Survey shows Singaporeans are satisfied with themselves but not satisfied with their society

SMU Professor David Chan, Director of the Behavioural Sciences Institute, pointed out some limitations of this survey. He said that some values and beliefs like pragmatism, religious harmony and filial piety that are commonly believed to be widely held in Singapore were not on the list. Prof Chan said the discussion on Singapore's future needs to be focused and driven by societal end-goals we want to achieve as a country. The survey shows that Singaporeans perceive today's society as kiasu, competitive and self-centred - among other adjectives - but desire for the country to be a place that cares for the elderly, and where housing is affordable and healthcare is effective. These were among the findings of a survey of 2,000 Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 15 and above. From three lists of about 90 terms each, they picked 10 values that they attached to themselves, society and the workplace.