The three scenarios from IPS are based on three key factors: people’s trust in the Government, how success is valued, and resources given to the elite and others.
Scenario 1: SingaStore.com
- In a nutshell: Singapore is "the store and more" - pro-growth and pro-business
- Trust level: High
The public trusts the government, which puts economic growth as a high priority to ensure there are better-paying jobs for Singaporeans.
- Government control: Some
The government organises businesses and community groups, and gives huge incentives for scientific, business, creative and sporting efforts that contribute to economic growth.
- Business sentiments: Good
Multinational corporations and businesses operate actively in emerging technologies, boosting growth.
- Fiscal position: Strong
Income taxes are progressive and tax revenues remain healthy.
- Social cohesion: Uncertain
There are people with great wealth but income inequality is also high. The working poor receive state vouchers and enjoy surplus-sharing schemes, while cases of poor people who make good keep the Singapore Dream alive.
- Critics say: How socially sustainable is this model? And how do you keep people hopeful that their lives will improve?
Scenario 2: SingaGives.gov
- In a nutshell: Low but inclusive growth through greater welfarism
- Trust level: High
The public trusts a government that gives all citizens an equal right to cheap and heavily subsidised health care, education and housing.
- Government control: Strong
Providers of public goods are nationalised, so prices can be controlled.
- Business sentiments: Wary
Shaken by political changes, foreign businesses adopt a wait-and-see attitude about making more investments.
- Fiscal position: Weaker
A larger slice of investment returns on national reserves is used to fund public services and social support.
- Social cohesion: Strong
Services are made world-class and highly subsidised for locals, while strong social safety nets for unemployment and retirement remain accessible to both the rich and the poor.
- Critics say: What if new social investments do not bring quality growth? How will it be fiscally sustainable? And what risks will the erosion of reserves open the country to?
Scenario 3: WikiCity.sg
- In a nutshell: Like online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, which has no one editor and is managed by the community, Singaporeans enjoy the full expression of their identities and potential without a strong central government.
- Trust level: Low
A coalition government runs the country after years of corrupt and incompetent governance, but it is mired in political gridlock.
- Government control: Weak in most areas
Citizens believe the state should take care of only foreign and trade relations, defence, and law and order, and leave the rest to the community.
- Business sentiments: Mixed
Multinational corporations left Singapore during the political transition, but top Singaporeans abroad return home to invest in promising enterprises.
- Fiscal position: Changed
Tax burdens and regulations are kept light.
- Social cohesion: Changed
Citizens rely heavily on community self-help, forming communities around businesses, professions and other social causes that set up organisations - such as hospitals and schools - to meet the needs of their members and the public.
- Critics say: How politically sustainable is this model? Will it be
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