Singapore is both a city and a country contained in a small geographical space located in Southeast Asia. It houses a diverse population in terms of race, language, religion, class and nationality. It possesses no natural resources, but has a highly educated labour force. Its economy has experienced significant growth rates, particularly in the late 70s and early 80s, coupled with low unemployment.
Like most other more developed economies, Singapore now confronts a range of socio-economic issues (e.g. rapidly ageing population, declining fertility rates, widening income inequality, rising costs of living) amidst increasing global competition, technological advancements, and security threats. At the same time, Singaporeans have become more of a people with a stronger national identity, a greater propensity to participate in the decisions that affect the destiny of the country, and a wider range of views and voices on the future direction of Singapore, the challenges it confronts, and the strategies and means by which to achieve their preferred goal(s) for themselves, their children, and the country.
Through the online lectures, interview clips and face-to-face discussions, this course invites students to:
1. Critically reflect on Singapore's post-independence history, and its impact on Singapore's future development trajectories;
2. Contemplate the kind of Singapore they envision for the future.
3. Understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that can help or hinder Singapore achieving their vision(s) for the country.
4. Deliberate upon the range and nature of strategies and policies that will enable Singapore to achieve their vision(s) for the country.
Students suggested various outreach strategies to effectively reach out to youths of different ages and social economical status to counter radicalisation.
Students developed and implemented an action plan to encourage other youths to take interest in various Singapore's challenges.