What We Value
Singapore is a multicultural society made up of different races, languages, and religions. Despite our cultural diversity, there are some important values that hold us together.
Knowing the values Singaporeans hold dear helps newcomers appreciate how locals interact with each other, how things get done, and the kind of society Singapore is. This in turn helps the newcomers to integrate more smoothly into local communities.
Singaporeans value harmony, and respect cultural diversity. Although there are many different cultures, our shared heritage and our common destiny unites us.
We believe in meritocracy and opportunities for all, and value hard work and self-reliance as means to achieving better outcomes for ourselves and the country. We believe in being forward-looking, being prepared for the future and in continuously learning and upgrading our skills.
The foundation of our society is the family, where children and the elderly are taken care of. We cherish kinship bonds with extended family members.
The following core values are shared with our next generation as part of character and citizenship education in our schools:
- Respect
As a society where people of different nationalities and races live and work in close proximity, we respect individuals’ space and views, accept that there are different beliefs and traditions, and uphold the law to maintain peace and order.
- Responsibility
We take responsibility for our own well-being and our family’s welfare. Being responsible also means recognising our duty to the community, our country and the world, whether it is serving national service, volunteering in the community or doing our part for the global climate.
- Resilience
When faced with adversity, both at the national and individual levels, we have the resilience and resolve to overcome them and emerge stronger. From fighting SARS in 2003, dealing with unemployment or personal setbacks, resilience helps us get back on our feet fast.
- Integrity
We uphold ethical principles and voice out what is right. We have zero tolerance for corruption at all levels and believe in fair treatment of people based on meritocracy and equal opportunities for all.
- Care
We encourage kindness and compassion in our communities. A caring society looks out for each other and is kind to its people, animals and our environment. In particular, we extend a helping hand to the less privileged among us.
- Harmony
Singaporeans appreciate the harmony and peace in our society, where people with different traits and culture live, work and play in a common space. We hope to be a place where people treat each other with graciousness.
These values define the kind of society we aspire to create for current and future generations of Singaporeans, as well as many others who live and work among us.