singapore context pt1

What are Singapore’s Four National Taps?

Local catchment, Imported water (Malaysia), NEWater, Desalinated water

How is NEWater used in Singapore?

For industrial use (e.g., wafer fabrication plants) and blended into reservoirs during dry spells

What tension does Singapore’s water strategy highlight?

Ideal (self-sufficiency & sustainability) vs Pragmatic (energy-intensive process with carbon cost);

What is the Singapore Green Plan 2030?

A national movement toward sustainability: green economy, clean energy, zero waste, food resilience

What is POFMA and why is it controversial?

Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act — aims to stop fake news, but criticised for restricting free speech

What global rankings showcase Singapore’s governance?

5th least corrupt (Transparency Int’l 2023), top in financial stewardship (Chandler Good Government Index 2024);

What is the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)?

HDB housing policy introduced in 1989 to ensure racial mix in neighbourhoods, prevent enclaves

Why is the 1964 Racial Riot significant in Singapore’s history?

It highlighted the fragility of social harmony and drove strong multiracial policies and laws

What law helps maintain religious peace in SG?

Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA)

What is Singapore’s Smart Nation Masterplan?

A push for digital transformation across sectors like health, transport, government, business

What are some inclusivity challenges in the Smart Nation plan?

Seniors and low-income groups may lack access or digital literacy, raising equity concerns

What is Age Well SG?

A national programme to support seniors through community activities, accessible services, and senior-friendly homes

What is Singapore’s life expectancy and fertility rate (2023)?

Life expectancy: 84.79 years | Fertility rate: 0.97 (record low)

How is Singapore’s economy structured?

Driven by manufacturing (20–25% GDP), financial services, tourism, biomedical and clean energy

How has Singapore shown economic resilience?

Successfully weathered the 1997 Asian financial crisis and 2008 global crisis

What is the core purpose of Singapore’s technocratic governance?

Decision-making based on expertise and pragmatism rather than populism

What are examples of core tensions Singapore often navigates?

Ideal vs Pragmatic (e.g., NEWater vs energy use); Inclusivity vs Efficiency (e.g., Smart Nation access); Individual vs Greater Good (e.g., EIP quotas); Short-term vs Long-term (e.g., Green economy transition)