As Singapore’s society evolves, our attitudes towards ‘basic needs’ can change too

IN ACADEMIA, new findings tend to prompt new responses. Academic research can only achieve a positive impact, however, if the conversation moves past academia and takes a similarly enlightened path in the public sphere.

Specifically, a study published on Sep 14 showed how public conceptions of an adequate minimum income – what a Singaporean household needs for basic living standards – continue to evolve.

The findings offer an opportunity for the government to calibrate its position on the concept of a salary floor, especially in light of Singapore’s steadily rising gross national income.