Introduction to the Social Service Landscape in Singapore
How much does a Singaporean need to live sustainably in Singapore for a month? According to Simon, you would need S$2000, about 50,000 Baht, or S$10,000 for two individuals. There's an often-repeated saying: if you're a foreigner, you won't get sick in Singapore; but if you're a Singaporean, you won't ever be out of a job. This statement highlights the significant level of social protection afforded to Singaporeans but also the expectation of self-reliance and employment.
Over 90% of the Singaporean population enjoys affordable housing, a remarkable statistic worldwide. However, this safety is tenuous, as becoming homeless is a harsh reality for those without jobs or a supporting network. Housing costs alone can run up to S$1800 per month for a room in private accommodation.
Welfare System in Singapore
Interestingly, Singapore's welfare system is designed to be a 'trampoline', not a 'safety net'. This system is meticulously crafted to address specific needs, such as public housing, job placement services, childcare subsidies, and cash grants for the elderly and disabled. The welfare schemes are tailored to promote self-reliance and minimize moral hazard, ensuring that recipients do not develop a reliance on government support.
Welfarism and Moral Hazard
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has a socialist origin, as evidenced by its policies from the 1960s. A pivotal change occurred in the 1970s following Lee Kuan Yew's (LKY) visit to Colonial Hong Kong (HK). LKY observed that the British colonial government provided minimal support for the underclass in HK, yet HK thrived. This experience led LKY to recalibrate Singapore's welfare system, aiming to prevent moral hazard where welfare recipients might misuse funds on items like alcohol and cigarettes. Despite this recalibration, public housing, managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), remains a cornerstone of the welfare system as it is seen as a foundation for social stability.
Why Public Housing Is a Priority
The government's emphasis on public housing stems from the recognition that shelter is fundamental to societal well-being. Singapore, being a relatively young nation, lacks a significant upper class. The lack of a Western-style industrial revolution created a different social and economic landscape, one that does not naturally produce the class of wealthy industrialists seen in Western nations.
Government Communication and Class Realities
Official communications in Singapore tend to focus on racial and religious harmony. The working, middle, and upper classes receive less attention, if any, in public discourse. Yet, these classes exist and play a vital role in the economic and social fabric of the nation. This oversight highlights the unique challenges and nuances faced by a country that has rapidly grown into a global financial center while maintaining strict control over social welfare.
Understanding the state's underlying psyche is crucial for comprehending the social service landscape in Singapore. The government's goal is to foster a society where individuals are encouraged to be self-reliant and employed, even if their wage is low, unless medically unable to do so. This approach ensures a sustainable economy and social stability.
In conclusion, the welfare system in Singapore is a carefully crafted balance of support and self-reliance. It prioritizes public housing and maintains a focus on economic and social classes that are often underrepresented in official narratives. This model reflects a unique approach to social welfare that seeks to enhance self-reliance while maintaining social order.