Government Policies and Administration

Policies and Administration

• Ministers collaborate with senior Civil Service officers to define directions, goals, and strategies for government policies.
• The Prime Minister and Cabinet oversee various ministries to ensure effective governance.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): Focuses on Singapore's interests through diplomacy.
• Ministry of Defence (MINDEF): Aims to enhance national peace and security with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) through deterrence and prompt military action when necessary.
• Ministry of Education (MOE): Strives to offer comprehensive education, fostering responsible, capable citizens.
• Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS): Promotes societal cohesion and resilience.
• Ministry of Law (MINLAW): Creates a favorable business environment with transparent legal policies.
• The Executive plays a crucial role in implementing beneficial policies to keep Singapore relevant in a competitive global economy.

The Judiciary

• Comprises the Supreme Court, State Courts, and Family Justice Courts.
• Chief Justice heads the judiciary; it interprets and applies laws independently of political influence.
• Ensures fair governance by upholding legal rights and maintaining public order.

Informal and Formal Groups

• Informal Groups: Mobilize for specific, often short-term objectives in response to urgent societal needs; typically unregistered.
  • Example: SG Haze Rescue formed in response to haze conditions in 2013, collecting and distributing masks to protect public health.
• Formal Groups: Registered organizations addressing broad societal interests.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like Mercy Relief provide aid during crises, such as the Nepal earthquake in 2015, raising substantial funds and providing relief.

Religion's Influence

• Religion encompasses shared beliefs, practices, and worldviews, impacting individual identities and societal interactions.
• Key religions in Singapore promote core values of respect, love, and integrity across diverse communities.
  • Buddhism emphasizes peace and harmony; Islam advocates justice and compassion.
• Freedom to practice religion is protected under Article 15 of the Singapore Constitution.
• The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) fosters religious harmony through community engagement and dialogue.

Socio-Economic Status (SES)

• SES reflects the economic situation based on occupation, income, education, and wealth ownership.
• Measurement often relies on household income levels, revealing diverse community structures.
  • Higher SES individuals often come from affluent families or successful careers; middle SES consists mainly of professionals (PMETs); lower SES includes manual laborers, the unemployed, and those reliant on government assistance.
• Immigrant integration poses challenges due to language barriers and differing social norms, creating tensions within the local population.

Market-Based Healthcare in the USA

• The U.S. government allows citizens to decide their healthcare expenditures, creating a market-driven system without price controls.
• Medical insurance is primarily obtained through employment, yet a significant portion of the population remains uninsured.
  • Medicare serves those aged 65 and older; Medicaid assists low-income families.
  • EMTALA requires hospitals to treat emergencies regardless of ability to pay.

Healthcare Challenges in Sweden

• A high VAT supports a comprehensive healthcare system, but an aging population increases the tax burden on fewer workers.
• Immigrants accessing subsidized healthcare may strain resources, highlighting the need for policy adaptations.
• Anticipated demographic changes will necessitate shifts in funding allocations for public services, particularly education.

Globalisation

• Globalisation connects global ideas and activities, creating relationships that affect local developments.
• Advances in transportation have reduced travel time, facilitated commerce, and integrated global infrastructure, enhancing interconnections across the world.