New survey shows S’poreans’ views on social mobility, education and work aspirations

This article was written and first published by The Straits Times

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SINGAPORE - Eighty-five per cent of respondents in a recent survey believe their socio-economic situation can be improved through hard work, even though one in two feel that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the past decade.

The poll of 1,000 Singaporeans also found that they have changing definitions of success that go beyond wealth and career.

The survey by Access Singapore, a non-profit organisation that works with schools to provide career exposure for disadvantaged students, asked respondents for their perceptions of social mobility, the education system and work aspirations.

Those polled were spread across different age groups, from 16 to 55 and above.

The survey, which is in its second edition, was done in partnership with market research firm Milieu Insight from June to July. The first survey was conducted in 2021 and its results were released in 2022.

In the latest poll, about three-quarters of respondents feel it is difficult to have a successful career in Singapore without a university deg

More than 80 per cent of those polled say that attending a brand name secondary school influences the opportunities one has in life. Such schools are independent schools or those offering the Special Assistance Plan, which is for students who are strong in their mother tongue.

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents say they would be willing to relocate to another neighbourhood so that their child will get into a brand name school if they had the means.

The survey also highlighted the perception of the importance of social connections and housing estates in social mobility.

Nine in 10 respondents believe that strong social connections are necessary to secure attractive jobs in Singapore, and seven in 10 think that different neighbourhoods provide varying access to better social networks and resources.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Access Singapore founder and executive director Clarence Ching said: “I think people recognise hard work, but social capital gives you the edge.”

Government interventions such as early childhood initiative KidStart have worked well, he said, along with attempts to redefine meritocracy and expand the definition of success.

But there is more that can be done in the later schooling years to equalise opportunities for students, he said. Access Singapore’s programmes include pairing students with industry mentors and getting guest speakers to share career insights.

One in two respondents say that secondary school is the best time to introduce information on career opportunities and employability to students.

And 45 per cent of those polled feel that government intervention to uplift social mobility is also most needed during those years in secondary school.

More can be done, for example, to increase the awareness of the Public Service Commission scholarships, said Mr Ching.

This, he added, is so that students from a wider range of schools know that such opportunities are not beyond them, and have the confidence to consider applying.

Most respondents – 70 per cent of them – say the education system sufficiently equips students with skills for work, but there are also areas for improvement.

The same proportion feels that the system should encourage success that goes beyond academic success.

About two-thirds of the respondents say it should provide adequate resources for career guidance and opportunities for individuals to explore skills beyond academic lessons.

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The results also showed an openness to apprenticeship programmes – nearly 90 per cent say these are possible alternatives besides going to university, and more than half are willing to consider taking up such routes.

The survey respondents also rate the top three most important aspects of success as health, happiness and balance in life.

Mr Ching said this reflects Singaporeans’ changing definitions of success that go beyond wealth and career.

“This emphasises the growing importance of well-being in a balanced lifestyle in achieving success, and we think that government agencies must pay more attention (to this) as they strive to build a better quality of life for every section of society,” he said.

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