Social Studies Revision Resource –Governance in Singapore (Population)

Understanding Governance through the Study of Singapore’s Population Policy:

Phase I: The need to curb population growth in the 1960s and 1970s:

At the end of World War 2, there was a baby boom in Singapore as people felt more confident of the future after the war. More children were also considered to be a security in old age.

The population rose from 1.02 million in 1950 to 1.64 million in 1960. This rapid growth would represent many problems for Singapore in terms of:

  • Lack of educational facilities
  • Lack of housing
  • Lack of jobs
  • Lack of proper healthcare
  • Singapore’s economy was not strong

Solution: Curb Population (Singapore Family Planning and Population Board – 1966 to 1981)

The Singapore Family Planning and Population Board was set up in 1966 and introduced three 5 year plans to help to control population growth in Singapore:

  • The first plan emphasised the need for smaller families and aimed to encourage couples to change their mindset and accept that having smaller families was more beneficial than giving birth to so many children.
  • The second plan encouraged married couples to stop at two children. Once couples’ mindsets were tuned to having smaller families, the aim of the second plan was to get them to accept the idea of having two children, regardless of gender.
  • The third plan aimed to maintain the replacement rate level at 2.1 children so as to keep population figures in check.

In addition, the following measures were introduced to encourage Singaporeans to reduce the birth rate:

  • The government also encouraged contraceptive use and legalised abortion.

Punitive measures were also rolled out to discourage couples from having more than two children:

  • No paid maternity leave was given for the third and subsequent children.
  • No priority was to be given to large families in the allocation of government flats.
  • No income tax relief was to be given for the fourth and subsequent children.
  • Delivery charges in hospitals were increased with each additional child.

Phase II: Need to boost population growth from the 1980s:

The measures to curb the population growth between 1966 to 1981 were very successful and soon the birth rate started to fall below the replacement rate of 2.1 to 1.82 children per woman.

This decline was due to economic and social changes in Singapore:

  • Increasing costs of living made people want to have fewer children
  • Given better educational and employment opportunities, many people preferred to marry at a later age

As a result, something had to be done to boost population growth because if birth rates continued to fall below the rate of 2.1, there would be negative consequences such as:

Factors (WHY was there a need to promote / boost population growth):

  • Declining Birth Rate from the 1980s (includes factors such as economic factors, career-minded women and changing mindsets)
  • Unattractive to Multinational Companies
  • Ageing Population
  • Defence

These are the reasons why there was a need to boost populaiton growth from the 1980s:

Factor: / What is it about? [Elaboration] / Link [Why is it necessary to boost population growth?]
Declining Birth Rate from the 1980s (includes factors such as economic factors, career-minded women and changing mindsets) /
  • By 1980, the fertility rate hit 1.82 children per woman due to the success of the government’s family planning measures.
  • At the same time, over the years, women became more educated and pursued their careers. Attitudes also changed over the time and couples also preferred to pursue their careers instead, marrying later and choosing to either give birth to one child or not have any children.
  • At the same time, more jobs were created in the industries and a larger workforce was needed to sustain Singapore’s development. Manpower was also needed for national defence.
/
  • As a result, less children were born and Singapore’s birth rate declined.
  • With Singapore’s declining birth rate, Singapore’s development and defence needs would not be met, making it vulnerable to external challenges. It was therefore important for the government to promote population growth from the 1980s onwards.

Unattractive to Multinational Companies (MNCs) /
  • With a small population, Singapore would not be able to produce enough talented people to sustain its economic development, making it unattractive to foreign investors and Multinational Corporations (MNCs). It is also difficult and expensive to recruit local Singaporeans as compared to larger and cheaper labour markets in other countries.
/
  • As a result, Singapore would not be able to sustain its economic development. Furthermore, it’s small population size makes Singapore a small consumer market. It was therefore important for the government to promote population growth from the 1980s onwards.

Ageing Population /
  • More resources will be required to meet the physical, health, social and emotional needs of the senior citizens and more facilities catering to their needs will need to be built.
  • Volunteers and specialists to cater to these needs will need to be recruited and existing facilities may need to be upgraded to make them elderly-friendly.
  • Furthermore, with fewer babies being born, there would be fewer young people in the workforce which would make Singapore less attractive to investors as they might prefer to employ younger workers who are considered more effective, efficient, productive and more up-to-date with skills and training. As more older people retire, there would also be a shrinking talent pool.
  • The number of older people would be proportionately larger, which means that Singapore would face an ageing population in the future. Furthermore, these older people would no longer be contributing taxes or CPF which would affect the amount of revenue needed by Singapore for its development.
/
  • The smaller younger population would be burdened financially as more resources would be needed to take care of the increasing number of senior citizens, putting a strain on the country’s economic resources and reducing Singapore’s competitiveness.
  • It was therefore important for the government to promote population growth from the 1980s onwards.

Defence /
  • With a declining birth rate, there would be fewer young men to recruit for National Service.
/
  • This would weaken Singapore’s defence force and make Singapore vulnerable to external threats and reduce its defence capabilities. It was therefore important for the government to promote population growth from the 1980s onwards.

Model Essay: Refer to “The most important reason for the change in Singapore’s population in the 1980s was the impact of an ageing population.” How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

Analysis of Importance of Factors for Boosting Population Growth in Singapore

Declining Birth Rate / Ageing Population / Unattractiveness to MNCs / Defence
Most important reason why population growth needs to be boosted in Singapore because it is the root cause of all the problems as not having enough babies born will lead to an ageing population and will also result in a future smaller workforce which would be unattractive to MNCs and a future smaller defence force which would make Singapore vulnerable to threats. / Very important because an ageing population will result in the country having to divert a lot of resources to meet the needs of an ageing population. Furthermore, an ageing population has repercussions on the rest of the country’s population as it becomes strained to support the burden created by the financial needs of supporting an ageing population. / Important because Singapore is dependent on foreign investment for economic development. However, Singapore has been relying on attracting foreign talent to meet the shortfalls of a declining birth rate. / Important because less men serving the nation will make us vulnerable to threats from external forces. However, advancements like Army 3G have allowed Singapore to meet its defence needs despite the declining birth rate.

Once it was established that there was a need to promote population growth after the 1980s, a few strategies were introduced to increase the birth rate in Singapore:

Factors (HOW did Singapore promote / boost population growth):

  • The Graduate Mothers Scheme
  • Three or More If You Can Afford It
  • Other Pro-Family Measures
  • Attracting Foreign Talent

These are the strategieswhich were used to boost populaiton growth from the 1980s:

Factor: / What is it about? [Elaboration] / Link [Was it effective in boosting population growth?]
The Graduate Mothers Scheme /
  • The Graduate Mothers Scheme was introduced in 1984 to encourage marriage and having children among graduates as it was felt that the education level of the parents would have a direct impact on the performance of their children in schools.
/
  • However, the scheme was unpopular as less educated people felt that they were discriminated against and would be left out under the policy. The scheme was withdrawn after a year.

Three or More If You Can Afford It /
  • The government began to reverse the earlier policy against larger families and parents were encouraged to have three children or more if they could afford it.
  • To help relieve the financial burden of having children, the government introduced measures such as allowing the use of Medisave to pay for the delivery charges of the first three children and a $20,000 tax rebate was also offered for the fourth child born after 1 January 1988.
  • Rebates were given for the third child and a monthly subsidy to working mothers for each of the first four children attending approved childcare centres to make raising children more affordable.
/
  • However, these methods are not very successful as the number of children born per woman continued to decrease.
  • Many newly married couples continued to have only one or two children and a sizeable number of Singaporeans either married late and had no children or chose to remain single.

Other Pro-Family Measures /
  • To address the concerns of the high cost of raising children and the lack of suitable childcare arrangements, the government introduced:
  • Equalised medical benefits where mothers could also claim medical benefits for their children.
  • A 5-day work week for the Civil Service was also implemented to allow for better work-life balance.
  • An income tax relief of $3,000 (Grandparent Caregiver Relief) was given if a grandparent is helping the couple take care of their child.
  • Maternity leave was also extended from eight weeks to twelve weeks.
/
  • However, these methods are not very successful as the number of children born per woman continued to decrease.
  • Many newly married couples continued to have only one or two children and a sizeable number of Singaporeans either married late and had no children or chose to remain single.

Attracting Foreign Talent /
  • In order to enhance its competitiveness while awaiting for pro-family measures to show positive results, the government began to attract foreign talent.
  • In 1989, the immigration policy was relaxed to attract foreign talent with skills that Singapore needed. Easier entry into Singapore, subsidised housing and an attractive education package for children were offered to foreign talent willing to work in Singapore.
  • The government also hoped that these foreigners would develop an attachment to Singapore and take up permanent residence or citizenship.
/
  • Foreign talent would not only boost the quality of manpower in Singapore, but it would also create more jobs and increase productivity.
  • This benefits Singapore as Singapore society becomes more cosmopolitan and Singapore’s culture is further enriched.
  • Furthermore, each foreign talent and their family members who choose to make Singapore their home is an immediate addition to Singapore’s population numbers.

Analysis of Measures to Promote Population Growth after the 1980s

The Graduate Mothers Scheme / Three or More If You Can Afford It / Other Pro-Family Measures / Attracting Foreign Talent
Was not successful as less educated people felt discriminated against and felt that they would be left out under the policy. Furthermore, the policy was scrapped after one year. / Not very successful as the number of children born per woman continued to decrease. Many newly married couples continued to have only one or two children and a sizeable number of Singaporeans either married late and had no children or chose to remain single. / Not very successful as the number of children born per woman continued to decrease. Many newly married couples continued to have only one or two children and a sizeable number of Singaporeans either married late and had no children or chose to remain single. / More successful as foreigners and their families are a direct add on to the population numbers of Singapore.

Phase III: Preparing for an Ageing Population

Factors: (Impact of an Ageing Population)

  • Economic Impact
  • Social Impact

Economic Impact

  • With an ageing population, there will be fewer young people in the population to maintain the workforce. Singapore’s workforce will thus become increasingly older and in time to come many will retire. This will result in a less competitive workforce which may not be attractive to investors keen to invest in Singapore. The economy will also be affected in terms of active economic contribution as the retirees are no longer contributing to income tax and CPF. There will be a resulting strain on the young to maintain the ageing population.

Social Impact

  • The number of older people will be proportionately larger. This means that the country will have to allocate more budget to social services to maintain the ageing population who will need more healthcare facilities. More resources like day care centres, old folks home, community hospitals and even housing facilities like studio apartments and lifts on every level have to be built to cater to the needs of the elderly. This will certainly increase the burden of the government who will need to reserve a large proportion of the country’s budget to maintain the ageing population.
  • Furthermore, with less young people, there will be smaller security forces and Singapore’s defence force will be weakened, making it vulnerable.

Therefore, due to the economic and social impacts of an ageing population, there was a need to prepare for and meet the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore:

Factors:

  • Senior Citizens as Assets to Society
  • ‘Many Helping Hands’ Approach
  • Individual Responsibility
  • Family Support
  • Community Help
  • Government Support

These are the strategieswhich are used to either PREPARE FOR or MEET the needs of an Ageing Population in Singapore: (Content is the same, LINKS ARE DIFFERENT)

Factor / PREPARING for an Ageing Population / MEETING THE NEEDS of an Ageing Population
Senior Citizens as an Asset to Society /
  • To ensure that senior citizens remain contributing members to society, opportunities are given to senior citizens to add value to public and private organisations and help boost family life by contributing their valuable skills, knowledge, talent and work experience.

  • Link:
This helps senior citizens to prepare for an ageing population because if they know that there are opportunities created for them to be assets to society, they will take greater personal responsibility in preparing themselves for old age so they may contribute positively to society. /
  • Link:
This helps to meet their needs of an ageing population because it allows senior citizens to feel useful and supplement the efforts of the family and the community to help them cope with the challenges of ageing.
Many Helping Hands – Individual or Personal Resposibility /
  • It is the responsibility of every individual to prepare himself for old age.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by watching one’s diet and exercising regularly will assure one is fit and healthy and this can help reduce ailments in old age and this can reduce one’s medical expenses.
  • Singaporeans are also encouraged to learn about retirement planning by attending talks and reading relevant materials on financial planning.

  • Link:
This ensures they are prepared for old age by being self-sufficient and independent and thus reduce the burden placed on the government allowing it to focus on other developments of the country as well. /
  • Link:
    By being self-sufficient in meeting his financial and medical needs the individual reduces the burden placed on the government to provide all the social and medical services needed for an ageing population. This thus helps the government focus on other developments of the country as well.

Many Helping Hands – Family /
  • Family support also plays a part because strong and stable families bring about social stability and harmony.
  • The government has introduced measures like ‘Senior Citizens’ Week’ where the elderly are encouraged to stay active in the family and community.
  • It also promotes a positive attitude towards ageing and the aged as it reminds everyone in the family of their roles in creating an environment that is socially conducive:
  • Ensuring that the house is afe and has elderly-friendly facilities if possible
  • Making the elderly feel appreciated by seeking their opinion and advice on family issues / giving them a part to play in the family
  • Providing financial support
  • Being patient and showing understanding towards their emotional and physical needs
  • Grandparents’ Day is also celebrated to bring families together to show their appreciation for the elderly.

  • Link:
The family provides elderly individuals with emotional, social and financial support and helps to promote a positive attitude towards ageing which better prepares the elderly individual to cope with the challenges of ageing. /
  • Link:
The family is also the main source of emotional, social and financial support for the elderly individual. By taking care of elderly members of the family, the family helps to meet the needs for an ageing population by reducing the burden on the government.
Many Helping Hands – Community /
  • Community support is also important in meeting the needs of an ageing population.
  • Some community organisations offer free health checks and organise recreational activities for senior citizens.
  • Most of these organisations involve members of the community such as housewives, students and retirees to help look after the needs of senior citizens to help them remain physically, mentally and socially active.

  • Link:
Therefore, the community complements and supports the efforts made by the government and reduces its burden by providing emotional, social and financial support to elderly people in their care /
  • Link:
    Community support is an effective way to meet the needs of an ageing population because the community supplements the family support by offering individuals who have no families, emotional and social support. Also, keeping them physically, mentally and socially active will slow down their physical and mental deterioration and they will be able to continue to thrive in this society.

Managing Helping Hands - Government /
  • The government has made laws and introduced measures to protect the interests of the Senior citizens.
  • For example, the government came up with: (can choose one or two examples to support your answer)
  • Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme which ensures that part of a person’s income will be saved up. The savings in the Special Account are for retirement, emergency and investment expenses while the money in Medisave is to be used for medical expenses. At the age of 55, CPF members can withdraw their savings with a minimum sum in the retirement account and at the age of 62, they will receive a monthly sum from this account.
  • Tax Relief are given to individuals who take care of their elderly parents, grandparents or great-grandparents or contribute to their elderly dependents’ CPF Retirement accounts. Tax reliefs are also given to grandparents who take care of their grandchildren.
  • Public Housing Scheme where first time HDB buyers are given a housing grant if they buy a flat near their parents’ flat.
  • Tribunal for the Maintenance of parents where parents who are above the age of 60 and incapable of supporting themselves can get the court’s help to get their children to support them.

  • Link:
Government support is the best way to prepare for an ageing population because it anticpated the challenges of ageing and put it place policies and measures to prepare Singaporeans financially, emotionally and socially for their old age. /
  • Link:
    Government support is an effective way to meet the needs of an ageing population because the government implement schemes that will support the individuals, families and community cope with the financial, emotional and social needs of an ageing population.

Analysis of Measures