the preference towards academic studies that exists in many systems globally can be overcome.
It is not about the bias, but whether economic value can be derived from a new skill set obtained, said Mr Chan, adding that this is a practical concern that many individuals have.
“People resort to degrees, diplomas, as a signal of their ability and skills,” he said. “But today, many enlightened companies look at their employees not based on their credentials, but based on their skill sets.”
Close partnerships with companies are key to give people confidence that there is an end goal in obtaining a new skill set, he added.
Mr Chan also noted a need to change the mindset of Singaporeans regarding vocational training.

He gave the example of how the Institute of Technical Education had intentionally upgraded its campus into a well-furnished one with good facilities, to foster respect for its students and help them feel a sense of self-respect.
“There is no one single way to overcome this bias against vocational training,” he said. “But there are very practical things that we can do in terms of shaping the environment and culture of how people who go into vocational training are treated and respected.”
He also talked about maintaining a quality teaching force, using technology for personalised learning, and how Singapore’s education system had developed over the years.
Members of the audience asked Mr Chan questions about social mobility and inequality in Singapore, challenges faced by civil servants without scholarships, and the value of education in navigating diversity and conflict.
In response to a question about the Singapore education system’s impact on the country’s regional standing in South-east Asia and whether more could be done to help other Asean nations develop their education systems, Mr Chan said: “I am not in the school of thought that I think Singapore should go around and teach other people.”
He said: “Every society has their own needs and their own context. We don’t just pick and choose certain ideas.”
Singapore’s education system is also not perfect, and even with the rankings it has attained, Mr Chan said he will continue to push for students to be exposed to different perspectives in a global context.
“If every Singaporean student that goes overseas brings back one fresh perspective and new insight from where they have been, we will be much better,” he said.

 

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New Dream ​

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Commentary: Relocating for work is tough — but the gains are well worth the discomfort and hassle​

Nurjannah Suhaimi/TODAY
Overseas experience is attractive to employers, notes the writer, but being away from home has its trade-offs. How can we best weigh the gains and costs?



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More and more Singaporeans are seeking to broaden their prospects abroad, but being away from the comforts of home has its trade-offs, notes the writer. How can we best weigh the gains and costs for ourselves?

Dawn SooThe author with her husband, Finlay Wright, in Hong Kong in March 2023, shortly before they relocated to Dubai

By Dawn Soo
Published September 12, 2024
Updated September 12,

One wonders: Is it truly worth it to leave our little red dot and venture abroad?

According to a new study by Cigna Healthcare, globally mobile individuals experience higher stress levels (86 per cent compared to the global average of 80 per cent). However, they also report better mental well-being — 58 per cent of globally mobile respondents report “excellent” or “very good” levels of mental well-being, compared to the global average of 46 per cent.

This suggests that while international assignments can be challenging, the resilience and adaptability developed through these experiences can also contribute significantly to overall well-being, and by extension, fulfilment in one’s career and life.

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'Singaporeans need to level up': Companies say flexi-work could push them to hire overseas​

However, while overseas assignments can be immensely valuable for personal and professional development, we first have to be clear-headed about the benefits and priorities we are seeking before making that leap.
Having spent a significant chunk of my career based outside of Singapore, here’s my two cents on the matter.