A hand up vs a handout

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: How may Singapore strengthen social support systems while still upholding self reliance?

Lawrence Loh Director, Centre for Governance, Institutions and Organisations NUS Business School

It is precisely because we want to uphold self reliance that we need social support systems. The social safety nets should never be taken as welfare schemes that disincentivise diligence and hard work. Yet, there are structural and systemic factors, like the current pandemic, that drastically pull down the economy. Good social support systems are purpose driven and outcome driven. Thoughtful systems, particularly temporary reliefs, will enable affected people to stand on their own two feet again. Societies have to be compassionate, yet the support has to be funded from somewhere. It is actually about a fundamental dilemma of social equity faced by countries in the world, including Singapore.