RVCooks

Why is there a disparity in economic standards in Singapore? 

Background Information:

Professor Peng acknowledged that Singapore’s macro-level inequality numbers are a “statistical anomaly” among developed countries—a sign of success. However, he noted a troubling paradox: relative social mobility is declining (fewer children from poorer families are reaching top income tiers), and the public does not feel the prosperity. He identified the wealth gap as a key concern. He said that the SGD 1,500 top-ups for seniors’ Central Provident Fund (CPF) are helpful, but that they come too late in life to benefit from compound interest and may not meaningfully close the gap. His core argument focused on education and meritocracy. He said that higher-income families are spending more of their income on tuition, translating wealth directly into “merit.” This, he warned, is undermining the fundamental social compact: that hard work and talent, not family background, determine success. He called for a serious examination of how to increase social mixing in schools, and a collective effort to be “kinder to those who lose in the meritocratic race.

Source A: A bride-to-be’s view on spending money at her wedding, published in the Straits Times on 17th July 2026

Intentional saving has also helped me a lot when planning wedding expenditures. My husband and I set aside about a quarter of our monthly salaries for savings and investments. I was initially unhappy about it, but I soon saw the value in it – even as wedding costs drained our finances, I was still able to do things I love, such as travelling for overseas concerts. My biggest takeaway from wedding planning is this – spend on what matters to you, rather than what is expected of you. My advice for anyone planning their wedding: Ask yourself what truly matters to you in this wedding. For me, it is the memories we will make, and not how Instagram-worthy the wedding will look.

Source B: A pictorial source of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew launching community-building campaigns. He personally joined residents in clearing mud from worksites, 1960s.

Source C: Thali worn by Indian brides around their neck on display at the Indian Heritage Centre, Singapore, with the centrepiece weighing almost 600g to be worn on the wedding day itself

Source D: An newspaper article from Channel News Asia about social stratification in Singapore getting more prominent

National University of Singapore (NUS) sociologist Tan Ern Ser said: “The lack of social mixing may translate into a lack of empathy for and understanding of those who hail from disadvantaged families… leading to a reluctance to support policies aimed at improving the lots of the lower classes, and contributing towards their welfare.” This lack of mutual understanding could also lead to the “emergence of distrust between classes, even class tension”, said Dr Tan, who co-authored the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) Study On Social Capital with IPS deputy director for research Gillian Koh and NUS sociologist Vincent Chua. For generations, social mixing has been a hallmark of Singapore society, thanks to the housing, education and National Service policies which encourage mixing across groups of different race, income and family backgrounds.

Source E: A source about gentrification in Tiong Bahru estate, where a lower-income urban neighborhood is transformed by an influx of wealthier residents and businesses 

The noise is sometimes generated by their newer neighbours who hold parties late into the night. Seats set up on public walkways by food and beverage outlets have also hindered access to her apartment. “Some of the owners like to dine with their pet dogs at the side, and because I’m afraid of (dogs) I have no choice but to walk on the roads, whether rain or shine,” said Mdm Lee. The gentrification of Tiong Bahru, which consists of conserved flats built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) – the predecessor of the Housing and Development Board – began around 2010, when the trendy cafes set up shop in the quiet low-rise estate. Other shops sell items like books and clothes.

1. Study Source B

What does the source tell us about poverty stricken neighbourhoods in the 1960s? (6 marks)

2. Study Sources D and E

How are the sources different? (7 marks)

3. Study Source C. How reliable is Source C? (8 marks)