One in two respondents agree that Singapore has become a more unequal society in the last ten years, according to the latest survey by Access Singapore - a social mobility non-profit organisation providing career exposure opportunities for disadvantaged students. This highlights the potential fault lines hindering upward mobility in Singapore and the role that government and educational institutions can play to level the playing field for all Singaporeans. 

Conducted in partnership with market research and data analytics firm Milieu Insight, the second edition of Access Singapore’s Social Mobility Survey polled 1,000 respondents in Singapore to understand  public perceptions of social mobility in Singapore, the impact of the local education system and interventions for workforce preparation.

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Perception of deepening inequality in Singapore

Fifty-one percent of respondents indicated that Singapore is a more unequal society in the last decade, with central themes of income inequality, social class and living standards cited as some potential causes of disparity. This reflects that one’s socio-economic background has the most bearing on the availability of  opportunities in Singapore, as quality of education, social connections and even housing have emerged as key factors to achieving success in Singapore:

• Significance of social connections: Nine in ten believe that strong social connections are necessary to secure attractive jobs in Singapore, emphasising the role of networking and relationships in career advancement.
  
  
• Effectiveness of a brand-name secondary school: The survey found that a significant percentage (82%) responded positively that attending a brand-name secondary school influences the opportunities one has in life. This suggests that there is a prevailing belief in the potential impact of educational institutions on future prospects.
  
  
• A university degree is a must-have in Singapore: Majority of respondents (74%) showed an inclination towards the belief that having a university degree is essential for a successful career in Singapore. However, among those aged 55 and above, a lower proportion held strong opinions on this view, indicating a small but noticeable generational shift from their time.
  
  
• Different opportunities for different neighbourhoods: Seven in ten respondents (70%) hold a belief that different neighbourhoods across the country offer greater opportunities for upward mobility than others. Those who supported this sentiment expressed that certain neighbourhoods provide access to better social networks and facilities, contributing to their chances of success. 

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These deep-set perceptions highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of social mobility, and also outline the disadvantage that underprivileged families - who may not have access to such resources - face in moving up the social ladder.

Clarence Ching, Founder and Executive Director of Access Singapore said, “The disadvantaged need to get ahead, and not just get by. We must never allow postal codes to determine outcomes in life - we must continue to narrow the opportunity gap, help the next generation open doors to new possibilities and guide them towards their aspirations for a better future beyond what they once thought possible.”

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Evolving our education systems and the definitions of success

In spite of the barriers towards upward mobility, 85% of those surveyed still believe in the possibility of enhancing their socio-economic situation through hard work, and 85% of Singaporeans expressed that social mobility is important to their lives. 

Based on the findings, a greater focus on enhancing our education system could help to provide equal opportunities, regardless of background:

• Focus on skills: Two in five respondents (43%) noted that a lack of required skills as the top impediment towards achieving one’s career goals in Singapore. While 70% agree to an extent that the education system sufficiently equips students with skills for the workforce, there is still a notable group of three out of ten Singaporeans who believe otherwise. This highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve the education system's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers,  and the possibility for a stronger focus on skills-building to help plug employment gaps and unlock more career opportunities.
  
  
• Aspects of the education system that require improvement: The data revealed several areas for improvement within the education system, such as encouraging success beyond academic performance (70%), providing adequate resources for career guidance (67%), and promoting social and emotional development opportunities (63%). Half of the respondents also indicated that secondary school is the best stage for career opportunities and related information on employability to be introduced to individuals.

Commenting on the findings, Gerald Ang, CEO of Milieu Insight said, ‘’While Singapore has done a lot to preserve social mobility, the quest for meritocracy remains an important aspiration. As we dive deeper into the specifics, this study sheds light into the intricate landscape of social mobility in Singapore. Factors such as access to strong networks/ connections, the ability to work hard and positive mental attitude are some of the top noted factors towards improving one’s socio-economic status. The study also yielded encouraging results when it comes to the increasing significance of well-being and a balanced lifestyle in achieving success as the majority of respondents have prioritised health (74%), happiness (64%), and balance (61%) over wealth and career pursuits.”

Clarence adds, “The findings show that greater support and resources must be provided to help the disadvantaged expand their social and cultural capital in Singapore’s fight to tackle social mobility. A refreshed meritocracy runs a real risk of being an overused political mantra if we do not take fast and decisive action. If we want to push for greater social mobility and equity in Singapore, our ultimate aim must be to uplift the bottom as well as diversify the top.”

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