Chpt 6: Diplomacy: ASEAN: Greatest benefit of ASEAN or regional diplomacy

3b) Which of the following aspects of the work of ASEAN is the most important: (Page 181 to 185)

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

Educational and Professional exchange

Environmental collaboration

Explain your answer.

My own question:

The following are ways in which ASEAN conducts its regional relations:

Asean Regional Forum

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

Educational and Professional exchange

Which is the most important for Singapore? Explain your answer.

Hint: Your explanation for each factor must be about how Singapore benefits from each of these ASEAN methods of conducting regional relations.

Factors – What?	So What? Explanation
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) - Intra-regional Free Trade Agreement: Products sold between ASEAN nations is free of import tax. -This makes products and raw material sold between ASEAN countries cheaper/ lower cost	So what? Hence à Cost of production of goods will be lower because raw material cost and cost of component parts imported from ASEAN nations is lower in cost since there is NO import tax à The goods exported from ASEAN will be cheaper since the cost of production is lower à Therefore demand for ASEAN produced goods will be higher in other countries à Hence ASEAN trade will increase with other nations à more jobs are created + salaries of ASEAN workers will rise since more profits are mae by ASEAN companies à Economic growth à ASEAN will prosper à Hence ASEAN is important. Furthermore à countries within ASEAN will be able to export their goods to one another without import tax à increase in demand for ASEAN produced goods amongst ASEAN countries à e.g. Singapore imports rice from Thailand à Thai rice is cheaper for Singapore consumers à hence Singapore consumers will enjoy cheaper high quality Thai rice while Thai farmers will be able export more rice to Singapore since demand will be higher à Hence both ASEAN consumers and producers will enjoy the benefits of AFTA.
Educational and Professional exchange -          More advanced ASEAN Nations train lesser advanced ASEAN nations to improve the educational qualifications and the capacity of their people such as talented young adults and government officials -          Example: SCP ( Singapore cooperation program) where Singapore offers training and scholarships to people from other ASEAN nations.	So what? - Goodwill is created within ASEAN since countries help one another à there will be a more harmonious region à stable and peaceful à ASEAN nations can trade, invest in each other’s countries and prosper together. -With Educational and Professional exchange between ASEAN countries, the less advanced ASEAN countries will improve the quality of their manpower à this means that the nations will be able to modernise their economy, companies and government agencies à Hence, the people in these less advanced nations will be able to enjoy economic growth à earn higher salaries as they can now attract foreign investment e.g. TNCs à More higher paying jobs created à economy of these ASEAN countries will improve à purchasing power will rise à buy more goods and services from ASEAN neighbours à whole of ASEAN will prosper à EP Ex is important for ASEAN.
Environmental collaboration ASEAN nations help one another to solve regional environment problems à by contributing different expertise e.g. in 1997 the Indonesian forest fires created a haze that blanketed the region àaffected air travel and tourism in the region à Singapore helped Indonesia by using it satellites to monitor the forest fires and alert the Indonesian to put out the fire more quickly à haze problem will lessened.	So what? Haze problem will lessened à Air travel and tourism will be less affected à ASEAN’s tourism sector continues to have business à jobs are intact à economy of ASEAN continues to do well.
ASEAN Regional Forum -          A platform for dialogue and discussion within ASEAN and between ASEAN and other Asia-pacific nations such as China, India, Korea and Australia and other powerful nations like USA.	So what? ARF = Regional mediation platform à will allow for ASEAN nations to discuss problems within Asia-pacific region peacefully à this lowers the possibility of armed conflict/war in the region à no conflict à stability à peace à have opportunity for trade and investment to grow à economic growth for the region.

Chpt 2 Solutions to boost the Population

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) Pro-family measures (including financial incentives like the baby bonus scheme)

b) Foreign talent scheme

c) 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 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.
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.

Chpt 2: Solutions to managing an ageing population

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 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] Individual Wealth Saving for old age à By encouraging individuals to save and invest wisely through financial planning à Singaporeans 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 à encourage 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 organisations à 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 à Elderly 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 à better quality of life 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. Hence, these 2 methods are not sustainable over the long-term. + Family support may only be present if the family is close-knit and when the person is married. 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.