Chapter 2: What is good for society?

Challenges in deciding what is good for society

- diff needs and interests (possible conflicts) - diff priorities - unequal share of costs (some will bear greater costs of development)

4. Meritocracy

- distributes opportunities to enable future successes - Rewarded due to hard work & effort (not race, religion etc.) -When they are rewarded based on ability, they are motivated to work hard. e.g. Well-performing students in studies & CCAs receive awards. (Edusave scholarship & Merit Bursary Schemes)

4 principles of governance

1. good leadership 2. anticipating change and staying relevant 3. providing a stake for everyone 4. practising meritocracy

1. good leadership

capable leaders ensure SG continues to flourish and best decisions will be made 4 progress & the diff needs of society are met

what are trade-offs?

decision between two (or more) things because of the costs of developmet eg. Thomson Eastcoast Line what would benefit the majority of society?

3. providing stake for everyone

ensure citizens will not want to leave country (SoB)

2. anticipating change and staying relevant

ensure sg not left behind as world progresses, govt have to forsee needs of SG in future, make plans

Thomson Eastcoast Line as an example

weigh benefits against losses: - financial losses (business owners) - ease of movement - connectivity - convenience