What this lesson teaches
I can judge how well Singapore's efforts keep its economy, society and environment sustainable.
Syllabus K329, Topic 5.3, Key Question 3. What are Singapore's efforts in sustainable development?
Make a guess
During a long blackout, which estate is likely to cope better?
- The one where residents keep to themselves.
- Both cope equally, because the blackout is the same.
- The one with the most people living in it.
- The one where neighbours already know each other.
Show the answer
The one where neighbours already know each other.
Relationships built before a crisis help people notice who needs help, share reliable information and organise support quickly.
Strong relationships help people notice needs, share reliable information and organise support in a crisis.
Social resilience is a community's ability to organise, communicate and support each other. Preparing builds hazard awareness, response skills and knowledge of who needs help. Relationships built before a crisis make it easier to act together during one.
Community centres, parks and shared spaces let people of different ages and backgrounds meet. But they must be accessible, with activities that include everyone. Lifelong learning, such as SkillsFuture, helps people keep taking part as work changes.
Residents can give feedback on government plans and raise social concerns. They notice problems a map misses, like stairs blocking a wheelchair route. Good participation hears different groups and explains decisions.
- Social resilience
- Organising, communicating and supporting each other.
- Shared spaces
- Places where different people meet.
- Public input
- Residents help improve plans.
Step by step
Meet and connect
Accessible places and inclusive activities.
Prepare together
Trusted communication and practical skills.
Shape decisions
Residents identify needs and improve plans.
Real examples to use
SGSecure
This national movement trains residents to stay alert, prepare for emergencies and help one another after an attack or crisis.
Worked example: A place that works for more people
Residents review a community hub. They point out a step at the entrance and that activities run only in the evening. Changing these lets more people join in. The test is whether excluded groups can now use it.
Watch out for this
One public meeting shows every need is represented.
Some people cannot attend or speak up. Use several channels and times.
Check your understanding
Which change best strengthens inclusive participation?
- Hold one meeting in the evening, as most people are free then.
- Count the rooms booked, without asking who uses them.
- Accessible spaces and several ways for groups to give input.
Show the answer
Accessible spaces and several ways for groups to give input.
Yes. It widens who can take part.
Check your understanding
How does SGSecure build Singapore's social resilience?
- It protects government buildings with more security officers.
- It trains residents to prepare for and recover from crises together.
- It trains residents to take over police and army duties when a crisis strikes.
Show the answer
It trains residents to prepare for and recover from crises together.
Social resilience depends on people ready to help one another.