Chpt 2 Notes Sec 3

Notes for Social Studies

Chapter 2 - Governance

a) Which is the most important aspect of government in Singapore?

a. Legislature	If laws and policies are not properly debated and thought through, then the quality of government decisions will be reduced à quality of life of people will deteriorate.
b. Judiciary	Laws need to be enforced and fairly enforced. If this is not done well by the judges, then laws will not be followed and this can lead to the citizens not being willing to follow these laws and anarchy will occur.
c. Having an inclusive and consultative government	When the citizens feel consulted, they will accept the laws and also feel that they are part of the country à loyalty to the country will increase and the nation will be socially more bonded and cohesive. With feedback better laws are made.
Weighing	The most important aspect is that which cannot be left out, that would be the legislature as the people’s reps are debated this will affect the quality of the policies and government decisions.

b) Good governance àBetter life a nation’s people. 
The outcome of good governance à Better government decisions

a. Stability / Peace 
b. Economic Growth 
c. Citizens are treated fairly
d. Racial and religious harmony 
e. Efficient use of resources to create a better life for citizens

Principles of governance
Questions
Q1. There are 4 principles of good governance, which do you consider being the most important for Singapore’s survival?
Q2. There are 4 principles of good governance, which is the most important for Singapore? Explain you answer. 
Q3. Good leadership is the most important principle of governance? How far do you agree? Explain.

Factor	Explanation – why is this principle of governance important for Singapore’s success?	Link
Leadership is key a. Honest and incorruptible b. Capable c. Courage to do what is right not what is popular. d. Leaders are properly selected based on talent and good character.	1. Good leadership à Leaders are honest and capable à it will ensure correct policies and decisions are made à good for Singapore’s long-term survival and prosperity. Honest Leadership 2. If the leaders are corrupt à policies created will not benefit all Singaporeans but only the government official’s family and friends or those who offer them favours. 3. Thus citizens will benefit from decisions made by an honest government as it will put the interest of the nation and its people first à it will not focus on their own interestà resources will not be wasted and put to good use for people’s benefit. Capable Leadership 4. A capable government à makes wise/intelligent decision à meet the country’s needs better à better outcomes for the country à ensuring its long-term survival. Example to give à the Singapore government made Singapore more self-sufficient in water à Singapore’s water agreements with Malaysia were ending in 2011 and 2061. Hence, Singapore built more reservoirs – we now have 17 reservoirs and also researched into water purification + increased the number of Newater plants to meet Singapore’s long-term water needs à Such an approach requires planning = capable leadership. The will to unpopular but right decisions 5. Good leaders are prepared to make the correct decisions that benefit Singapore in the long-term even-though they are unpopular à Some popular decisions do not have the long-term interests of citizens in mind à Some good decisions are hard to accept at first by the people but are good for the nation’s long-term survival. Select and groom future leaders 6. Ensures leadership succession since leaders of ability are deliberately selected àeach generation will have enough capable leaders to lead Singapore in the future àSingapore is a small nation with a limited number of talented people à hence deliberate selection of leaders and grooming them is critical for Singapore’s success.	Hence this is why I say Leadership is key is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Anticipate Change and stay relevant a) Forward looking/ Future orientated	Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant à Predict what may happen in the world that can hurt Singapore à  Government can prepare different alternative solutions to possible problems that may arise à Singapore is well-prepared for all circumstancesà increase Singapore’s chances of success and survival.   Example à Singapore decided to build the 2 Integrated Resorts à give Singapore an edge over it neighbours in attracting tourists à help boost Singapore’s tourism sectorà The decision ensures Singapore stays ahead in regional tourism and our economy can continue to growth à Creates 10,000 jobs for Singapore + boost the businesses here + Taxation on IR’s profits helps increase government revenue needed to improve Singapore’s public facilities e.g. Hospitals, schools , parks etc.	Hence this is why I say Anticipate Change and stay relevant is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Reward for work and work for reward  a) Meritocracy	Work for reward and reward for hard work à government rewards those who do wellà meritocracy à encourage people to work harder and for talented people to stay in Singapore since they are rewarded à Larger talent pool in Singapore to contribute to Singapore’s Success. For example, Students in the top 25% of the cohort and given the Edusave award. These makes pupils to work hard and thus this will help propel Singapore forward as people will contribute their ability and talent to Singapore’s development and help Singapore do well.	Hence this is whyReward for work and work for reward/Meritocracy is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
A stake for everyone and opportunities for all - Feedback from citizens is valued.	Every citizen feel that their views are valued à This makes Singaporeans feel a part of Singapore à gives them a sense of ownership and belonging to Singapore àCitizens feel that their concerns are heard à This will boost Singapore’s social cohesion à Harmony. For example à REACH public feedback system à Singaporeans are given the chance to offer their feedback to the government. à  When people realize that their views are valued, they will feel more rooted to the nation since what they say does have an impact of the government’s decisions that will affect them and Singapore’s future. Also à With feedback from the people à government decisions will be better able to meet people’s needs and will be of better quality à People’s quality of life is improved.	Hence this is why A stake for everyone and opportunities for all is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.

Factor	Explanation – why is this principle of governance important for Singapore’s success?	Link
Leadership is key a. Honesty and incorruptibility b. Capability c. Courage to do what is right not what is popular. d. Leaders must be properly selected and groomed – based on talent and good character.	Leaders must do what is right rather than what is popular and they must be incorruptible. When Singapore leaders do this, it will ensure that the correct policies and decisions are made by government because they ensure Singapore’s long-term survival and prosperity. If they government is corrupt then the policies which they create will not benefit all Singaporeans but only the government official’s family and friends or those who offer them favours. Thus citizens will not benefit from decisions made by government as the government will not be putting the interest of the nation and its people first. Instead they will be focusing on their own interest instead. Hence this why having an honest government/doing what is right and not what is popular will help to ensure that Singapore succeeds.	Hence this is why I say Leadership is key is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Anticipate Change and stay relevant a) Forward looking	Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant means look for ways to better address future challenges and problems that may arise instead of just making plans to address current challenges. Being able to anticipate change and stay relevant is important for Singapore’s success and this ensures that decisions made by the government are forward looking and prepare Singapore for what are future challenges. Hence, Singapore will benefit if the government makes preparation for Singapore’s future needs so that Singaporeans will not suffer when the situation in the world changes. For instance, the Singapore government started manufacturing Newater using high technology processes called reverse Osmosis. This is needed because Singapore’s water agreements with Malaysia end in 2011 and 2061. Although the 2nd water agreement is still far off from expiring, the Singapore government prefers to plan ahead in anticipation that Malaysia may not be willing to renew the water agreement on terms that are acceptable. To prevent Singapore from being held hostage by our dependency on Malaysia for water, Singapore developed its own water sources by recovering pure water from waste water. This policy is forward looking and helps ensure that Singapore will always have water to use, thereby ensuring Singapore’s survival. Similarly, the Singapore government decided to build the 2 Integrated Resorts in order to give Singapore an edge over it neighbours in attracting tourists looking for a world-class Integrated Resort for business or pleasure. This would help attract tourists and thus boost Singapore’s tourism sector. The decision to build the Integrated Resorts is to ensure that Singapore stays ahead in regional tourism and can continue to attract tourists to Singapore. This will help create jobs for Singaporeans and boost the business of Singapore businesses. At the same time, the 2 Integrated Resorts created over 10,000 new jobs for Singaporeans. All these economic benefits are made possible because the Singapore government practices the principle of being forward looking.	Hence this is why I say Anticipate Change and stay relevant is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
Reward for work and work for reward a) Meritocracy	Work for reward and reward for work means that the government should reward those who do well. This is the principle of meritocracy. This will encourage people to work harder and for talented people to stay in Singapore since they are rewarded when they do well. This principle of governance ensures that people are rewarded not because of their background but because of their positive contributions. This ensures fairness in society and citizens know that hard work is rewarded. For example, Students in the top 25% of the cohort and given the Edusave award. These makes pupils to work hard and thus this will help propel Singapore forward as people will contribute their ability and talent to Singapore’s development and help Singapore move do well.	Hence this is why Reward for work and work for reward/Meritocracy is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.
A stake for everyone and opportunities for all	A stake for everyone and opportunities for all means that the government must make every citizen feel that their views are valued. In doing so, the people of Singapore will feel that they can contribute to Society and that their views matter. This makes Singaporeans feel a part of Singapore and it gives them a sense of ownership and belonging to Singapore. This will boost Singapore’s social cohesion. For example, in Singapore, we have a REACH public feedback system where Singaporeans are given the chance to offer their feedback to the government. Such feedback session involves people from different segments of Singapore society and thus all citizens know that opinions can help shape Singapore’s future. When people realize that their views are valued, they will feel more rooted to the nation since what they say does have an impact of the government’s decisions that will affect them and Singapore’s future.	Hence this is why A stake for everyone and opportunities for all is an important principle of governance that will ensure Singapore’s survival and success.

c. Management of resources: Management of traffic flow with regards to land.

Q: Which of the following approaches is the most effective way to manage traffic flow? Explain.

1)    Area Licensing Scheme

2)    Electronic Road Pricing

3)    Park and Ride

4)    Vehicle Quota Scheme

Factor	Explanation – Why each method is a good way to help ensure that Singapore’s roads do not end up congested	Link
Area licensing scheme	The Area Licensing Scheme à requires motorists to pay for a disc that must be stuck to their windscreen if they want to enter the CBD area. Deterred motorists from driving to the Central Business District(CBD) since they had to pay extra. By doing so, there were fewer cars on the road going in and out of the CBD and hence roads there would have been less congested à an effective way to control traffic in the CBD area.	Hence this is why the Area licensing scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Electronic Road Pricing	The Electronic Road Pricing scheme uses electronic gantries to charge motorists for using certain roads especially those going towards the city or coming from the city CBD area. This is an technologically advance approach to deter motorists from driving into the city area as they have to pay additional ERP charges. To avoid these charges à motorists will not drive into the CBD à road leading to CBD will be less congested.	Hence this is why the Electronic Road Pricing is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Park and Ride Scheme	The Park and Ride Scheme refers to the creation of car parking space near MRT stations just outside the CBD. The aim is to prevent people from driving into the CBD by offering them an alternative means of getting into the CDB area. Drivers can park their cars in any of the 7700 car parking lots at designated areas. Drivers can then hop onto buses that will bring them into the CBD area or take the MRT into the city. This reduces the number of cars entering the CBD and hence this reduces the congestion along the roads.	Hence this is why the Park and Ride Scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Vehicle Quota Scheme	The vehicle quota scheme(VQS) is an effective way to help improve traffic flow because: The VQS requires Singaporeans who want to own a car to have a COE (Certificate of Entitlement). The COE costs money and the person who wants to own a car must bid for it. This makes it more expensive to own a car and this deters Singaporeans from owning a car and this helps reduce the number of vehicle owners à a lower Singapore vehicle ownershipà fewer cars on the road à fewer jams à better traffic flow on roads.   Also, the VQS system reduces the car population by limiting the total number of cars allowed in Singapore à There is quota on the total number of certificates of entitlement for each month à Once reached, the Land Transport Authority(LTA) will stop issuing COEs àlimiting the number of new cars that can be being bought and added to Singapore’s roads à a direct way to control the car population and keep car numbers down by controlling the COE that is needed for vehicle purchase à The VQS allows a vehicle to be scrapped after 10 years à hence each month there are cars being removed from Singapore roads. By adding fewer COEs than cars scrapped, the car population will fall.	Hence this is why the Vehicle Quota Scheme is a useful way to manage Traffic flow in Singapore.
Weighing	In conclusion, the most effective way to manage traffic flow is the VQS method that can actually control the total car population. The VQS sets a limit to the total number of cars inSingapore by issuing COEs based on a quota. Thus, by being able to control the car population directly, the total number of vehicles on the road can be controlled à hence traffic flow is effectively managed. On the other hand, the other 3 methods of traffic management do not actually control the vehicle population in Singapore but only deter motorists from entering the CBD or offer them an alternative to driving into the CBD area. Hence, as a means of controlling traffic flow in areas outside of the CBD, the ALS, ERP and Park and Ride are not effective. The VQS has a nationwide impact in preventing traffic congestion by directly controlling the vehicle population but not the other approaches.

3. Ageing population

The best way to prepare Singaporeans for their old age is to encourage individual responsibility. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (Social Studies O Level 2007)

Solutions to managing an ageing population
The best way to manage an ageing population

Q1. The best way to prepare Singaporeans for their old age is
to encourage individual responsibility.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (Social Studies O Level 2007)

Q2. The best way for Singapore to manage an ageing/greying population is

to encourage individual responsibility.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer.

Well-managed (ageing pop) = When the needs of the elderly are met How do we know the needs of the elderly are met? =
(1) Healthcare must be accessible/affordable/ good quality
(2) Elderly have financial independence/ have money to spend to meet their daily needs
(3) Emotional needs/sense of feeling loved/ cared for/ sense of belonging to a family.

All factors must lead to the above.

	Explain factor
Stand	Stand and Explain Stand I agree with this statement to a large extent that the best way to prepare Singaporeans for their old age is to encourage individual responsibility But there are also other methods/solutions to manage an ageing population such as government, Family and community support.
Factor 1 (solution ) Encouraging individual responsibility	Explain given factor Individual Levels Health Encouraging individual responsibility is indeed a good way to prepare Singaporeans for old age because it will make every Singaporean take personal responsibility for their own health and save for old age. It is also within their control to exercise and eat in moderation. Singaporeans can also practice living a healthy lifestyle. By doing these things, Singaporeans are more independent as they are healthy and are less likely to suffer from lifestyle illnesses like diabetes. [ Also add – individual responsibility includes avoiding smoking and excessive drinking à these habit lead to many health problems in old age such as cancer and liver illnesses]  Personal financial planning Saving for old age à By encouraging individuals to save and invest wisely through financial planning àSingaporeans will be better prepared for old age as they have enough money to spend to meet their daily needs when old and retired à once retired source of income is gone à hence if money is saved and invested since young à enough money for old age needs à Better quality of life.  National level If more self-reliant in old age à each individual elderly person is financially stable and is in good health à the nation needs to spend less on healthcare needs for the elderly and does not need to financially support as many elderly people à less taxes are needed à government finances can be spend on other national needs like education and defence
Factor 2 (Solution) Government Support	Explain other factor 1  An another way to prepare Singaporeans for their old age is through government support for Singaporeans.(P) (P- How?) This is done through various measures. For example: + The government offers housing board grants to encourage Singaporeans to live near their parents àencourage the family to be kept intact even though they may not live in the same home as the elderly family members à elderly will still have regular interaction with their family and feel loved and part of the family. + Also giving tax relief to encourage Singaporeans to look after their parents and grandparents or when Singaporeans top up their parents and grandparents CPF accounts + Such schemes help to encourage Singaporeans to take responsibility for the elderly in their families and thus ensure that old Singaporeans are cared for because they will have additional money in their CPF for their needs in old age. + Maintenance of Parents Bill à enforces family responsibility in caring for aged parents by holding children responsible through the Tribunal (court) for the Maintenance of parents à parents can seek the help of the law courts to force their children who can support their aged parents to do so à By doing so, the government helps to ensure that no aged person in Singapore is left without the financial support from the family à the elderly will be financially able to meet their daily needs. + CPF(Central Provident Fund) scheme  à forced/compulsory personal savings and employer contribution to one’s retirement à This scheme forces individual’s to save a portion of their own salary every month into their CPF account à Singaporeans will have enough money for their old age à Prevent Singaporeans from spending all their monthly income away à leaving them penniless in old age à plus with the high compound interest in CPF, the Singaporeans will have a larger sum of money for their retirement needs à  money is gradually accumulated with high interest and can be withdrawn only at age 55 and 62 years. à every Singaporean will be financially independent à Singaporeans are prepare for old age. ·                     CPF has 3 accounts ( 20% of your monthly salary + 13% employers’ contribution ) e.g. $2000 monthly salary à $660 monthly contribution to CPF. - Ordinary Account = 2.5% p.a ( Retirement needs + Housing + Childrens’ education) - Special Account = 4% p.a ( Retirement ) - Medisave Account = 4% p.a ( Healthcare needs e.g. Pay your Medishield premiums)
Factor 3 (Solution) Community Support	Explain other factors 2  Community support is another way à Voluntary welfare organizations (VWOs) = charitable organisationsà VWOs provide affordable healthcare services à even the poorest elderly Singaporeans can have good quality healthcare to meet their medical needs à No elderly person will be left without medical care. For example:   + Ren Ci Hospital + Home Nursing Foundation + NKF These VWOs offer medical and social services à older Singaporeans who cannot afford private health care can still have their medical needs met à thus older Singaporeans are better prepared in old age. Similarly, the Community Clubs (CCs) and Residents Committees(RCs) à senior citizen corners offer the aged social activities to keep them mentally active and physically fit à helps older Singaporeans have a better quality of life à not feel lonely and not suffer from depression à better mental health is experience à lower medical bills à Hence, community support is useful in helping Singaporeans prepare for old age.
Factor 4 (solution) Family Support Families are the cornerstone of society à The family can provide support for a family’s financial, medical and emotional needs àElderly will age gracefully.	Explain other factors 2  A final way to help Singaporeans prepare for old age is by family support à love and emotional and financial support can be provided to the elderly. + Love and emotional support by the family à Strong closely-knit families à the elderly will be taken care of and loved and treasured à Elderly will not feel lonely à better mental health à greater life satisfaction àbetter quality of life à live longer and healthier lives à hence ageing population is well-managed. + Family support is encouraged by having national campaigns like the Grandparents Day where youngsters are reminded to respect the elderly in their families à more families will respect and care for their older family members à the elderly will be better prepared for their old age as there are family members who are willing to care for them financially and emotionally. Hence, family support is useful in helping Singaporeans prepare for old age. + Family support through provision of financial support à Family members ensure that they provide money to their elderly family members à enough money to meet their daily needs à good quality of life and standard of living à hence ageing population’s needs are met.
Weighing	Conclusion In conclusion, the best way is the most sustainable and least financially costly method. + The government and community support can help prepare Singaporeans in their old age but may not be sustainable approachesà resources of the community and government are finite à Overdependence on the government may cause tax to be raised à there are limited public resources. Community support depends on public and private donations in support of VWOs and grassroots organizations which are also finite. + Family support may only be present if the family is close-knit and when the person is married. Hence, these 2 methods are not sustainable over the long-term. But individual responsibility is the best approach as everyone - married or single can look after their own health and start saving from young and it is the most sustainable approach of all as it does not depend on external factors such as the government or the community.

4. Population Policy

Q1. The key to sustainable population growth is by attracting foreign talent to Singapore. How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

Q2. The following are methods used by the government to increase Singapore’s population.

a) Financial aid to families - Baby Bonus Scheme
b) Pro-family measures
c) Foreign talent scheme
d) Use of Medisave for child-delivery related expenses

Which do you think is the most likely to help Singapore achieve sustainable population growth? Explain your answer.

Factor	Explain why this approach is effective/ineffective in increasing Singapore’s population
1. Graduate mother’s scheme	Ineffective: Graduate mothers were give incentives when they had children while non-graduate mothers were not given such incentives à The scheme assumed that graduates would produce more intelligent children and was meant to encourage more gradates to have children à However, this concept was not well-received by non-graduate Singaporeans and was viewed as elitists and discriminatory as non-graduates did not enjoy the same incentives as the graduate mothers when they had children à Hence, the scheme was scrapped after just 1 year. Thus the graduate mother’s scheme was not at all a success since it was not even given enough time for its effectiveness to be effected.
2. “Three or more if you can afford it” campaign	Ineffective: An advertising campaign meant to encourage Singaporeans to have more children. The have 3 or more if you can afford it campaign was merely a TV, print and radio advertisement series which did not address the root cause of why Singaporeans were not having children which was because of the lack of family time and the high financial costs. Hence, this approach did not work and was ineffective as it merely tried to encourage by showing the positive side of being a parent via advertisements. Although the parents were also given Medisave subsidies that were meant to defray the out of pocket expenses of Singaporeans when they gave birth, it was not attractive enough to boost the population. This was because there were limits to the amount of Medisave that could be use for this purpose.
3. Use of Medisave to pay for the a) delivery charges, b) pre-delivery charges and for c) assisted conception procedures	Effective The use of Medisave gave Singaporeans more financial options when it came to cover the cost of child-birth. This approach helps to make it more affordable for parents to have children It could be that some Singaporeans avoid having children because of the high expenses linked with child-birth. Medisave is part of a person’s CPF savings and can only be used for medical expenses. Hence by having such medical expenses for child-bearing covered by Medisave, the parents would not have to come out with their own cash for child-bearing cost à with lesser direct financial cost in having children, parents may feel willing to have more children since they can afford to Example: For example Medisave can be used include the delivery charges, pre-delivery charges and assisted conception procedures. This may make it more attractive for parents to have children since it is less of a financial burden now with the use of Medisave for these child-bearing procedures. Medisave can only be used for medical needs and thus being able to use it for child delivery expenses is of great financial help to parents. Although it is their own money, it is better to use this than use cash which can be used for other purposes.
4. Baby Bonus Scheme – Please refer to Baby Bonus Scheme handout for details	Effective Explanation: The baby bonus scheme which was enhanced in 2004 provided cash handouts from the government for the 1st to the 4th child totaling $18,000 and dollar for dollar financing into the child’s CDA(Child development) account up to $30,000. This scheme is extremely helpful for all families as it helps families to cope with the cost of raising a child. Besides the cash handouts, the CDA accounts can also be used to pay for school fees and medical care for the child. Hence, this helps to reduce the financial burden of raising a child. Hence with less financial burden to raise a child, Singaporean parents might want to have more children. Explain the example: For example, a parent that contributes $12,000 into the 3rd child’s CDA will get another $12,000 deposited there by the government. This additional money in the CDA can be used to offset the cost of tertiary education which can be very high. Hence, this will assure parents that there will be some financial help for the children’s needs and thus this may encourage them to have more children
5. Pro-family measures [In support of Family measures] a. 5 day work week for civil service	Effective Explanation: The 5-day work week may mean more time for the children as it means a complete weekend available to attend to family matters and this might make Singaporeans feel that they will have time to spend with their children if they have more children as they now have a free Saturday morning to spend with the family. This extra time available will give parents more time per child and allow for better child-parent relationship to be developed and this would encourage parents to have more children. This may encourage more parents to have more children.
b. Income tax relief of $3000 if a grandparent is helping a couple take care of their child.	Effective Explanation: The parents would be able to pay less in income tax because of the tax relief of $3000 if they stay with their grandparent. With grandparents living with them, parents may feel that they do not mind having more children as there are people whom they trust on hand to take care of their children. Hence, with more hands helping out, more parents will be encouraged to have children.
c. Extended maternity leave – from 2 months to 3 months.	Effective Explanation: Extended maternity leave would encourage child-bearing because mothers will feel they will have enough time for their children immediately after child-birth and during the crucial first few months. The mothers will also have enough time to recover from giving birth. This will cause parents to want to have more children and hence they will be able to increase Singapore’s population.
d. Equalized medical benefit such that both mothers and fathers could make medical claims for their children their from their employers	Effective Explanation: Equalized medical benefit mean both parents can use their employer’s insurance coverage to pay for their children’s medical bills.[ In the past, only the father could do this] This would help reduce the financial burden of medical bills for bringing up their children since both parents can use the medical insurance of their employers for their children’s medical bills. Hence, this would motivate parents to have more children since the cost of bringing up children is more manageable now.
6. Foreign talent scheme Population growth by encouraging immigration.	Effective Explanation: The foreign talent policy = Liberalized immigration policy à makes its easier for foreigners to work and live in Singapore à aims at increasing the population by having more foreigners work and live in Singapore by offering foreigners subsidized housing and attractive education package for their children. This method helps to increase the population immediately especially if these foreigners who are attracted to work here find the environment suitable to stay for the long-term and choose to become citizens. Some may even marry Singaporeans and have a family here and thus this will help increase the population of Singapore. However, the permanent success of this approach depends on how well the new immigrants who become Singaporeans integrate with other Singaporeans. Otherwise, they may feel left out or unable to gel with the rest of society and may well give up their citizenship and return to their place of birth.

3. Declining population

Consequences = Impact of a declining population on Singapore
Key questions:
Q1. “Being unable to attract and retain MNCs/TNCs [Given Factor] is the most serious consequence a declining population.” How far do you agree? Explain.

Q2. “Declining population [GF1] is a more serious consequence than a weak defence
force.”  How far do you agree? Explain.

Q3. The following are consequences of a declining population for Singapore:
- Weak defence force
- Being unable to attract and retain MNCs/TNCs
- Ageing population
Which of the following is the most serious? Explain your answer.

Stand	I agree to a large/small extent.
Being unable to attract and retain MNCs/TNCs [P]	Insufficient young workers as population gets smaller à foreign companies/TNCs will not have enough manpower to hire à TNCs will not want to set up operations in Singapore + existing TNCs may leave Singapore à fewer jobs à unemployment in Singapore rises àrecession à standard of living falls [EE]à hence being unable to attract and retain MNCs/TNCs serious.[Link] If unable to attract or retain TNCs à local SMEs which depend on TNCs for business will close down à further unemployment à economic slowdown [EE]à standard of living falls à hence reduction in economic competiveness serious[Link]
Weaker security force[P]	Fewer young people available to serve in armed forces à this causes a smaller and weaker defence force à less deterrent à enemies will invade Singapore à lose our independence à citizens will become subjects to the invader [EE] à hence having a smaller security force[P] is a serious consequence. [Link]
Ageing population	More elderly à more people need medical attention à higher percentage of ill people in the country à more resources are needed for the elderly in Healthcare and Social Services à more money channeled to these services à less funds available for other needs e.g. infrastructure, education, housing and defence àless resources in HC and SS for citizens in other age groups à medical and SS services will not be meeting the needs of the other segments of the population à hence serious. Fewer taxes collected since there are fewer working adults  less money for national needs  e.g. education, infrastructure  standard of living and quality of life falls.  At the family level à fewer young people per family supporting more elderly family members[ medical cost could be high for the family since elderly fall ill more often] àfinancial strain on the working adults à family will also have other needs à insufficient money in the family.
Weighing	Criteria  Being unable to attract and retain TNCs is the most serious consequence of a declining population à leads to economically weaker country à unemployment in Singapore will rise and unable to collect enough tax à government and citizens will not have the money to care for an ageing population or meet our defence needs. With a smaller population, technology can help keep our defence force strong even with fewer soldiers and even with an ageing population, enough public funds can ensure that the ageing population can be cared for provided we have strong economic growth.

3. Ageing population

Consequences = Impact of an ageing population on Singapore
Key question:
Q1. “Reduction in economic competiveness [Given Factor] is the most serious outcome/impact /consequence of greying population.” How far do you agree? Explain.

Q2. “Straining on working population [GF1] is a more serious consequence than the strain on healthcare and social services service [GF2] for the elderly.”  How far do you agree? Explain.

Q3. The following are consequences of an ageing population for Singapore: Smaller security force
Strain on healthcare and social services service

Reduction in economic competiveness
Which of the following is the most serious? Explain your answer.

Stand	I agree to a large/small extent.
Reduction in economic competiveness [P]	Insufficient young workers as population gets older/more people retire à local and foreign companies will not have enough manpower to hire à Foreign companies like the TNCs and local companies may leave Singapore  Cause unemployment in Singapore à recession à standard of living falls [EE]à hence reduction in economic competiveness is serious.[Link] If TNCs leave à local SMEs which depend on TNCs for business will close down à further unemployment à economic slowdown [EE]à standard of living falls à hence reduction in economic competiveness serious[Link]
Smaller security force[P]	Less young people able to serve in armed forces à older people are less physically fit to serve in the military à smaller defence force means less deterrence à enemies will NOT think twice to invade Singapore à lose our independence à will become subjects to the invader [EE] à hence having a smaller security force[P] is a serious consequence. [Link]
Strain on healthcare and social services service	More elderly à more people need medical attentionà higher percentage of ill people in the country à more resources are needed for the elderly in HC and SS à more money channeled to these services à less funds available for other needs e.g. infrastructure, education, housing and defence à less resources in HC and SS for citizens in other age groups à medical and SS services will not be meeting the needs of the other segments of the population à hence serious.
Straining on working population	Strain on working pop: At the family level à fewer young people per family supporting more elderly family members[ medical cost could be high for the family since elderly fall ill more often] financial strain on the working adults à family will also have other needs à insufficient money in the family. At national level à working people pay tax à tax needed to fund public expenditure à if pop is ageing à fewer working adults fewer tax-payers  less tax collected  nation unable to fund its public projects e.g. recreational facilities , infrastructure , schools, hospitals  standard of living drops  quality of life drops  hence serious.
Weighing	Reduction in economic competitiveness is the most serious consequence  being economically competitive allows for full employment in Singapore + higher amount of income & corporate tax collected  govt and citizens will have the money to care for our elderly and meet other national needs including defence, healthcare and social services. There will also be less strain on the working population since amount tax collected is up.

Chapter 3

1. Singapore Healthcare

Key Issue in Singapore healthcare: What are the best ways to manage Singapore’s Healthcare System and to keep it affordable and of high quality?

Key question
1. There are 3 ways to ensure that Singapore healthcare remains affordable and of high quality
a) Encouraging self-reliance 
b) Government support
c) Community Support
Explain how each approach ensures that healthcare remains affordable and of high quality and which is the best way.

2. The most effective/best way to manage the Singapore healthcare system is through government support. How far would you agree? Explain.

3. “Being self-reliant is the best way to keep healthcare in Singapore affordable.” How far do you agree? Explain.

Factor	Explain factor
Factor 1 Self-reliance/individual responsibility	One of the best ways to do so is through individuals being solely responsible meaning being self-reliant. Self-reliance is about being able to look after oneself by being able to pay one's healthcare bills. [How is this done?] This is done by saving enough money to meet cost of medical treatment through CPF Medisave. If enough money is saved, the person will always be able to afford medical care and meet his healthcare needs. [What is CPF Medisave?] For example, CPF Medisave is a compulsory savings program where 6% of a person's monthly salary is automatically saved in a CPF account which can be used to pay for medical bills only and thus the money will accumulate steadily at 4% interest to become a sizeable sum. Hence, employed Singaporeans will always have the money to pay for their medical needs and this ensures that healthcare always remains affordable for most Singaporeans. Another way in which the individual can help himself in meeting his healthcare needs is through Medishield. Medishield is a long-term medical insurance policy that will help pay for the large medical bills of Singaporeans. This is relying on ourselves because Medishield needs to be bought using one’s own cash and Medisave. With Medishield, a large part of the bill will be covered by the insurance and so it becomes more affordable for people to pay for their medical bills.
Factor 2 Government support	Government support is another way of keeping healthcare affordable for Singaporeans. Government support refers to the government policies that help make healthcare cost lower for Singaporeans. This is done when the government pays for part or a patient’s entire hospital bill. If the government pays for most of the bill, then Singaporeans would find it affordable since they pay less on their own/out of their own pockets. For instance, government subsidies to help Singaporeans pay for part of their hospital bill. A person staying in a C Class ward at a government or restructured hospital will pay only 20% of the bill as the government pays for the other 80%. Hence, Singaporeans pay less for their medical bills because of government support and so this makes Singaporeans' healthcare more affordable. The government also helps by restructuring hospitals to make them more efficient and hence this lowers the cost of medical bills since fewer resources are needed to offer good quality. Thus, the medical bills will be lower for Singaporeans and so healthcare becomes more affordable. The government also offers help in terms of Medifund which is a $200 million fund where the interest is used to help poor Singaporeans who have neither.  Medifund, the government also
Factor 3 Community support	Finally, yet another way to help keep healthcare affordable for Singaporeans is through Community support. Community support refers to medical services such as medical support services provided by voluntary welfare organisations. These voluntary welfare organisation receive government grants [money] and also collect public donations to provide medical services at a cheaper rate, making it more affordable since a smaller fee is charged. For example, the National Kidney Foundation(NKF) and the Ren Ci community hospital provide medical services like kidney dialysis and hospitalization for the aged sick at low cost. By charging less, more Singaporeans can afford such medical services and hence this is how community support makes healthcare more affordable for Singaporeans.
Weighing	In conclusion, Individuals are not solely responsible in keeping healthcare cost in Singapore affordable as the community and government play a key role in this as well since government and community support reduces the overall cost of healthcare to individuals. The individual may not have enough funds to look after oneself because he may be unemployed or has a long-term illness for which he has no savings due to the absence of employment. In such cases, government support like Medifund plays a major role in assisting these people pay for their Medical needs.  However, the individual still plays a significant and very important role because in the longer-term relying on oneself is critical in ensuring that people will always be able to afford healthcare. This is because government and community support are less sustainable approaches to keeping healthcare affordable in the longer-term. The amount of government support is dependent on its ability to increase taxes, however, this is not always possible since continuous tax increments will affect the citizens' incentive to work and live in Singapore. Similarly, it is not sustainable for Singaporeans to depend on the community since cheaper community medical services are dependent on government grants and public donations. Should the government be less able to provide large grants and of the public becomes less generous in donating, community support would not be sustainable in the long-term. Hence, the individual still plays a very important role in helping to keep healthcare affordable although it must be complemented by government and community support.

2. British healthcare

Q: The following are three approaches/methods used by the British Government to try to successfully manage the National Healthcare System (NHS) in Britain.

v  Improving efficiency = Use of privatization

v  Improving quality = government policies to improve quality of healthcare services

v  Managing expenditure = spending more or spending less.

Which is the most effective approach to ensuring the NHS is well managed? Explain.

Factor	Explanation	Comments
Explain factor 1 Increased efficiency	One way in which Britain tried to better manage healthcare its healthcare system is through increased efficiency. Increasing efficiency means being able to providing better healthcare service using fewer resources. This is done through privatization. Privatization means the government passes some or all of the management of a government hospital over to private companies. Private companies will be more efficient and lower wastage of resources as they are experts in some of these areas of service provision. With less wastage, healthcare expenditure by the British government can be reduced and so less government funds are needed to run the healthcare services and yet the quality remains high. Thus, with privatization, the British enjoy value for money healthcare services. For example, the British government let private companies run the non-medical related services in government hospitals like catering, cleaning ad laundry. These private companies are experts in these areas and so can give good quality service at a lower price. Hence, this leads the government spending less on healthcare but still being able offer good quality services. This is how an increase in efficiency through privatization helps the British government manage their healthcare system more effectively. Hence this is why…..	Point/Factor Describing factor Explaining how factor leads to better management of the healthcare system.
Explain Factor 2 Improve the quality of healthcare services	Furthermore, the British tried to improve the quality of the healthcare service provided as a way of better managing the NHS. Improving the quality of service means that British citizens enjoy better healthcare services in the form of a wider array of treatment choices or better standards of healthcare treatment. This means the British Healthcare system (NHS) is better managed. The British tried to improve the service standard through several policies such as NHS 2000 that offered patients faster service as patients could use private hospital services and not have to pay for it. Also there was NHS 2004 where the British public could choose 4 different healthcare providers and NHS would pay for the services rendered. There was also “Health Space” system which allowed patients to make informed choices by being able to access their own medical records online. Furthermore, NHS direct allowed for students to call a doctor for medical advice on the phone and not has to queue to see a doctor. This cut down waiting time and improved the overall service standard for the British. However, this may not be the best way to effectively manage healthcare in Britain because better quality without improving efficiency will cost more money and thus, it may not be sustainable in the long-term as the NHS cannot keep increasing the National Insurance Tax to pay for all these additional services. Hence this is why….	Point/Factor Describing factor Explaining how factor leads to better management of the healthcare system.
Explain factor 3 Managing expenditure by either decreasing or increasing it.	Another attempt at improving the management of the NHS is through managing government expenditure. However, no attempts to reduce healthcare expenditure has succeed because the British are so used to having free healthcare that reducing government expenditure is very unpopular and so no government in Britain has done this successfully. A sudden reduction in expenditure will also cause the service quality to fall and so this is not a wise thing to do. On the other hand, increasing expenditure in healthcare while popular would require the British government to raise the National Insurance Tax and income tax. This would mean healthy Britons would also have to pay this high tax even though they had never used the services of the NHS. Hence, this reduces the British incentive to work hard. By spending more on healthcare without improving the efficiency of resource use, taxes will have to be continually raised to pay for the increased spending. This is not wise as Britons will have to have to pay more tax. Ultimately, the British government cannot sustain such rising expenditure on healthcare as taxation increments have a limit. Hence, this is not the most effective approach.	Point/Factor Describing factor Explaining how factor leads to better management of the healthcare system.
Weighing Compare given and 2 other factors on a basis of comparison	Weigh on the Basis of comparison = Sustainable or not? In conclusion, the most effective way is the method that is more sustainable. Hence, the best approach is through increasing efficiency. This will allow for fewer resources to be used and thus less tax burden on the British citizens without sacrificing quality of healthcare provided. On the other hand, by managing expenditure to improve quality would mean increasing the expenditure and this would require an increase in taxation to which there is a limit to which it can be done. If the way to manage the system is to decrease expenditure without improving efficiency, it would mean that the quality of healthcare is likely to fall and not serve the British public. Also, if the approach is to improve the quality of healthcare services, it has to be done with improvements to productivity otherwise, it would mean increased expenditure and this is not sustainable. If the approach is simply to control healthcare cost by decreasing the amount of expenditure on healthcare, the British public would protest as they did in the 1980s as they are already so used to the healthcare system that is almost 100% free. Hence, the best way to ensure that the British healthcare system can meet the needs of the British public is through improvements of the efficiency

Essay Example
One way in which Britain tried to better manage healthcare its healthcare system is through increased efficiency. Increasing efficiency means being able to providing better healthcare service using fewer resources. This is done through privatization. Privatization means the government passes some or all of the management of a government hospital over to private companies. Private companies will be more efficient and lower wastage of resources as they are experts in some of these areas of service provision. With less wastage, healthcare expenditure by the British government can be reduced and so less government funds are needed to run the healthcare services and yet the quality remains high. Thus, with privatization, the British enjoy value for money healthcare services. For example, the British government let private companies run the non-medical related services in government hospitals like catering, cleaning ad laundry. These private companies are experts in these areas and so can give good quality service at a lower price. Hence, this leads the government spending less on healthcare but still being able offer good quality services. This is how an increase in efficiency through privatization helps the British government manage their healthcare system more effectively. Hence this is why…..

Furthermore, the British tried to improve the quality of the healthcare service provided as a way of better managing the NHS. Improving the quality of service means that British citizens enjoy better healthcare services in the form of a wider array of treatment choices or better standards of healthcare treatment. This means the British Healthcare system (NHS) is better managed. The British tried to improve the service standard through several policies such as NHS 2000 that offered patients faster service as patients could use private hospital services and not have to pay for it. Also there was NHS 2004 where the British public could choose 4 different healthcare providers and NHS would pay for the services rendered. There was also “Healthspace system” which allowed patients to make informed choices by being able to access their own medical records online. Furthermore, NHS direct allowed for students to call a doctor for medical advice on the phone and not has to queue to see a doctor. This cut down waiting time and improved the overall service standard for the British. However, this may not be the best way to effectively manage healthcare in Britain because better quality without improving efficiency will cost more money and thus, it may not be sustainable in the long-term as the NHS cannot keep increasing the National Insurance Tax to pay for all these additional services. Hence this is why

Another attempt at improving the management of the NHS is through managing government expenditure. However, no attempts to reduce healthcare expenditure has succeed because the British are so used to having free healthcare that reducing government expenditure is very unpopular and so no government in Britain has done this successfully. A sudden reduction in expenditure will also cause the service quality to fall and so this is not a wise thing to do. On the other hand, increasing expenditure in healthcare while popular would require the British government to raise the National Insurance Tax and income tax. This would mean healthy Britons would also have to pay this high tax even though they had never used the services of the NHS. Hence, this reduces the British incentive to work hard. By spending more on healthcare without improving the efficiency of resource use, taxes will have to be continually raised to pay for the increased spending. This is not wise as Britons will have to have to pay more tax. Ultimately, the British government cannot sustain such rising expenditure on healthcare as taxation increments have a limit. Hence, this is not the most effective approach.

In conclusion, the most effective way is the method that is more sustainable. Hence, the best approach is through increasing efficiency. This will allow for fewer resources to be used and thus less tax burden on the British citizens without sacrificing quality of healthcare provided. On the other hand, by managing expenditure to improve quality would mean increasing the expenditure and this would require an increase in taxation to which there is a limit to which it can be done. If the way to manage the system is to decrease expenditure without improving efficiency, it would mean that the quality of healthcare is likely to fall and not serve the British public. Also, if the approach is to improve the quality of healthcare services, it has to be done with improvements to productivity otherwise, it would mean increased expenditure and this is not sustainable. If the approach is simply to control healthcare cost by decreasing the amount of expenditure on healthcare, the British public would protest as they did in the 1980s as they are already so used to the healthcare system that is almost 100% free. Hence, the best way to ensure that the British healthcare system can meet the needs of the British public is through improvements of the efficiency.