Essays from chapter 2 and 6 Singapore Syllabus - Secondary 3 Students

1. 1 Brain Bogglers Pty Ltd
1. Describe all of the guiding principles of governance.
2. Describe the methods of deterrence.
3. Describe and explain the types of diplomacy.
4. (a) How does the shortage of manpower for defense affect Singapore?
(b) What are 2 other reasons to promote population growth?
1. Principles of Governance (SaLAR)
‘Stake for everyone, opportunities for all’
Having a say in decision-making helps Singaporeans develop a sense of belonging and ownership
for Singapore. For example, more opportunities are being created for everyone to have a chance
to say what they want to the government. When the government was deciding to build a casino
as a part of the IRs, it was met with a lot of controversy from Singaporeans. The government
engaged Singaporeans in a public discussion to consult them on this issue. Similarly, through the
increasing amount of communication channels in Singapore, a more inclusive society is created.
Singaporeans will feel that their opinions and views matter. Also, the government will be able to
rationalize their decisions and thus people will understand the reasons behind each decision
made. When people develop a sense of belonging and ownership towards Singapore, people are
more likely to support the government. Only with the people’s support can there be stability and
progress in the country.
‘Leadership is key’
The government recognizes that honest and capable leaders are important in maintaining
stability in Singapore and in making the right decisions. Leaders should have moral courage and
integrity to do what is right and not what is popular with the people. For instance, when
deliberating whether to build a casino with the integrated resorts, many people in Singapore
voted against it. However, the government still went through with the plan as it would benefit
Singapore’s economy greatly. In addition, without the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew guiding Singapore
and leading it to the best of his ability, Singapore would not have progressed as far as it has.
Thus, the government needs to be able to make informed and good choices to gain the
confidence and support of the people.
‘Anticipate Change and Stay Relevant’
The government needs to be forward-looking so as to deal with our dynamic and ever-changing
environment. For example, since one of the water treaties with Malaysia has already expired in
2011 and another will expire in 2061, the government had to plan for when the treaty expires.
Hence, in anticipation for this, alternate water supplies have been found - NEWater and
desalination plants. This ensures that Singapore remains self-sufficient and does not rely on
Malaysia to meet its water demands. Anticipating change and staying relevant helps Singapore to
survive as water is a primary need.
‘Reward for Work, Work for Reward’
‘Reward for work, work for reward’ involves meritocracy – a system that rewards hard work and
talent. It aims to encourage Singaporeans to work hard and be rewarded for their efforts
regardless of race, language and socio-economic background. All Singaporeans are given equal
opportunities to be rewarded for their hard work. Academic-wise, Edusave Scholarships and
Merit Bursaries are rewarded to the top 10% and 25% in their grade respectively. This
encourages students to work hard and increases productivity. Without the contribution and

2. 2 Brain Bogglers Pty Ltd
effort of the citizens, growth, progress and stability will be brought about. Hence, the guiding
principle ‘Reward for work, work for reward’ provides and incentive for people to work hard.
2. Methods of Deterrence (T3AM SM)
Total Defence
Total defence aims to involve everyone in defending Singapore. In order for Singapore’s safety
and security, the civilian population must be prepared to defend Singapore. The pillars of total
defence include psychological, civil, economic, military and social defence. The purpose of
psychological defence is to ensure that Singaporeans are loyal and committed to Singapore, have
pride in Singapore and have the mental strength and will to overcome any challenges. During the
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) period in 2003, ordinary people demonstrated
psychological defence by overcoming SARS and believing in Singapore. Civil defence aims to make
sure people know what to do in case of a civil emergency. When Hotel New World collapsed in
1986, hundreds of personnel and Singaporean volunteers aided in rescuing the survivors from the
rubble. Economic defence helps to build a strong economy that will not break down in times of
war and ensures that people have relevant skills to stay employable in a fast developing world. In
2003, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) was formed. WDA works with other
agencies to support industry growth and upgrade the skills of the existing workers. This allows
Singapore to remain competitive and that workers have the relevant skills to remain employable
in a competitive economy. Military defence targets at deterring aggression, being operationally
ready and being able to meet all kinds of challenges in the future. (NEVER FULLY ELABORATE ON
Lastly, social defence ensures that Singaporeans of all racesTHIS POINT AS IT RELATES TO SAF)
and religions live and work together in harmony and help one another in times of need. Total
defence educates Singaporeans about defence in every sector of their society to strengthen
resilience and self-reliance. Singaporeans will believe that Singapore is worth defending and thus
will exercise resilience when protecting their country. Potential aggressors will hesitate to attack
Singapore as they will be facing the whole nation, not just the troops and will be making a costly
mistake.
3
rd
Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
Warfare is now more complex due to the upgrading info-communication technologies. Thus, the
SAF must enhance its fighting capabilities, review its method of warfare and carry out extensive
research and development (R&D). The 3
rd
Gen. SAF aim towards maximizing defence capabilities
through modern technology (force multiplier effect). This allows the soldiers to fight decisively in
war and respond flexibly during peacetime. For example, in 2007 during the Bandeh Aceh
Tsunami, the SAF was the first on shore providing help to the people. This creates and intelligent
defence force where surveillance and strike systems of the military operate together to destroy
the enemy before they can even locate Singapore. This deters potential aggressors by sending
them a message that Singapore will not be easily defeated.
Civilian Armed Forces
This is important as Singapore must always be self-reliant and always ready to defend our
country. As Singapore had a small population, it cannot afford a large professional army in 1965.
Many were needed in the workforce to develop the economy and manpower was limited. Thus,
the need for citizen armed forces. In 1967, National Service (NS) was introduced. All able-bodied
male citizens were recruited to serve full-time NS. NS helped in nation-building and makes
Singapore’s soldiers even more willing to fight for the country. Men enlisted will develop a sense
of loyalty, patriotism and a shared destiny for Singapore.

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Multi-agency Coordination
National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) was set up to coordinate work of various
government agencies. The close networking r/s and integration among the different government
agencies enhances nation security. NSCS regularly meets up to plan national security strategies
and policies. This integrated security approach can prevent, protect and effectively respond to
any security threats by sharing intelligence and resources. Thus, potential aggressors have no
opportunity to attack Singapore.
Singapore Defence Industries
SDI ensures that Singapore in self-reliant for defence weapons and equipment. It was started in
1967 when Chartered Industries Singapore (CIS) was established to produce small arms
ammunition. In 2000, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) was formed to provide
cost-effective and modern technology to the SAF. The DSTA is focused on buying and upgrading
weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for the SAF’s use. This shows that Singapore
is able to overcome restraints through its own innovations. It also conducts defence-related R&D
with other countries and local tertiary institutions. SDI reduces SAF dependence on other
countries as a supply of weaponry. The weaponry provided ensures that soldiers can fight
effectively and efficiently. Also, it modifies and upgrades weaponry to make them more suitable
and relevant the Singapore’s defence needs and helps SAF to maintain weapons and equipment.
It has enabled Singapore to develop a powerful defence force. Hence, potential aggressors will be
deterred as they know they will face strong resistance.
Military Cooperation
Singapore actively fosters ties with the armed forces of other countries. Singapore also
participates in bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint military exercise, training
programmes and UN peace conferences. Singapore has bilateral agreements with many countries
including France, India, New Zealand and Australia. Singapore also conducts regular military
training activities with neighbouring countries which increases cooperation and strengthens ties
among participating countries. Multi-lateral agreements include the Five Power Defence
Arrangements (FPDA) which was formed in 1971 with Australia, Britain, New Zealand and
Malaysia to preserve peace in the region through enhanced cooperation and coordination. In the
event an external threat, members would consult one another on the appropriate measure to
deal with the threat. This increases the fighting capabilities of Singapore’s soldiers as they are
exposed to more rigorous training opportunities provided by other countries. These increased
fighting capabilities will help to defend Singapore better. Thus, the aggressor will know that
Singapore has exposure to various forms of fighting terrains and will think twice before attacking
Singapore.
3. Types of Diplomacy (BRI)
The first type of diplomacy is bilateral relationships. Bilateral relations are formed through the
diplomatic relations established between two countries. Since independence, Singapore has
established many bilateral relations with countries. Benefits from such relations are reaped. For
example, through the diplomatic ties between Singapore and USA, Japan and Germany,
Singapore has gained advanced technological skills through the trade relations with those
countries. Singapore also helps other countries. For example, Singapore sent humanitarian aid
the Aceh when it was hit by an earthquake and tsunami is 2004. Bilateral relations are important
as they help Singapore gain world recognition and respect.

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Another type of diplomacy is regional relations. Regional relations are the diplomatic ties
between groups of countries in the same region. An example is the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN). Some countries in ASEAN include Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and
Laos. ASEAN aims to promote economic, social and cultural development of the region, protect
the peace and stability of the region and provide opportunities for the member countries to
discuss and resolve differences peacefully. ASEAN has helped Singapore forge better
relationships with countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. It has also helped provide an avenue for
Singapore to discuss its differences with other countries peacefully. Singapore has contributed to
ASEAN by providing technical training to those in Laos. Also, Singapore offers scholarships for the
other member countries. This way, people can contribute to their own country’s economy after
studying in Singapore. Thus, regional relations are important as it combines the strength of all the
member countries to make it stronger.
Finally, there are international relations. An international relation involves the ties between
many countries or groupings around the world. The United Nations (UN) is an example of an
international relation. Singapore has gained recognition as a sovereign state through the UN.
Singapore has also participated and contributed to the activities and events organized by the UN.
For e.g. Professor Tommy Koh chaired the Third UN Law of the Sea Conference and was the
Chairman of the Main Committee of the UN Conference of Environment & Development from
1990 to 1992. The UN has played a major role in managing international crises and resolving
conflicts between and within countries. Hence, international relations are important in
maintaining peace in the world.
4. Reasons to promote population growth (Defend Unattractive Population)
Defence Shortage
A consequence of low population growth is a shortage in manpower for defence. There will be
less able-bodied male citizens to recruit for National Service (NS). With less people trained for NS,
Singapore will have a small and weaker defence force and thus will be more vulnerable.
Singapore would not have the means to defend itself in case of attack and the safety and security
of people would be compromised. With increased vulnerability, our ability to remain
independent and free will be affected. Thus, another reason to promote population growth is for
the defence of Singapore.
Unattractive to MNCs
A reason to promote population growth would be to prevent Singapore from becoming
unattractive to MNCs. With a small population, Singapore would not be able to produce enough
talented people to sustain development.MNCs and TNCs would find it difficult and perhaps
expensive to recruit people in Singapore. Similarly, there are larger labour markets in other
countries like China or India which may provide cheaper labour at the same time. Companies will
find Singapore less attractive due to its smaller consumer market. IF MNCs and TNCs were to
withdraw from Singapore, there would be adverse effects on the economy and employment in
Singapore. Many people would be retrenched and lose their source of income and livelihood.
Also, there would be fewer investments and employment opportunities in Singapore. MNCs
provide stable revenue and employment for Singapore. Thus, a reason to promote population
growth is the fact that with a small population, Singapore may become unattractive to MNCs.

5. 5 Brain Bogglers Pty Ltd
Ageing Population
Lastly, a declining population growth could result in an ageing population. An ageing population
occurs when the number of youths/ those in the workforce is proportionally smaller than the
number of elderly in a country. More resources would be used to take care of the increasing
number of senior citizens. In Singapore, low birth rate results in fewer youths. With more elderly
than those in the workforce, there will be a larger burden on the working force to support the sc
in society. Taxes will increase in order for the government to provide amenities to the elderly,
and the ones who will have to pay will be those in the working force. Also, Singapore’s population
growth may fall below replacement level. Thus, an ageing population is a reason to promote
population growth.
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