Equity and equality

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: How can a society like Singapore's further reduce income inequality and increase social mobility? Who should finance the social costs?

Hans Hanegraaf Country Executive, ABN AMRO Bank NV Singapore and CEO, ABN AMRO Private Banking Asia & Middle East

THE government should of course take the lead and responsibility for tackling inequality in society, but we as citizens - both corporate and individuals - should all play a part. The Netherlands, where I come from, has long subscribed to the philosophy that a certain safety net for every individual, irrespective of background, is crucial. Indeed I can see that the Singapore administration has done a credible job over the last 50 years while it continues to tweak its fiscal model and policies for fair and progressive redistribution across society.