Singapore at 53: Aspiring to higher-order society ideals

EVERY now and then (and perhaps particularly when the country's National Day rolls around) a debate ensues about just what constitutes Singapore's national culture and identity, with Singaporeans sometimes tying themselves in knots over the matter.

To outsiders, the stereotypical impressions of the citizens of the island Republic would likely portray them as disciplined go-getters with a work ethic that reflects the country's First World living standards and well-ordered society. Why or how do Singapore kids keep topping those global academic rankings, not only in science, mathematics and reading but also in team problem-solving, people wonder, with some (Western) commentators attributing the success (of Singapore, and Asian countries in general) to "a focused, conformist culture".

Ask Singaporeans themselves how they would describe their life - as reflected in their values, beliefs and behaviours - and their society, and a more rounded picture emerges. Indeed, a study that has been doing just that, based on a poll of some 2,000 Singaporeans, found "family" and "friendship" are consistently cited among the top personal values, along with caring, compassion, responsibility, honesty, health and happiness. In the latest National Values Assessment survey conducted earlier this year, the third in the series after 2012 and 2015, humour and fun have for the first time made it to the list of Singaporeans' top 10 personal values. Anyone who thought Singaporeans can't laugh at themselves - or at people "in authority" - obviously missed last month's Happy Ever After-The Battle, a live standup comedy show that saw 12 local comedians throw all caution out of the ring in a no-holds-barred trading of punchlines and critique of Singapore society. It was in fact the fourth season of the biennial event.