Chapter 4

Examples:
- New Zealanders bond through rugby and are all familiar with a tradition
practice called haka, which is a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength and
unity
- Singaporeans celebrate National Day on 9th August every year, to mark its
and progress as a nation.
- From 2011 to 2013, at least one in five of all marriages in Singapore were
inter-ethnic marriages

Socio-economic status
- In Budget 2015, the government announced that the GST Voucher – Cash
quantum will increase by $50 across the board, to help lower-income
households with their cost of living, benefitting about 1.4 million Singaporeans
- Workfare income supplement, Additional CPF Housing Grant, Medifund, MOE
Financial Assistance Scheme, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS),
Programmes for Persons with Disabilities (DAC, ADH)
Chapter 5: Why is there greater diversity in Singapore now?

1. Immigration Policy (foreign manpower)

- Maintains an open-door policy regarding the hiring of foreign workers since
the 1990s
- The number of Singapore Citizenships granted increased from 17,334 in 2007
to 20,572 in 2013

2. Economic Opportunities
- The stable political environment and its growth potential has resulted in
Singapore’s reputation as a business hub, and its world-renowned efficiency
has attracted about 7,000 Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to set up
operations here
- Singapore’s GDP per capita increased from 41,018 in 2000 to 71,318 in 2014,
hence highlighting its stability and the myriad of economic opportunities that it
offers
- There were about 340,000 foreign professionals in Singapore in 2014,
complementing local PMETs to ensure Singapore’s economy remain vibrant
and competitive in the world

3. Socio-Cultural Environment
- Strong Community Support
● Foreign workers play street soccer at the Singapore Contractors
Association Ltd (SCAL), a recreation centre catered to foreign workers
● The Golden Mile Complex, dubbed “Little Thailand”, offers many
authentic Thai eateries and remittance centres where Thai nationals
can send money to their families back home
- Safe Environment
● In 2014, Singapore was franked the second safest country in the world
based on social order and security
● Crime rates have declined 5%, from 584 per 100,000 people in 2012 to
555 per 100,000 people in 2013, and have been declining since 2005
- Quality Education System
● Polytechnics and universities offer high standards of certifications and
a wide range of courses, from the Sciences, Engineering, Humanities
and Arts. Singapore have attracted about 80,000 international students
in 2014
Chapter 6: What are the experiences and effects of living in a diverse society?
1. Interactions
- OnePeople.sg
● Organised CampTeen, a youth racial harmony ambassadors
programme where youth volunteers dedicated to the cause of
promoting harmony bring youths from all races together to participate
in bonding activities, fostering interactions and friendships among
different ethnic communities
- People’s Association (PA)
● Organise neighbourhood gatherings, and field trips (e.g. Kampong
Glam) to promote racial harmony and cohesion, creating common
space by offering a wide range of community programmes and
volunteering opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life

2. Exchange and Appreciation

- Culture
● Food: Chef Willin Low created fusion between Singaporean and
modern European dining (squid ink mantou, laksa pesto linguini, char
siew pork burger)
- Music
- Fashion
- Skills and Knowledge
● The Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) of the Agency for Science,
Technology, and Research funds and supports public research
initiatives in Singapore
● Collaboration between Singapore’s A*Star and Switzerland’s Cytos
Biotechnology AG led to the discovery of the H1N1 flu vaccine

3. Challenges
- Prejudice and Misconceptions
 ● Arabs and Muslim-Americans became victims of hate crimes in
America after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and were stopped for
questioning by public officers because of their appearance
● In 2010, a pastor of a large Christian church was questioned by the
Internal Security Department (ISD) for contentious remarks about
Buddhism made in a video of a sermon
● In 2015, 16-year-old Amos Yee faced serious criminal charges for
wounding religious feelings, harassment and posting obscenities.
- Competition for Resources: Concerns over standard of living
● The rail network in Singapore will expand by about 100 kilometres to a
total length of 280 kilometres in 2021 to allow convenient access to
amenities, integrated transport nodes and services
● The total foreign workforce increased from 1.26 million in 2012 to 1.4
million in 2017, causing the loss of jobs for the older white-collar
Singaporean workers
● The monthly levy for Work Permit holders have been increasing since
2010 to reduce the inflow of foreign manpower into Singapore
- Competition for Resources: Concerns over social mobility
● Meritocracy allows all students regardless of socio-economic status an
opportunity to excel in their studies. In practice are the Edusave
Scholarship and Merit Bursary Schemes that reward the top 10% and
25% of students in schools respectively
Chapter 7: How can we respond in a diverse society?

1. Assimilation (France)
- Education
● Secular education system (no discussion about religion)
● Adaptation classes are also conducted for the children of immigrants to
help them
● improve their French and eventually join regular French schools,
strengthening the French national identity
● Plans to increase the number of free french classes for immigrants
from 200 hours to 400 hours a month
- Employment
● The government introduced the Diversity Charter, a written
commitment which allowed companies to articulate their support for a
discrimination-free workplace
- Naturalisation Process
● Since 1998, it became necessary for all immigrants to undergo French
language courses, and attend a day of civic education about life in
France before they gain permanent residency, helping them to develop
basic knowledge about life in France, and what being a French national
means
● Individuals need to demonstrate knowledge of the culture in French,
French language proficiency and pass a French Cultural Test to be
eligible for French nationality

- Tensions arising from assimilation policy in France

● In 31 December 2003, Sikh men march in Paris in a demonstration
against a planned law to restrict the wearing of religious symbols in
public schools
● Muslims took to the streets in France to demonstrate against the 2004
ban on the wearing of religious items in public

2. Integration (Singapore)
- Differences are recognised and respected (immigrants retain their unique
identities while forging common ground with the groups already living in the
host country)
- Policies
● Bilingual Policy
❖ The policy of bilingualism was introduced in schools in 1966, in
which students are expected to learn English and one of the
official Mother Tongue Languages (MTLs), helping to foster a
sense of belonging and promote better integration across
different ethnic groups, allowing us to preserve our cultural
identity and heritage and also to improve rootedness and our
sense of identity
❖ Through forging a common language, there will fewer
misunderstandings between different ethnic groups, resulting in
an increased tolerance and an increase in social harmony

● Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR)

❖ To safeguard and ensure that laws passed by Singapore’s
parliament are not discriminatory against any racial and religious
community
❖ Responsible for scrutinising legislation

● Group Representation Constituency (GRC)

❖ At least one of the MPs in the group representing a GRC must
belong to a minority ethnic community (Malay, Indian, other
minority communities), in order to ensure that the concerns and
needs of minority groups are represented in Parliament

● Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)

❖ Introduced in 1989 to achieve a balanced ethnic mix in HDB
estates and to prevent the formation of ethnic enclaves
❖ Helps to foster racial harmony among the various ethnic groups,
and strengthens social cohesion in Singapore
❖ Serves as a platform for different ethnic races to learn to
accommodate each other’s practices and customs, effectively
managing social-cultural diversity

- Naturalisation Initiatives
 ● Singapore Citizenship e-Journey
❖ Online journey that allows new citizens to learn about Singapore
at their own pace and convenience
❖ Includes information on our history and development as a
country, key national policies, Total Defence, as well as
Singapore’s effort in building a cohesive and harmonious society

● Community Sharing Session

❖ A platform for new citizens to reflect on their journey towards
citizenship, share their hopes and aspirations for Singapore,
meet other new citizens and learn how they can actively
participate in the community

● Singapore Experiential Tour

❖ A half day tour organised to bring new citizens to key historical
landmarks and national institutions where they learn about
Singapore’s history and the management of national challenges
in urban planning, transport, water resources, as well as security
and defence

- Common Experiences
● National Service
❖ All male and Singapore Permanent Residents are required to
serve NS for two years, to ensure Singapore’s security and
sovereignty
❖ Brings people from diverse racial, religious, and educational
backgrounds to train and serve together, developing the sense
of collective interest above the self
❖ Common life-shaping experiences help to foster greater
cohesiveness among the people and help create a strong
national identity

● Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) Quota

❖ In March 2010, the SPR quota was introduced for non-
Malaysian SPR households buying HDB flats and is set at 5%
for neighbourhoods and 8% for blocks
❖ This facilitates better integration of SPR households and prevent
enclaves from forming in public housing estates

- Community Support
● Community Integration Fund (CIF)
❖ A mobile application “SG Sauce” provides users with the
information about the Singaporean way of life
 ❖ A play titled “We are like this only!” allowed both locals and new
immigrants to laugh at each other and themselves and showed
different viewpoints within the Indian community, hence they
would find it easier to relate to locals

- Tensions that Arise

● Erosion of the Singaporean identity, affecting social cohesion
● In a survey conducted in 2011, with around 1,000 Singaporeans, more
than 73% of them feel their job security has been compromised due to
the increased competition with the immigrants

3. Healthcare
Management and Impact of Socio-economic Diversity (Healthcare)

1. Market-based Approach: USA

What is the Market-based Approach?
 ● Government gives citizens the freedom to decide how much they wish to pay
for healthcare and allows the market to determine the provision of services to
meet healthcare needs
● No national policy guiding the healthcare system in USA
● Types of hospital in USA:
○ Profit making private hospitals: Provide healthcare services which are
optional (plastic surgery) or for those with higher incomes (21%)
○ Not for profit hospitals: Provide both essential and optional care (58%)
○ Public government hospitals: Non-profit and provide essential
healthcare services (diabetic care) (21%)
● Prices vary significantly as healthcare providers can set prices they want
○ E.g. mammogram in New York can cost from less than US$100 to
more than US$1700
● Americans have to cope with the cost of healthcare on their own and are
expected to buy medical insurance (which is not affordable for everyone)

Keeping healthcare affordable in the USA

● Majority of Americans who are from middle and higher socio-economic status
groups obtain medical insurance as part of their employment package
● Medicare
❖ Health insurance for Americans aged 65 or older, also covers those
under the age of 65 but have disabilities and permanent kidney failure
❖ Provides free services in assisting the elderly to find nursing homes,
hospitals, home care services, inpatient rehabilitation facilities etc.
● Medicaid
❖ Health insurance available to people and families who have limited
income or have disabilities
● Legislation on Emergency Medical Treatment
➢ Emergency departments in hospitals that receive payment from
Medicare are required by law to provide care to anybody needing
emergency treatment until he/she is stable
➢ Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labour Act (passed in 1986)
was implemented to ensure patient access to medical care and to
prevent the practice of patient dumping

What are the challenges faced by the healthcare system in USA?

● Cost and coverage of medical insurance
○ Medical insurance premiums are higher as the insurance companies
charge higher in a market-based system to make profit
○ Americans of lower socio-economic status are more likely to not visit
doctors when they are sick and not take necessary tests, treatments or
follow-up care due to high costs
 ○ Americans with low income choose not to buy insurance
○ Small firms do not provide healthcare benefits for their employees, thus
many low-skilled workers not given healthcare insurance
○ Those who receive medical insurance as part of employment will also
lose it if they lose their jobs
● Stats: 16% of Americans, or close to 41 million, are still uninsured as of 2014
● Stats: Health insurance premiums cost few thousand dollars per year
○ Sections of society are excluded from obtaining essential healthcare
services
○ Only 10% of all Americans are able to afford private medical coverage
beyond what their employers provide
● The CommonWealth Fund, an organisation based in the USA, constructed an
overall ranking of 11 healthcare nations of industrialised nations and found
that the US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world and ranked
the worst out of the 11 nations based on indicators such as quality of care
received by patients and the general state of the population.

● Affordable Care Act / ObamaCare in 2014

❖ Families with low to moderate income are eligible for financial
assistance in obtaining insurance coverage, thus alleviating the
challenges caused by market based approach
● In 2009, the Los Angeles Forum, a music arena that once hosted sell-out
concerts, was transformed for eight days into a vast field hospital offering free
healthcare

2. Shared Responsibility Approach: Singapore

What is the Shared Responsibility Approach?
● Balance between personal responsibility and the role that the government
plays in providing healthcare
● Government
❖ Provide heavy subsidies (B2 and C class wards) (up t0 80% subsidy of
total bill in public hospital wards)
 ❖ Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC) services provide further
community care and treatment to patients who are stable enough to be
discharged from hospitals
● Individuals: Collective responsibility by society through risk-pooling
○ Example: A portion of Singaporeans’ Central Provident Fund (CPF)
savings is set aside in Medisave to help them pay for healthcare
○ Encourages patients to take personal responsibility for their healthcare
choices (what type of services and where to seek these services)

How is healthcare kept affordable in Singapore?

● Singapore’s healthcare financing framework has multiple tiers of protection to
ensure that healthcare is affordable
● Government is mindful of balancing between inculcating personal
responsibility and providing for the lower income groups with subsidies and
safety nets
● Provisions of subsidies is tiered to ensure lower income groups receive more
support
● Cheaper outpatient services and drugs at public hospitals and polyclinics with
more government subsidies

● Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), introduced in 2012

○ Enables Singapore Citizens from lower- to middle-income households,
and all Pioneers, to receive subsidies for medical and dental care at
participating General Practitioners (GP) and dental clinics
○ Enjoy subsidised rates for healthcare services provided at specified
Community Health Centres (CHCs), whose services include Diabetic
Retinal Photography (DRP), Diabetic Foot Screening (DFS), nurse
counselling, dietetics and physiotherapy
○ Enhanced in 2014 to provide government subsidies for lower to middle
income Singaporean households
○ 1.3 Million eligible Singaporeans as of 30 June 2015

● Medisave
○ A compulsory individual medical savings account scheme
○ Working Singaporeans and their employers contribute a part of their
monthly wage into the account to save for future needs
○ helps to pay for medical treatment
○ Can be used to pay for medical care and hospitalisation expenses

● MediShield Life (Covers everyone for life)

 ○ A health insurance plan to help pay for large hospitalisation bills and
costly outpatient treatments, such as dialysis and chemotherapy for
cancer
○ Coverage benefits have been enhanced under MediShield Life, with
higher claim limits and lower co-insurance rates as compared to
Medishield
○ It allows Singaporeans to effectively share the responsibility of paying
for large bills by risk pooling the financial risks of major illnesses
○ Additional Premium Support for those who cannot afford premiums
even after subsidies

● Medifund
❖ An endowment fund that acts as a safety net for needy Singaporeans
who cannot afford to pay their medical bills even after heavy subsidies,
MediShield Life and Medisave

● Pioneer Generation
❖ In 2014, higher outpatient subsidies for specialist care and drugs were
introduced at public hospitals and polyclinics to help lower healthcare
costs for lower to middle income families
❖ Outpatient Care: Pioneers will receive additional subsidies on top of
existing subsidised services and medication at polyclinics & Specialist
Outpatient Clinics
❖ Disability Assistance: Cash of $1,200 a year for those with moderate to
severe functional disabilities under the Pioneer Generation Disability
Assistance Scheme.
❖ Medisave top ups: Pioneers will receive MediSave top-ups in their
MediSave Accounts annually for life

● These policies help to address rising socio-economic diversity and ensure that
quality and affordable healthcare is available to all Singaporeans, regardless
of income levels
● REDUCE OUT OF POCKET PAYMENTS

What are the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Singapore?

● Balancing healthcare affordability with rising healthcare costs in the context of
a rapidly ageing population
● Managing growing demand for healthcare
○ Singapore’s population grew 25 per cent over the past ten years and
will continue to grow over the next decade, as such, healthcare
services will need to grow in tandem
○ Ageing population need more intensive medical care, implicating on
infrastructure needed to support healthcare of the aged
 ○ From 2010 to 2015, there was a 24% increase in the number of
general and community hospital beds, from 7,700 to 9,500.
○ Focus is shifted away from hospitals and specialists towards primary
care through family doctors in the community to enable more
sustainable healthcare system
❏ Network of over 1,500 Private GP Clinics island-wide
❏ 18 Polyclinics (as of June 2015)

● Rising healthcare costs

○ Global healthcare inflation
○ See “How is healthcare kept affordable in Singapore?” for how the
government has attempted to help (mostly through providing more
subsidies for low-income families and elderly)
○ Shared Responsibility Approach

3. Government-financed Approach: Sweden

What is the Government-financed Approach?
● Based on the fundamental belief that all citizens should have access to
healthcare services regardless of background or socio-economic status
● Universal Access
❖ Every Swede has equal access to healthcare services regardless of
social class and income
● Choice of having Private Insurance
❖ Voluntary Health Insurance (VIH) is a form of private insurance policy
offered as a supplement to publicly financed healthcare, providing
faster access to medical services at GPs and hospitals
 ● Public healthcare is largely owned and financed by the government
○ Sweden healthcare is publicly governed and publicly owned
○ Both public and private providers are financed largely from public funds
○ The people pay a nominal sum of money for healthcare services as
part of co-payment
○ Average tax rates are higher to fund medical welfare

How is healthcare kept affordable in Sweden?

● Cost of providing this subsidised approach is sustained through heavy taxes
on the people
● National ceiling for out-of-pocket payments for healthcare visits is 122 euros
(when the ceiling is hit, patient pays no further charges for the 12-month
period)
● Patient has to pay full cost of prescribed drugs up to 122 euros, after which
subsidy becomes 100%
● All children are covered by the same protection scheme for prescription of
drugs, providing a maximum of 244 euros for all children within same
household during a 12-month period
● Private insurance in healthcare is supplementary

What are the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Sweden?

● High taxation for low healthcare cost
○ Taxes are about 50% of income
○ Besides income tax, there is also Value Added Tax (VAT) which is
similar to GST in Singapore
○ VAT is 25% in Sweden
○ Ageing population means that the tax burden will increasingly fall on a
smaller group of working citizens

● Growing number of people needing healthcare

○ Sweden is reviewing its government-financed approach to finance
healthcare as it has to contend with changes brought about my
immigrants and globalisation
○ Once homogenous society is becoming more diverse
○ Citizens of Eu are also eligible for some aspects of Sweden’s heavily
subsidised healthcare
○ Puts a strain on the system as they consume healthcare services
without paying the taxes needed to sustain the system
○ Competition for resources also increase
Chapter 8: What does it mean to live in a globalised world?

Forces Driving Globalisation

1. Developments in transportation (increasing capabilities and capacities)
● Sea: Singapore has the second busiest sea port, where 140,000
vessels arrival per year and it is connected to 600 ports in over 120
countries
● Air: Changi Airport is ranked as the world’s best airport, receiving
approximately 6,700 flights per week and has 320 cities as destinations
in 80 countries and territories
● Land: More than 130,000 vehicles cross the causeway between
Singapore and Malaysia daily and the two countries are in talks about 2
new links – the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High Speed Rail and the
Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System

2. Growth of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

- The number of MNCs increased from 37,000 in the 1990s to 80,000 in 2014
- Starbucks Coffee Company is the largest coffee chain in the world today,
with operations spanning over 65 countries
- Locally-owned MNCs: Eu Yan Seng, Singapore Airlines, Singtel
- Foreign-owned MNCs: Shell, Toyota, Pfizer (Pharmaceutical Company)
- Exchange of ideas. Between biotechnology MNCs, Novartis and Roche, to
conduct research and develop solutions to improve healthcare, leveraging
one another’s strengths and expertise in reaching their goals

3. Advances in Technology (Xiaomi Mi 4i, Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, Iphone

X)
- From the first public wireless telephone call made in 1973 to the invention of
the myriad of smartphones invented in the 2000s, offering special features
and functionalities such as faster processing speed and compatibility with
more advanced mobile networks
- As of 2014, there are currently 2.2 billion Internet users worldwide, with the
Internet at their fingertips, offering users instantaneous access to information
Chapter 9: How do we respond to tensions arising from some economic
impacts of globalisation

Singapore’s economy
- Limited resources to support production for its consumption
- Able to attract foreign investors to invest is due to its ability to enable
businesses to enhance and strengthen their important activities and leverage
economic opportunities in Singapore in order to expand their business in Asia
and the rest of the world
- Looks to the global economy for its expertise, products and services (attract
foreign investors) to sustain its economic growth
· In the 2000s, in order to reduce massive unemployment, the
Economic Development Board (EDB) set up initiatives to stimulate
entrepreneurship and expand research
· Focused more on technology and information-driven industries
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
· Refers to investments in a Singapore company by a company from
another country
· In 2012, the FDI in Singapore amounted to $747.7 billion
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
· Treaties between countries to establish a free trade area where the
exchange of goods and services can be conducted, without tariffs
or hindrances across their borders
· Leads to substantial amount of tariff savings and increased trading
between Singapore and its partner countries
· The USA and Singapore signed the US-Singapore Free Trade
Agreement (USSFTA) in 2004 and by 2012, total US investments in
Singapore had exceeded the volume in any other Asia-Pacific
country, including much bigger ones like Japan and Australia, while
Singapore companies have supported about 40,000 jobs in the US
· By seizing opportunities available in a global economy to
strengthen trading relationships, there will be more companies
looking to set up in Singapore, which will generate more tax
revenue and also create more good job opportunities for
Singaporeans, hence benefitting Singapore’s economic growth
Economic Downturns
- 2008 Global Financial Crisis, which was triggered in the USA and has
affected many countries in the world
 · Impact on Europe: European banks lose their money
· Impact on other countries: led to a further reduction in demand for
goods and services worldwide
· Impact on China: an estimated 20 million migrant workers had lost
their jobs in 2008, FDI to China was down by 22.5% in April 2009,
compared to April 2008 when FDI surged to 70.2%
· Impact on India: foreign investments feel from around US$20.5
billion in 2007 to US$11.5 billion in 2008

Singapore’s Response to the Global Financial Crisis

- Workers who lost their jobs were given help finding new ones
- Workers were also given opportunities to be retrained with new skills
- Lower income families were given assistance through rental debates
- Smaller Singaporean firms could obtain financing with reduced interest rates
and increased subsidies for their insurance premiums
- New businesses and smaller companies were granted further tax
exemptions

Economic Impacts on Companies

Higher Profits / Market Share

- MNCs set up their operations in different locations
· Allows access to new markets abroad
· Allows access to lower labour costs and cheaper resources such as
land and raw materials
 · American Company: PepsiCo (produces items such as potato
chips, orange juice and oats)
· Singapore companies: expanded operations overseas and offer a
wide range of products and services from healthcare, food and
fashion to technological expertise
· Examples: Super Group Ltd, CapitaLand Limited, Hyflux Ltd

Lower Profits / Market Share

- Face increased competition from other companies in the global economy
- Occurrence of trade-off
· SMEs contribute more than 50% of economic output and 70% of
employment in Singapore
· Since 2000, globalization resulted in an increase in the spread of
MNCs, bigger local companies and SMEs
· Many SMEs have found themselves unable to compete with larger
companies that offer the same products or services
· Challenges Faced: Shortage of Expertise, Shortage of Labour,
Small Domestic Market, Insufficient Profits, Competition from bigger
companies
· Example: In 2012, French hypermarket chain, Carrefour, closed its
only branch in Singapore after 15 years due to competition from
other companies offering similar products in Singapore

- Leverage on Globalisation to stay competitive

· Example: MMI Holdings, an SME, is the supplier of hard drive disks
for US-based Seagate Technology, an MNC
· Example: Goh Joo Hin Pte Ltd is the company behind household
brands, New Moon and Mili. The company remains competitive
through strategies like offering a wide range of food products and
keeping abreast of market trends in processed food.

- Incentives Offered by the Singapore Government

· Provides various forms of financial assistance to help SMEs at
different stages of growth
· Aids in SMEs’ efforts to venture abroad
· Facilitates partnerships between SMEs and larger corporations
· Provides financial assistance in the form of loans, grants and tax
incentives

Economic Impacts on Individuals

- Higher Income
· Globalization has facilitated mobility (better job prospects and
higher income), making it easier for individuals to look for jobs
overseas
 . Example: Engineer Jumadi Husani was headhunted to work in Dubai
for triple his pay in Singapore; life in Dubai is less stressful more
time for his family and plays golf almost everyday

- Loss of Income
· Adversely affected by increased competition as companies get
more access to foreign markets offering lower labour costs
· Lost of jobs as global companies close down their operations to
shift to another location
· Example: Many Americans lost their jobs in the 1970s, as the work
could be done by the people in China or India at a much lower cost
· Lost of jobs as workers are unable to equip themselves with the
skills required for those jobs (increase in the demand for cognitive
skills such as information processing and interpersonal skills)
· Example: Japanese fashion chain, Uniqlo first started product
operations in China because of the low labour cost, however, as
China’s manufacturing and labour costs rose, it was no longer
profitable for the company to base its product operations in China
hence, in 2013, Uniqlo moved out of China into Vietnam where
labour costs were half that of China’s.

Initiatives by the Government

- SkillsFuture
· A national movement aimed to provide Singaporeans with
opportunities to develop their fullest potential and develop a
mastery of skills throughout life
· Skills, passion and contributions of every individual will drive
Singapore’s next phase of development towards a more advanced
economy and inclusive economy
· 4 Key Thrusts
1. Help individuals make well-informed choices in education,
training and careers
 2. Develop an integrated high-quality system of education and
training that responds to constantly evolving needs
3. Promote employer recognition and career development based
on skills and mastery
4. Foster a culture that supports and celebrates lifelong learning

- Continuing Education and Training (CET) Masterplan

· Initiated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
· To support Singaporeans in remaining employable with new and
better skills
· Offers training courses relevant to Singapore workers

- Workfare Training Support Scheme (WTS)

· Allows for them to upgrade their skills in order to remain
employable, upgrade their jobs and earn higher wages
· Enhanced course fee and absentee payroll funding
· Training allowance for working Singaporeans who sponsor their
own training
· Training roadmap with customized classes
· Training Commitment Award to encourage workers to go for
continuous skills upgrading

- Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)

· To supplement the wages and retirement savings of the older low-
wage workers to encourage them to stay employed
Chapter 10: How do we respond to tensions arising from some cultural
impacts of globalisation

Cultural homogenization
- The process by which local cultures are changed by foreign cultures to
become more and more similar with aspect of foreign countries
- Lead to foreign cultural influences becoming dominant, thus reducing the
influence of local cultures
- Impact cultural diversity
- Foreign cultures are perceived to undermine cultural, moral and religious
values as well as threaten the local cultural industry
- Example: China pulls 2D Avatar from Theatres, Miley Cyrus Concert banned
in the Dominican Republic
- Example: Hundreds of thousands of Starbucks customers are served near
identical coffee in over 21,000 near identical stores in over 65 countries, as
compared to the single store in the USA 40 years ago, hence highlighting that
many have embraced the American culture.
- Example: English is the main language of communication in many areas
including business, science and higher education. In today’s Internet age, it is
use for 80% of the world’s electronically stored information, hence highlighting
that other languages can be overshadowed, posing a threat to the diversity of
languages in the world.

Cultural hybridization
- Occurs when the local and foreign cultures are blended, resulting in unique
combinations containing elements from both cultures
- Produce new cultural products and lead to changes to the nature of local
culture
- Example: Salsa, which is a Latin American group genre that originated in New
York, is a mixture of foreign Afro-Caribbean musical influences and North
American jazz and rock.

Homogenisation and Hybridisation in Entertainment

American Influence
- American entertainment companies generate close to 30% of worldwide
entertainment revenue (American films dominate the box offices of more than
150 countries and its film industry is a major provider of entertainment seen in
millions of homes around the world)
- Example: France places rules that 40% of the television programmes must be
in French and television programmes of non-European origins cannot exceed
40% of the programmes screened in the country.
- Example: In 2014, China placed restriction in which an annual limit of 34
foreign films could be imported, and there were periodic cultural blackout day
where foreign films could not be shown
- Example: When the film Kung Fu Panda was released in China in 2008, there
were calls to boycott the film because it was seen to be an inaccurate portrayal of
China culture (hybridisation taking place in American productions, fusion of local
and American influences)

Korean Influence
- Influence spread through television dramas, pop music, food, fashion,
language and tourism, Korean Wave (Hallyu)
- Music: K-pop groups such as Twice and Bigbang are gaining fan bases from
Asia to Europe and America, Korean films and dramas have become part of the
programming of many free-to-air and satellite television stations in countries
beyond Asia, including those in the Middle East (provides consumers with a wider
range of entertainment programmes to choose from)
- Food: Local supermarket chains like Fairprice and Giant have seen an
increase in their stock of South Korean food products. From having only 200
types of Korean products in 2008, Fairprice had over 400 types in 2013.
- Electronics: LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics are two of South
Korea’s biggest companies. Samsung overtook Apple to become the best-selling
smartphone brand in Singapore in 2014.

- Rejection: In August 2011, thousands of Japanese protesters rallied in front of

the headquarters of Fuji Television, a Japanese television network, to express
their unhappiness with the increasing presence of Korean programmes in the
network’s daily broadcast

- The impacts of Globalisation

· Varying degrees of acceptance and rejection of foreign cultural
influence, with some groups embracing foreign influences, while
 others attempting to protect local cultures from these foreign
influences
· Demonstrate the dynamic relationship between foreign and local
cultures as seen in the hybridisation of entertainment products

Homogenisation and Hybridisation in Food

- In Singapore alone, there are over 100 McDonalds and 80 KFC outlets.
- Offers a greater variety of food options and has provided locals with easier
access to foreign flavours without having to travel out of the country
- This spread of fast food outlets has been criticized as promoting the
homogenisation of food landscapes in the world, reducing cultural diversity.
- Spread of fast food threatens local cultures: During the 1980s and 1990s,
McDonalds expanded rapidly with the opening of restaurants beyond the USA.
- Although it provided customers with more choices beyond their local and
traditional food, its expansion was also met with resistance as some saw it as an
extension of American culture.
- Example: Many Italians protested against McDonald’s plans to build its first
fast food restaurant in Italy in 1986, with bowls of pasta in their hands,
demonstrators protested against the “Americanisation” of Italian culture,
particularly its culinary culture. However, today, McDonald’s outlets are still in
operation alongside over 400 outlets in Italy.

- Example: There is an attack on a KFC restaurant in Bangalore, India, in 1996

by a group of farmers. They demanded that the fast food chain leave India,
claiming that KFC and other foreign food companies threatened their traditional
agricultural practices by imposing Western farming methods on local farmers.
- These farming methods are resource intensive. High yielding crop varieties
that were introduced required large amounts of input including fertilizer,
pesticides and water. Many farmers who were unable to afford the inputs
required risked losing out to bigger agricultural businesses and losing their farms
altogether. However, there are many foreign fast food outlets in India today, with
over 300 KFC outlets.

Local Flavours:
1. Ha Ha Cheong Kai Burger (McDonalds)
2. Nasi lemak Burger (McDonalds)
3. Rendang Burger (Burger King)
4. D24 McFlurry (McDonalds)
 5. KFC breakfast porridge
6. Naan Bread with Mushroom and Feta Cheese
7. California Roll
8. Satay Chicken Pizza

Chapter 11: Terrorism

Managing Cyber Security Challenges

1. Severely Dealt by the Law

● In 2013, there was a spate of cyber attacks, including the hacking of
government websites, such as the Prime Minister's Office and the
Istana’s
 ● The individuals behind these cyber crimes were subsequently arrested
and charged

2. National Cyber Security Masterplan 2018

● Upgrading Cyber Watch Centre to track the malicious activities and
respond swiftly to security threats
● Growing Singapore’s pool of cyber security experts
● The Cyber Security Awareness and Outreach programme promotes
the adoption of cyber security measures among the public. It uses
media to broadcast its message, such as through the public education
TV series Crimewatch to re-enact real-life cybercrime cases

3. CSA 2015
● Cyber Security Agency (CSA) was formed in 2015 to provide dedicated
and centralised overview of Singapore’s critical infrastructure
(enhancing the security of cyber infrastructure)

4. APCERT
● Established to encourage cooperation between member countries to
maintain a network of computer security experts in the region
● Improve the region’s competency in responding to cyber security
challenges

5. ACID
● Singapore plans and executes the ASEAN CERT Incident Drill (ACID)
annually
● CERTs are put through a series of scenario injects that are designed
based on prevalent cybersecurity threats such as ransomware,
phishing, malware infection and brute force attacks. Participants are
required to investigate, analyse and recommend remediation and
mitigation measures in their reports.
● Strengthen cooperation among the ASEAN members

6. IDA
● Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) works closely
with cyber security companies and trains professionals in the fight
against cybercrimes

7. Protect Yourself Online

 ● An initiative by the Cyber Security Awareness Alliance which aims to
promote and enhance awareness and adoption of cyber security
practices
● Example: Urge users to ensure that their computer is defended against
technological threats by installing, updating and maintaining firewalls

Managing Transnational Terrorism

1. Preventive Measures
a. Effective Border Control
i. Example: Use of biometric technology in the immigration and
clearance points
ii. Customised video analytics system employed at Woodlands
Checkpoint in 2012
 iii. Radiographic image analysis of cargo vehicles crossing
Singapore’s borders
iv. USA: “No-Fly” list which contains the names of individuals who
are known and suspected terrorists
v. USA: Executive Order 13769 “Protecting the Nation from
Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” implemented by
Trump administration in March 2017
1. Current ban: Majority Muslim countries Iran, Somalia,
Libya, Syria, Yemen
2. Exempts certain groups of people: foreign students,
green card holders, temporary foreign workers
vi. Canada: “Passenger Protect Program”

b. Collaboration between countries

United Nations (UN)
i. United Nations Security Council (UNSC): Strengthened the
international legal foundation for counter-terrorism efforts,
Resolution 1373 of 2001 (asks Member States of UN to
enhance their abilities to counter terrorists attacks)
ii. Global Counterterrorism Strategy (GCT)
iii. Interpol’s Fusion Task Force: Share information, increase
capacity of member countries to address the terrorist threat
iv. SG: Member of US-led Container Security Initiative (CSI) which
screens containers to identify and target high-risk American
bound containers before shipping them to USA

ASEAN
i. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC)
ii. 2001 (After 9/11): Adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on Joint
Action to Counter Terrorism
iii. 2007: ASEAN leaders signed the Convention on Counter-
Terrorism (ACCT)
iv. 2013: All 10 ASEAN members agreed upon the ACCT
1. Serves as a framework for regional cooperation to
counter, suppress terrorism and deepen counter-
terrorism cooperation
v. Success: Philippines authorities arrested JI bomb-maker based
on information provided by Singapore
vi. Success: Arrest of Mas Selamat

Role of Individual/Public
i. Total Defence
 ii. Community Engagement Programme
● Long-term effort to maintain social cohesion and harmony,
ensure Singapore stays untied even in a crisis (reduces tension
between various groups)
iii. SG Secure
● Revamp and extension of existing Community Engagement
Programme
● Prepare members of public in the event of terrorist attacks:
● Stay Alert: Keep a lookout and report any security threats
● Stay United: Build stronger community ties and safeguard SG’s
racial and religious harmony
● Stay Strong: Learn how to protect ourselves and those around
us when caught in an attack; help each other to bounce back
quickly after any incident

2. Protective Measures
a. Usage of legislations
i. Internal Security Act (ISA): Deal with threats to Singapore
national security, government can detain individuals without trial
ii. E.g. Two men, Mohammad Razif Yahya and Amiruddin Sawir
were detained under ISA for voluntarily fighting in the sectarian
conflict in Yemen
b. SAF work together with SG Police Force and Police Coast Guards to
protect Jurong Island (oil refineries located there)
c. Increased patrol in crowded areas like MRT stations and shopping
areas
 d. Security vigilance will be enhanced through CCTV coverage;
Advantages:
i. Greater deterrence via police cameras at HDB blocks and other
places
ii. Give police a better sense-making
iii. Situational awareness which is critical

3. Responsive Measures
a. Largest islandwide counter-terrorism exercise in October 2016
i. 18-hour operation involved over 3200 officers from the SAF, the
Singapore Civil Defence Force and other Home Team agencies
ii. Climaxed at malls in Bishan and Tampines, where “terrorists”
armed with rifles and explosive vests took hostages before
being subdued later
b. Exercise Heartbeat
i. Organised by SG Police Force and Ministry of Manpower,
staged at different local attractions
ii. 2018: Sentosa; Over 200 people took part in the simulated terror
attack at KidZania Singapore
 iii. 2017: Clarke Quay; about 140 people took part in the exercise
which was modelled after the attack on Borough Market in
London (7 people dead, 48 injured)
c. Exercise Northstar
i. Conducted at Changi Airport MRT station in October 2017 (10th
edition of the exercise)
ii. Led by Singapore Police Force, consists of 650 personnel from
the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces
and other agencies
d. International Collaboration
i. DSO National laboratories work closely with its counterpart in
countries like USA, Sweden, France on chemical, biological,
radiological and explosive-related (CBRE) research and
development efforts (Equip Singapore in handling the dangers
posed by such attacks)
ii. Singapore, other ASEAN countries, Australia, China and the
USA came together to plan and discuss strategies to coordinate
operations against CBRE-related terrorists attacks
iii. SAF is part of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF),
deployed close to 500 personnel Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013
e. Negative Impact: Use of legislation and increase in security measures
at the expense of individual freedom and personal privacy