Six years after Singapore’s independence, then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew declared: “Singapore is a meritocracy… these men have risen to the top by their own merit, hard work and high performance.” In 2016 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong remarked: “we have built a fair and just society, based on meritocracy, where ability and not your background or the colour of your skin, determines how well you do…”.
Meritocracy is often cited as a key reason for Singapore’s success. Access to higher education, leading to good jobs and high incomes, is determined largely by merit – or so the narrative goes. However, recent discussions of meritocracy have taken a more critical perspective. There have been calls to broaden the definition of meritocracy in Singapore, and to rethink the country’s approach to education.
How should we be thinking about meritocracy, and in particular its role in higher education? Join our panellists in an LKYSPP-exclusive, closed-door discussion on this important issue.
If you have any queries regarding registration and administrative details, please contact Academic Affairs at
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