Why Singapore's Competitiveness Is The Enemy

Recent data paints a complex picture of Singapore's social fabric. While the nation demonstrates the highest level of social cohesion in Southeast Asia, signs of strain are emerging. An Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey revealed a concerning trend: the average number of close friends Singaporeans have has significantly shrunk, and there's a growing preference for interacting with people of similar income levels. This subtle fracturing of social circles highlights the deep-seated impact of economic disparity on everyday relationships, creating silos that undermine the "we first" ideal.

This relentless pressure begins in the education system, which critics argue is so consumed with exams and fear of failure that it leaves little room for cultivating a collective spirit. The call for a revamp, starting from primary school, is growing louder. The argument is that children need the time and space to play, explore, and learn cooperation before they can be expected to grow into citizens who instinctively prioritise the community's well-being. Without foundational changes in how society educates its young, the "we first" vision remains a distant goal.

The government's Forward Singapore report acknowledges this societal shift, noting that younger Singaporeans increasingly seek meaning and purpose in their careers beyond just high salaries. The report is a roadmap for refreshing the nation's social compact, aiming to embrace wider definitions of success and value every individual's diverse aspirations. It signals a move to temper the harsher aspects of meritocracy and build a fairer, more inclusive society where contributions are measured by more than just paychecks and property ownership.

This top-down enablement is visible in initiatives like SG Cares, a national movement promoting volunteerism, and the establishment of a Singapore Government Partnerships Office to facilitate collaboration between citizens and state agencies. The goal is to act as an enabler for ground-up initiatives, supporting the work of non-governmental organisations, religious groups, and civil society. These efforts are crucial, as leaders in the community sector observe that change is difficult when people are accustomed to looking to the government for direction.

Despite these efforts, the volunteerism rate presents a mixed picture. While it has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, the median hours spent volunteering have decreased. There is a notable increase in volunteerism among youth, who are finding new ways to contribute through online advocacy and supporting ethical businesses, reflecting a shift in how the younger generation engages with social causes.

However, these community champions often face significant hurdles that test their resolve, primarily burnout and bureaucratic red tape. The passion that fuels these projects can wane under the pressure of tight margins and the emotional toll of the work. Furthermore, navigating a tangle of applications and approvals from various agencies for simple community events can be frustrating and demoralizing, turning acts of civic goodwill into administrative nightmares. This highlights a critical disconnect where the desire to contribute is stifled by the very systems that should be supporting it.

Technology further complicates this landscape, acting as both a unifier and a divider. Social media can amplify calls for collective action, enabling movements like SG Climate Rally and facilitating rapid organization for mutual aid. Yet, it also risks trapping users in ideological echo chambers, reinforcing a sense of "us versus them" that runs counter to a unified "we." The challenge is to harness the connective power of digital platforms to foster genuine empathy and solidarity, ensuring that online engagement translates into meaningful real-world support rather than performative activism.

The path forward involves softening the sharpest edges of meritocracy and creating a more inclusive definition of the Singapore Dream. This includes initiatives to reduce wage gaps, especially for "hand" and "heart" jobs, and providing greater support for mid-career workers to reskill and transition. By rewarding diverse talents and creating multiple pathways to success, the nation can begin to dismantle the narrow, unforgiving benchmarks that have long defined personal achievement.

​This cultural evolution will not be swift. It requires sustained effort from the government to lead with policies that foster security and inclusivity, an education system that prioritizes collaboration as much as competition, and a civil society that continues to create spaces for difficult but necessary conversations. The optimism from community leaders, who see the "we first" spirit already in action through countless ground-up initiatives, suggests that Singaporeans are ready for this change. The challenge now is to create the structural and cultural conditions that allow this spirit to move from the margins to the mainstream, truly transforming the nation's character for the decades to come.