Promising Talk

 Singapore's 4G leaders are taking an initiative to engage citizens to "refresh the social compact" because they want "Singapore always to be a country for all citizens, not just a few".

DPM Lawrence Wong's words seem truly promising "We want to value every citizen, value all talents, not just those who do well in school, but everyone must be valued, everyone must have a role in our society".

I certainly hope this initiative will really foster a brighter future for the academically weak students especially those from low income families. In the past when I had play therapy with children in a certain Children Home, I noticed again and again how the kids who do badly in school carry with them a sense of shame and have very low self esteem. This brings to mind that children from dysfuctional families is another group to be taken care of and not ignored.

Our meritocracy system which has worked well in the past is now loosing its essence because children from privileged background have the social capital to do well in school and have successful professional careers or careers in finance or technology. People without degrees or not inclined for such specialized fields generally end up in customer services or in some blue collar jobs which pay considerably less. Lawrence Wong says we need "to develop and recognise talents in diverse fields". My question :" Is the government willing to provide better support for arts professionals for example or for that matter careers in sectors which may not contribute directly to GDP growth?"

Lawrence Wong again: "Let us all recognise them (hawkers, delivery riders, cleaners, security guards), treat them with dignity and respect, treat them kindly, never turn up our noses at anyone-and pay them well".

If not for the last 4 words in the statement, I would have scoffed at the statement. Yes, unless we 'pay them well' it may be difficult to address this inequality in our society. Unless 'we pay them well" there will always be a segment in society which will feel disenfranchised.

Let's hope the minister will hold to his words.