SINGAPORE SOCIAL HEALTH PROJECT 2013
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SINGAPORE SOCIAL HEALTH PROJECT
2013Published in March 2013 by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #04-88 The Central Singapore 059817 Mainline: 6550 9595 Hotline: 1-800 325 0965 Fax: 6221 0625 Email: feedback@nvpc.org.sg The Singapore Social Health Project website: http://www.nvpc.org.sg/knowledge/social_health_project.aspx
Contents Introduction - Methodology 1 - Summary Findings 4 - Project Vision 5 Reports - Civil and Political Participation 6-7 - Culture and Values 8-9 - Education 10 - Family 11-12 - Healthcare 13-14 - Housing and Transport 15-16 - Income Security 17-18 - Individual Well-being 19-20 - Social Connectedness and Community Cohesion 21
Introduction
The Singapore Social Health Project 2013
The Singapore Social Health Project (SSHP) was initiated by the National Volunteer
& Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) to develop social indicators that would complement existing
economic measures of progress in Singapore. This inaugural report aims to assess the state
of our social health in nine domains – civil and political participation; culture and values;
education, family, healthcare; housing and transport, income security, individual well-being;
and social connectedness and community cohesion. Using these reports as a first step, we
hope to build a unique Social Health Index to chart social progress in Singapore over time.
Such reporting would help Singaporeans identify critical social trends and spur us to take
relevant and timely action.
The trends identified in the report are the outcomes of complex and inter-related
socio-economic factors. As such, the SSHP is not meant as a tool for evaluating the
effectiveness of specific government policies, and is not a report card on the government.
Rather, by highlighting these key trends and challenges, we hope to garner public interest
towards social issues, mobilise greater civic and philanthropic action, and drive informed
policy change. Many of these challenges require citizens to take greater responsibility for the
problem solving and creative work in the community, including confronting our own values,
mind-sets, interests and priorities.
While putting together these reports, we also struggled with several missing data
items that most developed countries routinely publicise. This is a crucial gap as
comprehensive data provides more accurate and deeper insight into social challenges, and
may help point the way to potential solutions. We hope the government and other research
agencies will step up efforts to make more data accessible to the public. These reports are a
work-in-progress and we welcome any feedback and suggestion to improve them.
Methodology
Data Sources
The methodology used was essentially a meta-analysis that draws information from
multiple data sources and research studies. Sources we examined included government
sources and statistics, international and local research reports, media reports and social
media websites. Subsequently, we analysed and compared results to identify key patterns
and trends. Data collected was both quantitative (e.g. suicide rates and average monthly
income across different income groups) and qualitative (e.g. life satisfaction level).
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved . 1We also set several criteria for our indicators. These are:
Nationally significant – This means that the indicator reflects progress at the
national level.
Relevant to the social outcome of interest – As far as possible, the indicator should
be the most accurate and/or telling statistic for measuring the level and extent of
change.
Timely and relevant – We worked with data from year 2000 onwards.
Evidence-based – Findings must be supported by quantitative and/or qualitative
research.
Domains and Desired Outcomes
We scanned the global landscape of social health measurements and drew up a
universal list of useful indicators. Working with this list, we looked for publicly available data
in Singapore. We then consolidated the list of indicators under broad domains that were
most relevant to the social well-being of Singapore. The table below presents the nine
domains used for analysis and the desired outcome statements for each.
Table 1: Domains and Desired Outcome Statements
Domain Desired Outcome Statement
Civil and Political People exercise their civil and political rights. Individuals are
Participation empowered to take collective action for positive social
transformation.
Culture and Values Singaporeans share a unique and strong national identity.
They have a sense of loyalty and belonging to the country.
People show empathy and graciousness towards each
other, and there is a sense of shared purpose in the
nation. People appreciate their own heritage and support
local art.
Education The educational system caters to a wide diversity of abilities
and learning styles among our children. It fosters a love for
learning, inspires greater curiosity and creativity, and
helps prepare our children for the future.
Family Families not only stay together, they enjoy strong
relational ties and support one another in times of need.
Families are able to fulfil their responsibilities and act as
the first line of care and support in society.
Healthcare People live and enjoy long and healthy lives. Every individual
has adequate access to affordable and quality healthcare.
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved . 2Housing and Transport Every Singaporean is able to afford a home that is part of an
engaged community, and has access to a transportation
system that is reliable, efficient and inclusive.
Income Security Singaporeans are able to earn a living wage, with lower
income Singaporeans feeling that their children have a
good chance of enjoying social mobility in Singapore.
Singaporeans are also adequately prepared for old age
and are able to cope with contingencies.
Individual Well-being Individuals in our society are resilient. They have opportunities
to lead happy and fulfilling lives, while enjoying
greater engagement and satisfaction at work.
Social Connectedness and There is a high level of trust, openness and interaction
Community Cohesion among individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.
People have constructive relationships with others in
public spaces, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and other
communities.
Trend Analysis
In order to establish the trends for each domain, we introduced a rating system
where domains were rated as “negative”, “positive” or “neutral”. A “positive” trend implies
that most headline indicators analysed showed an improvement over the time period
studied. A “negative” trend could mean that more critical indicators were observed to be in
decline than improving. This does not necessarily mean that the domain is doing poorly but
implies that there is a movement away from the desired outcomes. A “neutral” trend implies
that no clear trend was observed, or there was insufficient data to conclusively determine the
trend. We would like to emphasise that the analysis is not an attempt to audit the
performance of any particular Ministry but is a means to track the pulse of the various
socially relevant sectors in the country. Through our reports, we have highlighted some
trends which need more concerted efforts for promoting greater social well-being in
Singapore.
Limitations
Missing data items may have compromised the rigour of our analysis. We hope to
address this in the future by encouraging the government and other research agencies and
institutions to provide data which may be useful to the project. While the current reports are
based on trend analysis, going forward, we wish to tighten the criteria for the indicators to be
more stringent. In addition, we hope to use indicators which are consistent over time;
statistically robust and sound; that can be disaggregated and are internationally comparable.
Considering the evolving nature of social health measurement, there would be
differing or conflicting views on the subject. We welcome any feedback on our reports as
well as suggestions on improving our work.
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved . 3Summary Findings
According to our assessment, Singapore was found to be negative in five dimensions
namely, family, healthcare, housing and transport, income security and individual well-being.
While we were neutral on culture and values, education, and social connectedness and
community cohesion, we fared positive on civil and political participation. The summary
findings are as follows:
Table 2: Findings
NEGATIVE TREND
Family
While social attitudes towards the family generally appear positive, critical aspects of family
relationships have shown signs of weakening. Decreasing number of marriages, increasing
divorce rates, cases of violence in families and eroding family values of trust and support are
worrying trends.
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Singapore are rapidly increasing due to rise in ageing population and
chronic illnesses. The cost of care in Singapore has been consistently increasing with high
private and out-of-pocket expenditure. Sectors, such as the Intermediate and Long Term
Care (ILTC) sector, are struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for healthcare
services.
Housing and Transport
Due to the rise in population density, housing and transport sectors are increasingly
stretched. Commuter stress and cost of transport are on the rise. Housing prices have also
increased rapidly over the last few years and is becoming unaffordable, especially for the
low wage earners.
Income Security
Declining trend in average monthly incomes and the increasing cost of living have made
many Singaporeans feel vulnerable, especially those from lower-income families. The
inadequacy of CPF for many who are retiring poses a threat to the well-being of the fast
ageing population of Singapore. Singaporeans, especially the lower income, are increasingly
finding it difficult to cope with escalating costs. The Gini coefficient has also increased,
reflecting greater income inequalities.
Individual Well-being
Singaporeans appear to be generally happy but there is a growing sense of anxiety and
dissatisfaction. Stagnating incomes and increasing cost of living were found to be the key
drivers affecting their well-being. Individual resilience appears to be weakening while job
engagement and satisfaction levels have been low.
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved . 4NEUTRAL TREND
Culture and Values
High speed of development has overly emphasised competition in society. While
Singaporeans feel a strong sense of belonging, increased influx of foreigners could
potentially pose a concern for national identity and loyalty. Despite some show of ungracious
behaviour, Singaporeans generally still value kindness and honesty. Singaporeans have
also shown greater interest in heritage and arts issues.
Education
The performance of the education sector has improved over time, with good performance on
some measures such as the PISA. However, the education system in Singapore has also
been criticised for promoting excessive competition, dampening creativity and perpetuating
elitism.
Social Connectedness and Community Cohesion
There is not enough data in this domain for a clear trend analysis. The available data shows
some encouraging trends of neighbourly interactions and informal volunteerism. Some
worrying trends are increasing numbers of neighbourly dispute cases and a low level of
generalised trust.
POSITIVE TREND
Civil and Political Participation
Civil society has been progressing steadily with a slight growth in the number of new
charities registered in recent years, increasing volunteerism rates and extent of charitable
giving. There is a greater diversity in the Singapore parliament today. Interest in politics,
particularly among the youth, has also increased.
Project Vision
The SSHP is an on-going project. Though we are currently leading the project, we
intend to partner with more stakeholders in the future. Our vision is to promote this as a civic
community project, encouraging open sharing of data and views from various stakeholders,
including individual citizens.
Developing the SSHP is the first phase of the project. Thereafter, we hope to work
towards developing the Social Health Index. Our long term goal is to promote shared desired
outcomes for various population groups under each of the nine domains. We hope that the
Social Health Index would be used as a tool to track and promote social outcomes in
Singapore.
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved . 5Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
Civil and Political Participation parliamentary seats in 26 out of 27 districts.6 This
Rating: (+) Positive was a departure from the 2006 elections where 7
GRCs were unopposed, leaving about 936,000
Active civil and political participation are integral Singaporeans without the opportunity to vote. 7
mechanisms in which individuals, groups and Together with growing political consciousness
communities can come together or separately to there has been a greater diversity of Parliament
address issues of public concern and lobby for members, with seven Opposition members, three
social change. Underscoring the two is the Non-Constituency Members of Parliament
fundamental principle of citizen empowerment. (NCMP) and nine Nominated Members of
Parliament (NMP).
1. Observed rise and depth in civic
engagement amongst Singaporeans. 6. Civil society is fast budding. In the
Nonetheless, there is still room for individuals past, Singapore’s civil society was “used to the
and civil society actors to do more, particularly in vertical civil society to state relationship” where
catering to the social, spiritual and emotional activists advocate towards the government.
needs of fellow citizens as well as in engaging Today, Gillian Koh and Debbie Soon now
with the government on policy and decision- observed that a new “horizontal peer-to-peer
making process. relationship” has developed between civil society
groups and citizens”.8 In the mid 1990s-2000s,
2. Possible growth of the non-profit and established civil society groups such as Nature
social sector in Singapore although data is Society Singapore (NSS) and Association of
inconclusive. While data is not available to Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
ascertain the rate of growth of civic organisations worked to directly influence government policy
in Singapore, there was a slight increase in the through research and advocacy.9 More recent
number of new charities being registered from 73 efforts, such as the Day off for Maids Campaign,
in 2010 to 84 in 2011. This, however, is still far and studies on improving pre-school education,
below the 167 registered in 2002.1 The non-profit show growing complexity in the development of a
sector contributed 1% of Singapore’s Gross more engaged and inclusive civil society in
Domestic Product (GDP) 2009.2 In contrast, a Singapore.10
2013 report by John Hopkins University on the
non-profit sector in 16 countries found that the 7. More groups and individuals are
average contribution to GDP by non-profit spearheading and participating in ground-up
institutions in each country was 4.5%.3 Annual activities. With the advent of social media and
data on the growth rate of the non-profit sector an increasing liberalisation of the public space,
such as the number of people employed in the there is now greater public interest and
non-profit sector or the sector’s contribution to participation – both offline and online, in civil
GDP, are not publicly available. society and advocacy events. Events such as
“Pink Dot Sg”, “Save the World’s Saddest
3. Generally consistent and increasing Dolphins” and the “Protest against White Paper
volunteerism demonstrates that Singapore is on Population” at the Speakers’ Corner have
moving towards becoming a more seen significant support and interest. Ground-up
compassionate society. Volunteer participation online communities such as “Save Bukit Brown”
hit a record high of 32% in 2012. This was a 9% and “We Support the Rail Corridor” highlight new
increase from the 2010 rate of 23%. The total vibrancy in civil society today.11 More have also
volunteer hours recorded were 91 million, up started to spearhead their own projects to raise
from 89 million in 2010.4 awareness for their pet causes. For example,
“We Believe In Second Chances” is a youth-led
4. Charitable giving has increased but initiative aimed to raise awareness on the death
there is still room for improvement. While penalty and mandatory death penalty in
charitable giving as a percentage of Singapore’s Singapore, and “I’m FINished” is a campaign
GDP is low at 0.31% in 2012, this is a marked against Sharks Fin Soup by Sharks Savers
increase from 0.25% in 2010.5 The World Giving Singapore.
Index ranked Singapore at the bottom third of the
scale (114th), where 35% of the population give 8. Increased youth interest and
to charities. engagement in politics. Contrary to previous
polls, the 2011 elections saw “record number of
5. Greater diversity of views in young Singaporeans” interested in volunteering
Parliament. The 2011 General Elections saw with and becoming members of political parties. 12
opposition groups vying for 82 of 87 There were, for instance, 1,200 new members in
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 6Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 2010 as
compared to 600-800 before 2009.13 Facebook
accounts of youth-wing political groups also
registered moderately high activity and interest
(see table below).14 According to an Institute of
Policy Studies (IPS) survey in 2010, youths (21-
39 years) consumed more political content than
older people and were more active participants in
politics.15
Statistics
Political Party Number of Likes People talking
garnered about this
Workers’ Party
6,338 427
Youth Wing
Young PAP 8,718 36
Source: Workers’ Party Youth Wing’s Facebook page and Young
PAP’s Facebook page (Retrieved 1 March 2013).
1
Commissioner of Charities Annual Reports 2010-2011
2
Ministry of Social and Family Development . (2011, April 11). Growth of non-
profit sector. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://app.msf.gov.sg/PressRoomArchives/Growthofnonprofitsector.aspx
3
Salamon, L. M., Sokolowski, S. W., Haddock, M.A. & Tice, H.S. (2013). The
State of Global Civil Society and Volunteering: Latest findings from the
implementation of the UN Nonprofit Handbook. Retrieved 25 March 2013
from: http://ccss.jhu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/downloads/2013/03/JHU_Global-Civil-Society-
Volunteering_FINAL_3.20131.pdf
4
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre. (2012). Individual Giving
Survey 2012. Singapore: National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre.
5
Commissioner of Charities. (2010 & 2011). Annual Reports 2010-2011.
Singapore: Commissioner of Charities. and
Teo, J. (2013, March 18). Speech in Parliament by Minister of State
Josephine Teo at the Committee of Supply Debate. and
Department of Statistics. (2013). Time Series on Annual GDP at Current
Market Prices. Retrieved 19 March 2013 from:
http://www.singstat.gov.sg/statistics/browse_by_theme/national_accounts.ht
ml
6
Channel NewsAsia. (2011, April 27). GE: 82 of 87 seats contested. Channel
NewsAsia. Retrieved 3 March 2013 from:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125138/1
/.html
7
Adam, S. (2011, May 7). Singapore poised for record turnout as voters
weigh Lee against opposition. Bloomberg. Retrieved 28 February 2013 from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-06/singapore-set-for-record-vote-
as-lee-s-party-faces-opposition.html
8
Koh, G. & Soon, D. (2012). The Future of Singapore’s Civil Society. Social
Space 2012, 5, 92-98.
9
Nature Society. (n.d.) About Nature Society. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.nss.org.sg/about.aspx?id=3
10
Koh, G. & Soon, D. (2012). The Future of Singapore’s Civil Society. Social
Space 2012, 5, 92-98.
11
The Really Free Market Movement is a particularly interesting movement
for it gathers various civil society groups to share and raise awareness of
their causes. The last one was held in Hong Lim on 9 December 2012.
12
Wong, T. (2012, June 26). Rising Youth interest in politics. The Straits
Times, p. A6.
13
Hoe Y. N., (2010, November 7). PAP youth wing attracting more members.
Channel NewsAsia, Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1091944/1
/.html
14
Refer to table.
15
Tan, T. H., Chung S. & Zhang W. (2011, May 27). Apathetic? Not
Singaporean youth. The Straits Times. Retrieved 1 March 2013 from:
http://newshub.nus.edu.sg/news/1105/PDF/APATHETIC-st-27may-pA25.pdf
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 7Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
Culture and Values stirred worry that Singaporeans are becoming
Rating: (=) Neutral xenophobic.7 However, according to the findings
by Dr Siok Kuan Tambyah and Associate
Professor Tan Soo Jiuan in 2012, they observed
A country gains its sense of identity and purpose that Singapore is currently undergoing “an
from the culture and value systems of its people. intense soul-searching about values” and that
A country’s culture is therefore its own renewable contrary to previous years, “more respondents
source of creative energy, pride and belonging. have changed the importance they assigned on
Such a core must be shared and owned by all values such as self-respect, warm relationships
members of society. etc.” In short, Singaporeans showed themselves
to be less materialistic and more family-oriented.8
1. Survivalist national mindset has The Singapore Press Holdings (SPH)’s survey to
compromised on spontaneity, creativity and find out what Singaporeans value also affirmed
entrepreneurship. The speed of development in that most people valued kindness (8.55 out of
Singapore and emphasis on economic 10), second only to “honesty” (8.92).9
performance has led to a society occupied with
profit-making and competition. The 2012 study by 4. Most Singaporeans still feel a strong
th Barrett Values Centre and aAdvantage sense of belonging to Singapore but there
revealed that residents perceived Singapore seems to be a growing disconnect. The Urban
society to be “kiasu” (1154), competitive (823), Redevelopment Agency (URA) 2009 Lifestyle
and self-centred (653).1Appreciation and Survey found that close to 90% agreed that they
development of “softer” skills such as creative feel a strong sense of belonging to Singapore. 10
thinking and artistic ambitions have thus been National Education Surveys in 2008 and 2010
side-lined.2 Despite efforts by the government to also showed that over 95% of youths feel proud
motivate local entrepreneurship and innovation in to be Singaporean.11 However, mounting living
Singapore, the results have not been costs, increased societal pressures and the
encouraging. The Global Entrepreneurship forces of globalisation seem to be reducing the
Monitor (GEM) 2012 Global Report found that confidence that Singaporeans can achieve their
Singapore was ranked lower than average for life aspirations in their own country. A 2012
perception of entrepreneurial opportunity and survey by Mindshare found that 56% of
capability while earlier development-stage respondents agreed that “given a choice, I would
economies such as China, Pakistan and Thailand like to migrate”.12 The number of Singaporeans
were rated as above average.3 living abroad for at least six cumulative months in
the previous 12 months rose by 27% in the last 9
2. Need for more graciousness in years to 200,000 in 2011.13 While these trends
Singapore. The Singapore Kindness Movement do not necessarily indicate a reduced sense of
(SKM) conducted a survey on the “State of belonging, if continued over the long term, it
Graciousness in Singapore” and found an could erode Singaporeans’ sense of attachment
unhealthy level of self-centeredness and self- to their own country.
absorption among Singaporeans. More than 60%
noted that “it is not possible for Singapore to 5. National Loyalty and National Pride
become a more gracious place due to the hectic Indexes seem stable but may have eroded in
and stressed lifestyle in Singapore” while 38% recent times with the negative reaction
disagreed.4 Ratings for graciousness appeared against increased immigration. The National
to have only marginally increased to 61 in 2012, Orientations of Singapore (NOS) survey
from 60 in 2011.5 conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies
(IPS) in 2009 suggested that after a slight decline
3 While rising occurrences of anti-social in national loyalty up till 2005, national loyalty
behaviour is a worrying trend, there is scores remained stable between 2005 and 2009.
evidence to suggest that Singaporeans are But the study also pointed out that 68% of
undergoing a values change and placing respondents agreed that the higher number of
more importance on empathy and foreigners could pose a possible threat to
inclusiveness. The discourse that Singaporeans national unity in Singapore.14
are facing an “empathy deficit” is a familiar one,
with stories of animal abuse6, school bullying, 6. Issues of heritage and nostalgia
inhumane living environments for foreign workers becoming increasingly important to
and public opposition to public facilities in
Singaporeans. Proposed demolishment of old
neighbourhood estates regularly surfacing.
sites such as Bukit Brown Cemetery has stirred
Recent online vitriol against foreigners also
much reaction amongst heritage enthusiasts and
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 8Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
other Singaporeans to call for a deceleration of
Singapore’s pace of urban development. Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee. (2013). Recommendations
from Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee. Retrieved 3 March 2013
Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed that from: http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-
Singaporeans are “showing a greater interest in 1304E73748D6/25320/AWLRCReport1Mar2013_1Mar2013.pdf
7
AsiaOne. (2012, August 26). PM Lee speaks out against xenophobia.
our culture and heritage”.15 There is also growing Retrieved 1 March 2013 from:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story201
interest amongst Singaporeans today to initiate 20826-367701.html
8
and participate in memory and heritage projects. Ong, A. (2012, December 24). Happiness, Singapore Style. Retrieved 3
March 2013 from: http://www.singapolitics.sg/features/happiness-singapore-
The Singapore Memory Project for instance has style
9
received immense public support with almost AsiaOne. (2012, March 9). What do we value more in Singapore. Retrieved
3 March 2012 from:
173,361 memories since its inception in 2011.16 http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story201
20309-332486.html
10
Urban Redevelopment Agency. (2009). URA Lifestyle Survey. Singapore:
7. Growth in Singapore’s art and cultural Urban Redevelopment Agency.
11
See, S. (2010, November 2). 95% of students say they are proud to be
space but continued censorship and Singaporean: survey. Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
commercialisation of art as commodity has http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1090896/1
/.html,
curtailed creative freedom. With more than 87 12
Hooi J. (2012, October 6). Singapore's emigration conundrum. The
arts and cultural activities taking place in Business Times, p. 6.
13
National Population and Talent Division. (2013). A sustainable population
Singapore daily, an increase in the number of for a dynamic Singapore. Retrieved 3 March 2013 from:
http://202.157.171.46/whitepaper/downloads/population-white-paper.pdf.
arts companies from 302 in 2003 to 856 in 2011 14
Institute of Policy Studies. (2010). Citizens and the nation: National
and a boost of government funding from $419 orientations of Singaporeans survey. [Press Release] Retrieved 2 March
2013 from:
million in 2010 to $437 million in 2011, the arts http://www.lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/docs/press/CNP__Pol_Part_Survey_Media
sector in Singapore has certainly grown.17 Across _Release_Report_3007_For_Ppts.pdf
15
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. (2012). Speech by Mr Lawrence
all income groups, there is an increase in the Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth at the
number of people who have attended at least Groundbreaking Ceremony for ACM Extension. Retrieved 3 March 2013
from:
one arts event a year from 2002 to 2009.18 Most http://app.mccy.gov.sg/Newsroom/SpeechbyMrLawrenceWongatACMGround
breaking.aspx
of this growth however is seemingly attributed to 16
Boey, E. (2011, July 29). Inch Chua slams lack of support for local
commercial arts and entertainment. Indeed, it musicians. YAHOO. Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/musicscene/inch-chua-slams-lack-support-
remains to be seen if the artistic expression of local-musicians-093158107.html
17
the local Singaporean society as a whole has National Arts Council (2011). Cultural Statistics of 2011. Singapore:
National Arts Council
seen the same level of vibrancy as the 18
Ibid, p.23
19
commercial arts sector. Despite calls to support Nunis, S. (2012). Putting your money in support of art. Retrieved 2 March
2013 from: http://nac.gov.sg/docs/success-stories/today's-manager-(sim-uni)-
the local arts and music scene, local artists still dec-2011_jan2012.pdf
20
feel that “they are not well-supported in Koh, J. (2012, February 29). Maiden Speech at Budget Debate. Retrieved
2 March 2013 from:
comparison to the foreign artists.”19 The need for http://blogs.todayonline.com/forartssake/2012/02/29/budget-speech-the-arts-
nmp-speaks-2/
permit applications and set limitations drawn up
on definitions of what is deemed as “acceptable”
and “non-disruptive” art have also impeded the
growth of the local arts scene. Increasingly, while
Singapore has positioned itself well as a global
arts hub, for arts and culture to be a “source of
civic pride”, Nominated Member of Parliament
Janice Koh noted that more needs to be done to
make art inclusive, accessible and supportive of
local productions.20
1
Sim, F. (2012, 24 August). Singapore is kiasu, competitive, self-centred:
survey. YAHOO. Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-is-kiasu--competitive--self-centred--
survey.html
2
Tan, K.P. (2008). Meritocracy and elitism in a global city: ideological shifts in
Singapore. International Political Science Review, 29(1): 7-27 and
Tan, K.P. (2001). “Civic society" and the "new economy" in patriarchal
Singapore: emasculating the political, feminizing the public. Crossroads: An
Interdisciplinary Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 15(2): 95-122.
3
Xavier, S.R., Kelley D., Kew J., Herrington, M., & Vorderwulbecke, A.
(2012). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2012 Global Report. Retrieved 2
March 2013 from: http://www.gemconsortium.org/docs/download/2645
4
Shafawi M. (2011, July 4). Singapore Kindness Movement survey findings.
Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1138735/1
/.html,
5
Singapore Kindness Movement. (2012). Most S’poreans are generally kind.
Retrieved 2 March 2013 from: http://kindness.sg/blog/2012/07/25/most-
sporeans-are-generally-kind/#.UTWGS6JyBJI
6
There has been a spike in animal abuse cases. From 2007 to 2011, the
number of animal abuse cases handled by the Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority of Singapore (AVA) rose from 292 to 399 from 2007 to 2011.The
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA) also witnessed
a steady rise in their cases from 870 in 2007 to 1027 in 2011.
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 9Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
Education ability. Singapore’s education system has been
Rating: (=) Neutral criticised for a heavy emphasis on memorisation
and less so on critical thinking and creativity. The
Education lays the foundation for a country’s system is a highly test-focused one and
development. It builds character and competence separates students based on their performance
of the people to take on challenges, find at an early age between high, middle and low
innovative solutions and make informed and achievers. This results in mounting stress among
logical decisions. students and has proven to be less conducive to
creative thinking.7
1. Singapore has maintained high
international rankings in the area of 7. Growing trend of private tuition which
education. Singapore continued to fare well in increases cost of education and lowers ability
global surveys in 2012 – it was ranked third in the of independent problem solving. The private
Global Competitiveness Report for the category tuition industry has been growing at a rapid pace
“Quality of education system” as well as in the in Singapore. The estimated amount spent on
World Competitiveness Yearbook for the tuition was $820 million in 2007-08.8 The OECD
category, “Education system meets the needs of report noted that socio-economic status has a
a competitive economy”.1 Singapore continues to significant impact on achievement in Singapore9.
be among the top in PISA, which is a worldwide Perceived competition for places in schools of
study and comparison of 15-year-old students’ choice compels many parents to invest heavily in
performance in mathematics, science and tuition classes for their children. This puts
reading.2 students whose parents cannot afford expensive
tuition classes at a disadvantage. Despite smaller
3. Low percentage of Gross Domestic family sizes, the average monthly household
Product (GDP) expenditure on education expenditure on education increased marginally
compared to other developed countries. For from 5.2% in 2002-03 to 5.3% in 2007-08.10 This
Singapore, the percentage GDP expenditure on higher cost puts pressure on students from
education is considerably lower at 3.3% financially strapped families. Over-dependence
compared to the Organisation for Economic Co- on private tuition also promotes undue stress for
operation and Development (OECD) countries students, and hampers them from becoming
where the average is 5.7%.3 Though this is creative and independent learners.
increased from 2.8% in 2008, there is a need to 1
Ministry of Finance. (2013). The Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for
reconsider whether the expenditure on education the Financial Year 2013/2014. Singapore: Ministry of Finance.
2
is adequate in light of what other developed Ministry of Education (2012). Corporate Brochure. Retrieved 5 March 2013
from: http://www.moe.gov.sg/about/files/moe-corporate-brochure.pdf
countries are doing.4 3
World Bank. (2012). Public spending on education, total (% of GDP).
Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
4. Poor performance of pre-school 4
5
Ibid.
Economist Intelligence Unit. (2012). Starting Well, Benchmarking Early
sector. In a study conducted by the Economist Education across the World. Retrieved 3 March 2013 from:
Intelligence Unit on pre-schools in 45 countries, http://www.lienfoundation.org/pdf/publications/sw_report.pdf
6
Hoe, Y.N. (2010, January 12). 18% of ITE students drop out of class, but
Singapore’s performance was disappointing. It attrition rate going down. Channel NewsAsia, Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
ranked 29th on the Starting Well Index, 25 th on http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1030143/1
/.html.
availability of education, 21st on affordability of 7
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (2010).
education and 30th on quality of education, Singapore: Rapid Improvement Followed by Strong Performance. Retrieved 4
March 2013 from: http://www.oecd.org/countries/singapore/46581101.pdf
among 45 countries.5 8
Department of Statistics. (2008). Household Expenditure Survey. Retrieved
2 March 2013 from: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/hhld/hes2007.pdf
9
OECD. (2010). Singapore: Rapid Improvement Followed by Strong
5. Fast improving, but still high, drop-out Performance. Retrieved 5 March 2013 from:
http://www.oecd.org/countries/singapore/46581101.pdf
rates from Institutes of Technical Education 10
Department of Statistics. (2008). Household Expenditure Survey. Retrieved
(ITEs). Although the drop-out rate from ITEs has 2 March 2013 from: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/hhld/hes2007.pdf
declined substantially over recent years, it still
remains at 18%.6 The issue of dropouts from the
ITE is a multi-faceted one with several socio-
economic factors influencing it. Students who
have dropped out of ITEs may find themselves
unable to receive the desired educational
outcomes and social inclusion. This further
increases their risks of underemployment.
6. Highly test-based system results in
high stress and lower creative thinking
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 10Singapore Social Health Project, 2013 Working Paper
Family responsibilities” as a key challenge to this.8 The
Rating: (-) Negative Internet Age, new forms of entertainment and
negative influences through the media make
parenting today an even more challenging task.
The family forms the bedrock of society. It is the
first line of care and support in society. A stable
4. Divorces and distressed families on
and loving family life provides individuals with a
the rise. The total number of divorces rose from
sense of security and contributes to their well-
5,071 in 2001 to 7,604 in 2011.9 The negative
being and resilience.
effects of divorces can reach into the long term,
1. Singaporeans value familial ties but especially for the children. In 2011, divorcing
these ties may be weakening. By and large, parties had about 4,800 children aged 14 and
below, most of whom were aged 5 to 9.10 The
Singaporeans regard family to be an important
after effects of divorce include remarriages,
part of their lives.1 However, surveys have found
leading to reconstituted families or single-parent
that the proportion of Singaporeans agreeing
households, both of which are on the rise.
they have a close-knit family and would give
money to family members in times of financial
Remarriages* 2001: 20% 2011: 26%
need have declined in recent years.2
One-person 2000: 8% 2010: 12%
households^
2. Fewer Singaporeans are getting *Remarriages as a percentage of all marriages.
married and having children. The general ^ One-person households as a proportion of all households.
marriage rate has seen a downward trend over
Sources: Department of Statistics, Census of Population (2010 and
the past decade. Singaporeans are also marrying 2011); and Statistics on Marriage & Divorce (2011).
later in life. This has led to a decline in the total
fertility rate from 1.6 in 2000 to 1.2 in 2011,3 Reconstituted and single-parent families face
resulting in a slowdown in family formation. difficulties that put them at risk of much higher
Singlehood is also on the rise. More singles are stress: step-parents and step-children need to
prioritising careers and education over marriage;4 learn to form new relationships; single-parent
and reported being unable to find suitable households, which are typically headed by a
partners.5 woman,11now become both the sole breadwinner
and caregiver. The number of people and
2000 2010 families approaching Family Service Centres for
Marriage rate* Men: 47 Men: 43.7 help in recent years has risen steadily, potentially
Women: 46.3 Women: 41.4
pointing to a rising tide of distressed families in
Median age of Men: 28.8 Men: 30.1
first marriages Women: 26.4 Women: 28 Singapore.12
(years)
2001 2010 5. Need for better consolidation and
Singlehood^ Men: 37% Men: 41% tracking of data on family violence as this
Women: 30% Women: 36% continues to be an area for concern. New
*Per 1,000 unmarried residents aged 15 – 44 years. personal protection orders filed against family
^ Percentage of Singaporean males and females aged 35 – 44 who
were single.
members range between 2,500 and 3,000
annually.13 Promoting Alternatives To Violence
Sources: Department of Statistics, Statistics on Marriage & (PAVE), a family violence specialist centre,
Divorces (2011); and National Family Council, State of the Family
Report (2011). recorded about 1,200 cases of domestic violence
between April 2010 and March 2011.14 It is
3. Parenting is under stress. Declining however encouraging that elder15 and child
birth rates have led to a decline in household abuse cases16 have declined since 2010.
sizes from an average of 4.2 persons in 1990 to According to the 2010 International Violence
3.5 in 2010.6 Coupled with a rapidly ageing Against Women Survey, while the rate of lifetime
population, this points to Singaporeans having violence in Singapore was the lowest at 9.2% as
less immediate family support to help care for compared to other countries such as Australia
young children and/or ageing parents. The and Hong Kong, the results revealed that 42% of
proportion of dual-income households has women who felt their lives to be in danger were
increased over the years.7 More time at work can “less likely to regard the incident as a crime or
lead to less parental supervision and parent-child wrong”.17 A 2008 study by the Society Against
time. While trend data in the use of time is not Family Violence (SAVH) noted that “prevalence
publicly available, recent survey results show that data collection for Singapore is limited” and that
most fathers wished to spend more time with household data survey with regard to the living
their children and most cited “work arrangements of family violence victims is
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 11Singapore Social Health Project, 2013 Working Paper
lacking.18 Given the complex and multi-faceted
13
nature of family violence, more comprehensive Subordinate Courts of Singapore. (2013). Caseload for 2007 to 2011.
Retrieved on 5 March 2013 from:
and discernible data is needed. http://app.subcourts.gov.sg/subcourts/page.aspx?pageid=27801
14
Yong, A. (2011, October 9). Trivial row can explode into violence. The New
Paper, p. 6.
6. Rise in foreign marriages and spousal 15
The Ministry of Social and Family Development stated a fall in reported
elderly abuse cases from 184 in 2010 to 170 in 2011 in an oral answer to a
violence involving foreigners. The number of parliamentary question reply on 14 May 2012.
16
Singaporeans marrying foreigners rose from The Ministry of Social and Family Development reports on its website a
drop in the number of child abuse cases from 192 in year 2010 to 118 in 2011
6,700 in 2001 to almost 9,000 in 2011.19 Marital and 94 in 2012.
unions between local men and foreign brides Ministry of Social and Family Development. (2013). Child Abuse
Investigations. Retrieved 5 March 2013 from:
made up 80% of all such unions in 2011.20 http://app.msf.gov.sg/ResearchRoom/ResearchStatistics/ChildAbuseInvestig
ations.aspx
Cross-cultural differences can make the 17
Othman, Z. (2010, January 29). Growing number of educated women
transition from singlehood to transnational experiencing domestic violence. ChannelNewsAsia.com, Retrieved 2 March
2013 from:
marriage particularly difficult. In some cases, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1033903/1
spousal violence ensues. There is presently no /.html
18
Society Against Family Violence (2008). Singapore’s Response to Family
coordinated effort to track abuse cases but PAVE Violence: 1997 to 2007 – What Comes Next? Accessibility and
registered 80% more spousal violence cases Dissemination. Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/ips/docs/events/CDD_CEDAW%20Report_05031
involving foreigners in 2010 compared to 2009. 2/Singapores%20Response%20to%20Family%20Violence_2008.pdf
19
Almost all of them were foreign brides.21 National Population and Talent Division. (2012). Population in Brief, 2012.
Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.nptd.gov.sg/content/NPTD/home/_jcr_content/par_content/downlo
1
In the 2010 Family Values Survey conducted by the National Family ad_8/file.res/Population%20in%20Brief%202012%20_final_.pdf
20
Council, 91% of survey respondents regarded the family to be the most Ibid.
21
important aspect of their lives. This was followed by 48% for work and 35% Tan, T. (2011, March 19). More abused foreign brides seeking help. The
for friends. Straits Times, p. D4.
National Family Council. (2011). Family Values Survey 2010. Singapore:
National Family Council.
2
The Survey on Social Attitudes of Singaporeans conducted by the Ministry
of Community Development, Youth and Sports found the percentage of
Singaporeans who agree that they have a close-knit family fell from 97% (in
2001) to 89% (in 2009); and those who agreed that they would give money to
family members in financial need dropped from 99% in 2001 to 90 in 2009.
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. (2009). Survey on
the Social Attitudes of Singaporeans. Singapore: Ministry of Community
Development, Youth and Sports.
3
Department of Statistics. (2012). Yearbook of Statistics 2012. Retrieved 4
March 2013 from: www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/reference/yos12/yos2012b.pdf
4
According to the 2009 Singles’ Attitudes Towards Courtship & Marriage
Survey, the two most commonly cited goals to be achieved before marriage
were attaining financial stability (82% in 2009, compared to 73% in 2005) and
establishing a successful career (71% in 2009, compared to 62% in 2005).
Social Development Network. (2009). Singles’ Attitudes Towards Courtship &
Marriage Survey. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.nfc.org.sg/pdf/Requestor_SOFR%202011%20Cicada%20v8%20F
inal.pdf
5
According to a 2012 survey conducted by the National Population and
Talent Division, unsuitable partners and preference to focus fully on
jobs/studies were the top two reasons for singlehood in Singapore. Cited in
Wong, T. (2013, January 4). Say ‘I do’ one day? Yes, but…. The Straits
Times, p. A1.
6
Department of Statistics. (2011). Census of Population 2010 Statistical
Release 2 – Households and Housing and State of the Family Report 2011.
Singapore: Department of Statistics.
7
The proportion of dual-income households has increased from 41% in 2000
to 47% in 2010.
Department of Statistics. (2011).Census of Population 2010 Statistical
Release 2 – Households and Housing and State of the Family Report 2011.
Singapore: Department of Statistics.
8
According to the 2009 Fatherhood Perception Survey, 96% of fathers
surveyed wished they could spend more time with their child. The most widely
cited challenge to spending time with children was “work responsibilities”
(63%).
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. (2009). Fatherhood
Perception Survey. Singapore: Ministry of Community Development, Youth
and Sports.
9
Department of Statistics. (2011). Statistics on Marriage & Divorces, 2011.
Singapore: Department of Statistics.
10
Ibid.
11
According to the 2005 General Household Survey, 67% of the 116,688
households in single, divorced and widowed settings that consist of one or
more family nuclei are headed by a woman.
Lien Centre for Social Innovation. (2011). Unmet social needs in Singapore.
Retrieved 5 March 2013 from:
http://www.lcsi.smu.edu.sg/downloads/Unmet_Social_Needs_in_Singapore.p
df.
12
According to NCSS’ annual reports, the number of individuals and families
helped by Family Service Centres rose by 10% from 24,036 in FY2009 to
26,386 in FY 2011.
National Council of Social Service. (2009 & 2012). Annual Report FY2009 &
2011. Retrieved 3 March 2013 from:
http://www.ncss.gov.sg/documents/ARFY2009.pdf and
http://www.ncss.gov.sg/documents/ARFY2011.pdf
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 12Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
Healthcare year on year, is lower (18.3) than other
Rating: (-) Negative developed countries such as Japan (22),
Australia (28) New Zealand (23) and United
Access to healthcare, its quality and affordability, States (27).9
are among the most important indicators of a
developed society. Good healthcare is critical for 4. The percentage Gross Domestic
the well-being of society. Product (GDP) expenditure on health is lower
than other developed countries. The
1. The need for healthcare has percentage GDP expenditure on health for most
dramatically increased with ageing developed countries such as Sweden,
population, rising prevalence of risk factors Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom is
as well as chronic illnesses. It is projected that roughly around 10-11%. Singapore falls far
by 2030, 1 in 5 people would be aged 65 and behind these countries with percentage GDP
above. This is almost thrice the current number expenditure at 4%.10 Government expenditure on
of elderly in Singapore.1 Alongside, the health as a percentage of GDP fell from 1.3% in
prevalence of risk factors such as obesity (6.9% FY2009 to 1.2% in FY2011.11
in 2004, 10.8% in 2010) and chronic diseases
such as diabetes (8.2% in 2004, 11.3% in 2010) 5. Healthcare is becoming more
is increasing.2 High prevalence of these expensive, particularly for the low-income
conditions reflects poor preventive health and group. The proportion of monthly household
sub-optimal lifestyles. These conditions pose an expenditure on healthcare has increased from
increased challenge in healthcare management. 5.7% in 2002-03 to 6.0% in 2007-08 for the
In 2007, the Health Adjusted Life Expectancy bottom 20%.12 The average bills for all ward
was 71.6 years for males and 75.8 years for classes saw a significant increase between 2006
females while life expectancy at birth was 78.1 and 2010. The biggest jumps were in the
for males and 82.9 for females.3 This implies that subsidised C class bills which rose from 60% to
people are spending an average of 7 years of 90%, depending on the disease condition. 13
their lives in sickness.4 This group of people Considering wage stagnation in the lowest 20%
requiring medical attention will increase of the population,14 increasing expenditure on
dramatically with the growing elderly population. healthcare could perpetuate poverty. In addition,
since Medisave is an individual responsibility and
2. Intermediate and Long Term Care not a risk-pooling mechanism, the poor may not
(ILTC) services have not kept up with have sufficient savings to pay for their medical
increasing demand. The old age support ratio in bills.15
Singapore has been consistently declining (from
9.0 in 2000 to 6.7 in 2012).5 Yet the numbers of 6. Private expenditure on health as a
non-residential ILTC service providers have percentage of total health expenditure has
shrunk from 69 in FY2009 to 68 in FY2011.6 With increased. The private expenditure on health
smaller families and fewer caregivers available, has increased from 55% in 2001 to 64% in 2010.
more data is required on ILTC capacity. Private expenditure percentage peaked at 70% in
Anecdotally, community-based healthcare 2007. This is much higher than in other countries
services are still insufficient to cater to the needs such as Sweden (13%), the United Kingdom
of all those who need it. For example, the waitlist (16%) and the United States (46%).The out-of-
for subsidised beds in nursing homes has been pocket expenditure as a percentage of private
lengthening. With limited institutional capacity expenditure has decreased from 95% in 2001 to
this would be an area of concern for the future. 85% in 2010 but is still significantly higher than
other developed countries. In countries with
3. Overburdened public sector heath similar levels of out-of-pocket expenditures, the
facilities. The 2010 primary care survey private expenditure on healthcare is significantly
revealed that 14% of General Practitioners in the lower than in Singapore.16 The medical co-
public sector catered to the needs of 45% of payment scheme was institutionalised in
patients with chronic illnesses as well as the Singapore to prevent reckless spending on
primary care needs of 50% of the elderly, healthcare. But without a cap on out-of-pocket
alongside caring for those with acute illnesses.7 expenditure by individuals, this could lead to
This implies an overworked primary care public financially catastrophic medical expenses for
healthcare sector. Also the bed occupancy rate in people in need of intensive medical care.17
acute hospitals has been increasing (80.6% in 1
Committee on Ageing Issues. (2006). Report on the Ageing Population.
2010 to 84.6% in 2012).8 The number of Retrieved 3 March 2013 from:
physicians per 10,000 people, though increasing
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 13Singapore Social Health Project Report, 2013 Working Paper
http://app.msf.gov.sg/Portals/0/Summary/research/Chapter%201%20-
%20Demographic%20Realities.pdf
2
Ministry of Health. (2012). Disease Burden. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/statistics/Health_Facts_Sing
apore/Disease_Burden.html
3
Department of Statistics. (2012). Complete Life Tables 2006-2011 for
Singapore Resident Population. Retrieved 2 March 2013 from:
http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/lifetable06-11.pdf
4
Ibid
5
Department of Statistics. (2012). Statistics – Population. Retrieved 5 March
2013 from: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/charts/popn-area.html#popnC
6
Ministry of Health. (2012). Health Facilities. Retrieved 6 March 2013 from:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/statistics/Health_Facts_Sing
apore/Health_Facilities.html
7
Ministry of Health. (2011). Primary Care Survey 2010 – Profile of Primary
Care Patients. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/Publications/information_pap
ers/2011/primary_care_survey2010profileofprimarycarepatients.html
8
Ministry of Finance. (2013). The Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for
the Financial Year 2013/2014.
9
World Health Organization. (2011). Health workforce, infrastructure,
essential medicines: Health workforce data by country. Retrieved 4 March
2013 from: http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.67
10
ibid.
11
Ministry of Health. (2013). Government Health Expenditure. Retrieved 6
March 2013 from:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/statistics/Health_Facts_Sing
apore/Government_Health_Expenditure.html
12
Ministry of Health. (2010). Consumer Price Indices (CPI) & Household
Healthcare Expenditure. Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/statistics/Health_Facts_Sing
apore/Consumer_Price_Indices_CPI_and_Household_healthcare_Expenditur
e.html.
13
Khalik S. (2011, January 8). Jump in hospital bills over past four years. The
Straits Times, Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/News/Pages/Jump-in-hospital-bills-over-
past-four-years.aspx
14
Department of Statistics. (2012). Key Household Income Trends.
Retrieved 5 March 2013 from:
http://www.singstat.gov.sg/publications/publications_and_papers/household_i
ncome_and_expenditure/pp-s19.pdf
15
Lim, J. and Lee D. (2012). Re-making Singapore Healthcare. In Kang, S. H.
& Leong, C.H. (Ed.) Singapore Perspectives. Singapore: World Scientific for
IPS.
16
World Health Organization. (2011). Health expenditure: Health expenditure
ratios data by country (all years). Retrieved 4 March 2013 from:
http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.1900ALL
17
Lim J (2013, March 2). Transform the way healthcare is delivered. The
Straits Times, Retrieved 20 March 2013 from:
http://insightshealthassociates.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/transform-the-way-
healthcare-is-delivered-st-2-mar-2013/
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, 2013. All rights reserved. 14You can also read
