Ethos Issue 14
Issue 14, Feb 2016
ETHOS Issue 14
This issue examines evolving notions of merit, competence and reward, as economic and social needs become much more complex and even divergent. We explore ways to further strengthen Singapore's social compact and inclusiveness, even as we continue to pursue excellence and global competitiveness. Contributors to this issue include leading thinkers Professor Gary Solon and Laurence Lien and our own public service leaders such as Peter Ho and Peter Ong.
Editorial
Alvin PangSingapore's meritocracy is fundamentally pragmatic, but has the relentless pursuit of excellence and merit-based rewards — assumed to inculcate discipline and accrue optimal gains for all — in fact left some in society behind due to factors over which they have little control?
Meritocracy: Time for an Update?
By Tiana DeskerWhile the spirit of meritocracy is still important for Singapore, there may be a need to review our ideas about how it can be put into practice.
Striking the Right Balance
Ethos roundtable with Hamzah Sulaiman and Filimone Waqabaca and Mohammed MoslyParticipants from the 7th Leaders in Governance Programme discuss the prospects for maintaining an agile and prosperous society that is also responsive to diverse and increasingly complex needs.
What We Didn’t Know About Multigenerational Mobility
Interview with Gary SolonBetter income data has uncovered surprising insights about income mobility and income inequality, says the noted researcher and economics professor.
Economic Development and Social Integration: Singapore’s Evolving Social Compact
By Soh Tze MinIs continuous meritocracy the key to balancing economic integration and social cohesion in a period of slowing growth?
Ownership, Opportunity and Outcomes
Interview with Laurence LienThe community sector can become more confident in working with others to solve collective problems — but it will take practice, patience and leadership.
New Strategic Capabilities and Partnership Paradigms for Singapore’s Social Sector
By Cheryl WuSingapore’s social compact can no longer rest on Government alone; cross-sector partnerships may better address increasingly complex social needs.
Governance in an Age of Uncertainty
By Terence PoonHow should public policymaking and service delivery adapt to an era of greater uncertainty and complexity?
Embracing Complexity in Healthcare
By Clive Tan and Aaron ManiamIn a complex environment where centralised planning has limited effectiveness, simple rules may allow the system to evolve organically towards shared goals.
Simulations, Exercises and Games in the Civil Service
By Peter HoThe former Head of Civil Service makes a case for policy gaming as a means to anchor learning, reduce surprise and surface diverse perspectives.
Gearing the Public Service for SG100
By Peter OngSingapore’s Head of Civil Service charts new directions for the public sector as the nation looks forward to its next decades of growth.