Introduction
Singapore is frequently characterised as a society that prizes order, stability, and collective harmony above personal expression and dissent. From the education system to national service, social norms and state policies alike encourage citizens to align with shared expectations rather than chart their own paths. This essay argues that conformity is indeed valued more than individuality in Singapore, as the structures and incentives of the society consistently reward compliance over divergence.
The education system in Singapore emphasises standardised achievement and academic conformity over individual creativity and self-expression.
Explain
Singapore's education model has long been centred on high-stakes examinations such as the PSLE, O-Levels, and A-Levels, which rank students along narrow academic metrics. This system rewards those who master a fixed curriculum and penalises divergent thinking, creating an environment where students are socialised to conform to expectations rather than pursue individual interests or challenge established ideas.
Example
Singapore's students consistently top global rankings such as the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), yet surveys have also shown that Singaporean students exhibit lower levels of creativity and intrinsic motivation compared to peers in countries like Finland. The intense pressure to perform well in national examinations has given rise to a booming private tuition industry worth over S$1.4 billion annually, reflecting a culture in which conformity to academic benchmarks is prioritised over the cultivation of individual passions and talents.
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This demonstrates that conformity is deeply valued in Singapore's education system, as the relentless focus on standardised testing leaves little room for individuality and self-directed learning.
National Service and the broader culture of civic duty in Singapore reinforce collective conformity over personal autonomy.
Explain
Compulsory National Service (NS) for all male citizens and permanent residents is a defining institution of Singaporean society that instils discipline, uniformity, and obedience. Beyond the military, the ethos of collective duty permeates Singaporean life, from the expectation to follow government guidelines to the social pressure to conform to communal norms in HDB estates and public spaces.
Example
Every male Singaporean is required to serve two years of full-time National Service upon turning 18, followed by annual reservist obligations. The NS experience explicitly trains individuals to subsume personal desires for the collective good, with strict regulations governing appearance, conduct, and speech. Sociologist Chua Beng Huat has argued that NS functions as a powerful socialising institution that shapes Singaporean masculinity around conformity and obedience, leaving lasting impressions on how men navigate society even after their service ends.
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The institution of National Service exemplifies how Singapore systemically values conformity, as it is designed to produce citizens who prioritise collective responsibility over individual expression.
Government regulation of speech and media in Singapore limits individual expression and discourages non-conformist views.
Explain
Singapore's legal and regulatory framework places significant constraints on free speech, political dissent, and media independence. Laws such as the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), the Internal Security Act, and regulations governing public assembly create an environment in which individuals are cautious about expressing views that deviate from the mainstream or challenge the government's narrative.
Example
Since POFMA's enactment in 2019, the government has issued numerous correction directions to individuals, opposition politicians, and online platforms for statements it deems false. In 2020, activist Jolovan Wham was convicted for holding a one-person protest outside a court, highlighting the stringent limits placed on individual expression even in its mildest forms. Reporters Without Borders ranked Singapore 160th out of 180 countries in its 2023 World Press Freedom Index, suggesting that the regulatory environment strongly discourages non-conformist expression.
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This reinforces the argument that conformity is valued over individuality in Singapore, as the legal and regulatory landscape actively discourages citizens from voicing dissenting or unconventional opinions.
Counter-Argument
Defenders of individuality in Singapore point to the thriving start-up ecosystem, education reforms removing examination rankings, and the flourishing arts scene, arguing that the society increasingly rewards those who chart their own paths. The government's investment in Startup SG and the success of globally prominent Singaporean entrepreneurs like Grab's Anthony Tan demonstrate a genuine shift toward valuing individual initiative.
Rebuttal
However, these pockets of individuality operate within a broader system that still structurally rewards conformity. Compulsory National Service continues to socialise all male citizens toward obedience and uniformity, POFMA and defamation suits create a documented chilling effect on non-conformist expression, and Reporters Without Borders ranked Singapore 160th out of 180 countries for press freedom in 2023. The start-up culture celebrated by the government is itself a form of state-directed conformity to a new ideal, rather than genuine encouragement of independent thought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Singapore's social, educational, and political structures continue to privilege conformity over individuality in significant ways. While some progress has been made, the dominant culture remains one in which fitting in is rewarded and standing out carries social risk. Until the systemic incentives that favour compliance are fundamentally reformed, conformity will remain more valued than individuality in Singapore.
Introduction
While Singapore's reputation as a conformist society persists, this characterisation oversimplifies a rapidly evolving cultural landscape in which individuality is increasingly recognised and celebrated. The government itself has acknowledged the need for creativity, entrepreneurship, and diverse perspectives in building a resilient future. This essay argues that it is no longer true that conformity is valued more than individuality in Singapore, as meaningful shifts in policy and culture have expanded the space for personal expression.
Singapore's growing entrepreneurial and start-up culture demonstrates an increasing societal appreciation for individuality and risk-taking.
Explain
In recent decades, Singapore has actively positioned itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging citizens to pursue unconventional career paths and original ideas. Government initiatives and funding schemes have been designed to support individuals who dare to think differently, signalling that individuality and creative thinking are valued alongside traditional paths of conformity.
Example
The Singapore government has invested heavily in fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives such as Startup SG, which provides grants, mentorship, and incubator support for aspiring founders. Companies like Grab, Razer, and Sea Limited, all founded by Singaporeans or Singapore-based entrepreneurs, have become globally successful, demonstrating that the society can produce and celebrate individuals who break from conventional career trajectories. In 2022, Singapore was ranked second in the Global Innovation Index for Southeast Asia, reflecting its commitment to nurturing individual ingenuity.
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This challenges the claim that conformity is valued above individuality, as Singapore's thriving start-up ecosystem shows that the society increasingly rewards those who chart their own paths and embrace innovation.
Shifts in education policy towards holistic development and diverse pathways reflect a growing recognition of individuality in Singapore.
Explain
The Singapore government has undertaken significant education reforms aimed at reducing the emphasis on rote learning and academic ranking, and instead promoting creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of individual strengths. These reforms signal that policymakers recognise the limitations of a conformity-driven education model and are actively moving towards one that celebrates diverse talents.
Example
In 2019, the Ministry of Education announced the removal of mid-year examinations for Primary 3, Primary 5, Secondary 1, and Secondary 3 students, and in 2020, it ceased the practice of publicly ranking students by examination results. The introduction of Subject-Based Banding, which allows students to take subjects at different levels based on their strengths, further reflects a shift towards personalised learning. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing has repeatedly emphasised that 'every school is a good school' and that success should not be defined by a single academic pathway.
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These education reforms demonstrate that Singapore is moving away from valuing conformity above all else, as the system increasingly acknowledges and nurtures individual strengths and diverse definitions of success.
The flourishing arts and cultural scene in Singapore reflects a society that is increasingly embracing individual expression and diverse identities.
Explain
Singapore's arts landscape has expanded dramatically, with artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers gaining local and international recognition for work that is often deeply personal, provocative, and non-conformist. The growth of independent arts venues, online platforms, and government-supported cultural events suggests that individual expression is not merely tolerated but actively celebrated.
Example
Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen's film 'Ilo Ilo' won the Camera d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, exploring themes of class and migration that challenged comfortable national narratives. The Esplanade, Singapore's national performing arts centre, hosts over 3,000 performances annually across diverse genres, and independent spaces like the Substation and Objectifs have nurtured generations of artists whose work pushes social boundaries. The annual Singapore Writers Festival and events like Baybeats celebrate individual artistic voices, indicating a society that increasingly values creative self-expression.
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This suggests that individuality is gaining significant ground in Singapore, as the vibrant arts scene demonstrates that non-conformist voices are not only permitted but embraced and supported by both the state and the public.
Counter-Argument
Critics argue that Singapore's education system, National Service, and speech regulations demonstrate that conformity remains structurally valued above individuality. The S$1.4 billion private tuition industry reflects a culture of academic conformity, while Jolovan Wham's conviction for a one-person protest illustrates the severe limits placed on individual expression even in its mildest forms.
Rebuttal
Yet this characterisation overlooks meaningful policy shifts that signal a genuine rebalancing. The Ministry of Education's removal of mid-year examinations and public ranking of students, the introduction of Subject-Based Banding allowing personalised learning pathways, and the government's explicit goal that 'every school is a good school' represent a deliberate move away from rigid conformity. Anthony Chen's Camera d'Or-winning 'Ilo Ilo' and the Esplanade's 3,000 annual performances demonstrate that non-conformist voices are not merely tolerated but celebrated in contemporary Singapore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while conformity has historically been a feature of Singaporean society, the claim that it is valued more than individuality is increasingly outdated. The growing embrace of entrepreneurship, artistic expression, and diverse identities demonstrates that Singapore is evolving into a society that recognises the importance of individuality alongside collective responsibility.