SSC109e-Introduction to Social Sciences

This year, Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) marks its 60th anniversary. Eight in ten Singaporean residents live in apartment units developed and managed by HDB across more than 20 housing estates across the island. HDB living has become an integral part of modern Singapore’s landscape, shaping the country’s culture, society, economy and even politics in different ways. 

Speaking in 2010 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of HDB, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted how HDB’s journey paralleled “the journey of many Singaporeans, and of modern Singapore.” He observed, “for our public housing programme did not merely provide physical shelter to the population. It has contributed to the economic, social, and political development of this country.”

Lee, Hsien Loong (2010, January 26). Address by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for the International Housing Conference. Retrieved from: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/address-prime-minister-lee-hsien-loong-galadinner-international-housing-conference

In conjunction with the organisation’s 60th anniversary, your group is tasked with leading a policy review on public housing in the country. In your assigned groups of 4 to 5 members, prepare a policy brief examining HDB’s role in Singapore.

Requirement 

First, using relevant social science perspectives, identify two outcomes that public housing has had on the social landscape of modern Singapore. Thereafter, present two policies introduced by the government from the last decade to update public housing policies in Singapore for a new generation, and explain whether the measures have been successful. 

In addition to the written assignment, your group is also required to prepare for a related question to be presented in a separate deck of PowerPoint slides.