Paper Contents
Abstract
Amidst increasingly heated debates in Singapore on inequality, we look at an important tenet of governance in Singapore and whether it perpetuates existing rich-poor divides, to the detriment of lower-income Singaporeans. The topic of inequality in Singapore is receiving increased attention these days thanks to Oxfams Commitment to Reducing Inequality index. Singapore ranked a dismal 149 out of 157 countries, in an index that measures efforts to tackle the gap between the rich and poor. Reasons cited for the low score include a relatively low level of public social spending on education, health and social protection, and a low maximum tax rate for the highest earners.The paper explores both the successes and shortcomings of meritocracy in Singapore, analyzing historical developments, education reforms, and shifts in the understanding of merit-based policies. It highlights key challenges, including educational inequality and wealth concentration, and emphasizes the need for policy adjustments that preserve meritocracys benefits while addressing structural disparities, fostering a more inclusive society.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Deepal Salonia. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
