Developed Countries and Disadvantaged

Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of the disadvantaged. How far is this true in Singapore? * In May 2011, Prime Minister Mr Lee realized the government's need to "lend a hand to those hurt by globalisation and technological changes that have, among other things, widened the gap between the rich and the poor" * The government is not only focusing on monetary assistance programmes, but also a sense of reassurance, concern and empathy. * Government also focuses on transforming and upgrading the domestic economy by raising productivity and not just expanding the workforce indefinitely. This will help fulfill the objective of raising incomes across the board, especially those of lower and middle income households. * One-third of the five Education Ministry-run kindergartens to open next year will be reserved for children from lower-income homes. Education Minister Heng Swee Keat understands that "Quality pre-school provides a good foundation for future learning. This is particularly so for children from the more disadvantaged backgrounds" * "Our Singapore Conversation" has brought up 12 commons aspirations, one of which termed as "Citizens' Perspectives", that is to have a society that takes care of its disadvantaged. It has played its part in forming the Budget 2013 which is well-received by its people. * Having international civil rights for the disabled to be transposed to Singapore. This is to raise awareness that the needs of the disabled is not about fixing their problems but rather adapting society to his abilities. A law which encourages citizens to see disabilities as being less biological and more social in nature so as to transform the society into one where the disabled are not seen as disadvantaged and have equal dignity and rights.

* Introduction

1. Singapore is a city state with a total population of about 3.9 million people in a land area of about 600 sq km. We have no natural