Singapore Uncovered:

A Productive State could

Cost More than Expected

By David Iskander
International Environmental Issues
May 8, 2014


Introduction

"One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather
than their results." Milton Friedman was communicated an underscore in prolific revolutionary
mindset. More so, the economist understood a grave importance for the success of real
change in the hearts of people, societies and governments to take effect. That is, policy and
programs are great, but only by their level of impact on any given issue. Singapore, a land that
is a paragon for the people to be productive, has developed into a nation producing
productive citizens (Sun). The ideal citizen is a productive one. As a productivist welfare state,
Singapore invests largely into its economic freedom and annual growth rate. It also takes
action on its environmental governance, but no so outstandingly. It is seen that the
government addresses each issue on multiple fronts like personal, public, and nationwide
initiative and through different avenues like innovation, technology, and creativity. Singapore,
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with a focus on annual economic growth and development, is thriving at a remarkable level;
yet, at the cost of keeping its aim towards productivity above pressing environmental action
could pose a threat.
Roadmap
In the first part of my paper, I will unravel an overview of Singapore today, in 2014. I
will then follow this with a quick look at the environmental issues Singapore currently faces.
This will serve to contextualize three critical, interrelated environmental issues in the region,
which will be discussed subsequently. These issues are (starting with the most demanding): (1)
water storage issues due to heavy demand, (2) maintaining a sustainable population for less
pressure on the government to supply the needs of a dependent population, and (3) haze
pollution during the Southwest monsoon season over Singapore affecting the health of the
population.
Singapore
Majestically transforming to its geography, the Singaporean context cultivates a land for
a highly competitive and work oriented society. In other words, Singapore has become very
productive society.
Right in-between the largely populated Indonesia and separated land of Malaysia is a
comparatively tiny island. With its 10 miles high and 20-mile length, Singapore seems
disproportionate in a geographical landscape to many other developed nations.
Just south of the Malay Peninsula and one degree north of the equator, Singapore fits
snug in-between both. It is 697 sq. km 10 sq. km of that constitutes water - big. Also,
Singapores tropical climate is conducive for rain forests. There are two major monsoon
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seasons. The Southwest Monsoon season during June to September and the Northeast
Monsoon season during December to early March (CIA Factbook). The weather brings uniform
temperature and pressure, that is, an opportune set of factors for high humidity with lots of
year-round rain. . Annual rainfall averages are approximately 92 inches (PUB). The terrain in
Singapore is nonpartisan constituted from mostly lowland, and flat ground. It contains no
natural rivers or fresh water lakes. Mainly, cities, forests, and waterways occupy the landscape
(CIA Factbook).
Geographically speaking, Singapore is tiny; however, in economic terms, Singapore is a
powerhouse. The population, the economy and the culture are interconnected in a very
structured way that has been instrumental for rapid economic growth since Independence in
1965.
The population as of 2014 is just over 5.5 million (CIA Factbook). In that, just about 62
percent of the population is in the labor force (CIA Factbook). Translated, 50 percent of the
population, just about 2.8 million people, is between the ages of 25-54 (CIA Factbook).
Gaining more and more room as one of the most influential free-market economies,
Singapore GDP per capita is number 7 in the world (CIA Factbook). The World Bank has
classified Singapore as the easiest country to do business in since 2008 (World Bank). This is no
easy feat, and Singapores government over the years has clearly focuses on raising
productivity. This developmental ideology plays a large role in Singapores growth over the
last three decades (East Asian). For the last 25 years, Singapore has had at least a 7 percent
annual growth rate (Sun). This has created also a dramatic shift it cultural values for the select
ethnic backgrounds representing the Singapore population.
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Singaporeans range from many different ethnic backgrounds. Mainly, a Chinese
population at over 70 percent, the nation has adopted a set of living standards by western
business practices (Lee, 292). In review, a highly competitive and work oriented society.
Today, Singaporeans have reached a level of being completely urbanized (CIA
Factbook). The cultural style of Singapore has dramatically changed (Sun). This is obvious in a
couple key numbers. First, since 1947, Singapore has lowered its total fertility rate (TFR)
impressively from 6.55 (Sun). Next, Singapore has levitated to be one of the top 5 foreign
exchange financial districts in the world (FX Turnover). Ranking with the United Kingdom and
escalating over Hong Kong, Singapore has positioned itself comfortably into a highly
competitive system. It is clear that Singapores focus is aligned to productivity. Despite being
a tiny island with complex biogeography, Singapore has set itself to arrange as a top player in
the globalized economy and subsequently culture.
Environmental Issues
Addressing Singapores geography, economy, and culture, Singapore currently deals with
complex major environmental issues. This paper begins the conversation about Singapores
issues but does not address all the issues. The scope of the report gives a brief understanding
of the issue but does not go into plausible remedies in detail or paint the totality of the issue.
More so, this paper is set out to draw in the major factors dealing with three environmental
issues. This paper talks about water storage issue, creating a sustainable population, and
dealing with haze pollution coming in from regional neighbors. There is also an industrial
pollution worth noting and many waste disposal issues. The effects of these issues has
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widespread influence of the society, the land, the government, and Singapores overall role in
the present globalized economy.
Water Storage
Given Singapores just about 120 miles of coastline, this island suffers from one major
problem, water storage. Just about 50 years ago, people in Singapore had to line up for water.
As a small island, there is an ever-growing fight for efficient land use between urbanization,
natural areas, and water storage. Today, approximately 400 million gallons a day (mgd) of
water are used in Singapore (PUB). The land lacks large bodies of water, rivers, or lakes (CIA
Factbook). In spite of this primary issue, Singapore receives about 92 inches of rain annually.
That is, Singapore does not have a water problem, but a water storage issue.
Water usage patterns and an increasing population seem to cultivate a growing issue.
Today, Singaporeans use about 155 liters of water a day per capita (PUB). Even with a
decreased per capita usage over the last, about 10 liters a day from 165 liters, Singapores
population has increased by almost 2 million people in the same time frame. Even with
lowering the per capita usage rate, a growing population adheres to intensify the issue.
Freshwater withdrawal from current resources accounts for domestic and industrial use.
The hindsight found in Singapores water usage is that Singapore uses zero percent of their
freshwater withdrawal on agriculture (CIA Factbook). Thus, the water is used for other
purposes, namely, individual and business use.
Therefore, a major intensifier of this environmental issue is for the people and
government of Singapore. Water security is a top priority for government officials with
organizations like PUB set out to, Ensure an efficient, adequate, and sustainable supply of
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water (PUB). PUB, Singapores national water agency, with its beautifully designed graphics
and an oriental-looking child with a clean glass of water on their website use four current taps:
1. Local Catchment Area: Currently, 17 reservoirs and other areas in Singapore are set out
to collect and supply water. Major reservoirs like the MacRitchie, Pierce and Seletar
reservoirs are also set for education programs and free visits to the reservoirs and used
for recreation (PUB). Through an elaborate, large-scale system of man made drains,
canals, rivers, and ponds, Singapore is able to harvest urban storms water by creating
estuaries reservoirs and supply a small percentage of water. Also, two-thirds of
Singapores land surface is now set out for water catchment area.
2. Imported: Singapore has one bilateral agreement with Malaysia to import water. The
agreement ends in 2061 and currently allows Singapore to divert about 250 mgd of
water.
3. Reclaimed Water (NEWater): Flooded with 21
st
century technology, reclaimed water or
treated water, uses membrane technology to incorporate microfiltration, ultrafiltration,
reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet radiation (PUB). This new system has passed over 100
scientifically tests. Today, treated water meets 30 percent of the demand in Singapore.
4. Desalinated Water: A process that parallels in innovation for membrane technology is
desalinated water technology. Today, about 25 percent of the water needs are met by
desalinated water.
Each solution used come at a cost. Local catchment areas and imported water sources are
open to debris, trash, and oil spillage. This means more money to clean the water.
Furthermore, reclaimed water and desalinated water sources demand a high-energy cost.
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Thus, as demand increases, energy usage increases and a different environmental issue is
realized.
Overall, the performance of Singapores water security and sustainability project shows
large government attention. Just 50 years after Singaporeans waited in line to get water,
today 100 percent of the population has access to clean drinking water and sanitation (PUB). It
appears that Singapore has shifted the water dependency towards the right path.
Consequently, a growing productive population demands a growing need for water sources
that are, in the long-term viable.
Sustainable Population
A widely subjective concept, a sustainable population in context would inherit the
peoples view of sustainability and the necessary balance for a growing population.
Singapores culture is a work-oriented society (Sun). This inhabits a very on the go, productive
and thus, individual lifestyle. Currently, Singapore has about a 35 percent dependent society
with 22 percent being youth and 13 percent elderly (CIA Factbook). If this number grows,
education, pensions, and healthcare funding would also increase. This would result in a larger
pressure on government and subsequently the people.. Likewise, if the population in
Singapore has a healthy balance of an independent and dependent population, Singapore will
create the contextual model of population desired.
A primary indicator for creating a sustainable population is total fertility rate (TFR).
Singapore, as of this year, has come a long way. About 60 years ago, the TFR was above the
zero population growth rate of 2.1 at 6.55 (Sun). Today, however, Singapore has dramatically
lowered that number. The issue then lies in that the number is too low at a TFR of 0.8 (CIA
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Factbook). In observation, the shift in economic development that led to a shift in family
structure had large implications for the nation. Plus, the issue really comes to light when it is
understood that Singapores TFR has been below 2.1 for over 30 years. These numbers have
further shown to possibly be an influencing factor in future immigration policy. Singapore has
come a long way developing its human capital, and today they do have something to show for
it. That is, the labor force is almost 3.5 million people (CIA Factbook). Just 10 years ago the
population was roughly the same size. Considering, Singapore has done a lot to grow and
become a productive nation. Though, the question is, at what cost?
Currently, Singaporean government has solicited and encouraged reproduction
through a range of policies. Widespread in the late 1980s, the government took on pronatalist
population policy (Sun). Up until 2001, this policy was the choice option. Then, as the
government saw that the TFR was still decreasing, they took on a new approach. The Marriage
and Parenthood Package was set to provide new avenues from government subsides to
matchmaking and nursery services commonly available (Sun). However, measures are full circle
from helping find a partner to setting up home, to having and raising children aids have
formulated no results (Sun). Government intersession was plainly not working. In her recently
published study Population Policy and Reproduction in Singapore: Making Future Citizens by
Shirley Hsiao-li Sun, Sun examines this issue closely. With interviews and focus groups, Sun
realizes that these benefits have yet to outweigh the costs for Singaporeans (Sun). Further, she
recognizes that many Singaporeans are well off, yet the highly competitive and work-oriented
ideology is permeated in the lifestyles of the people. A child bears a burden, especially to
career-oriented women, who may face losing their job because of no legal safeguards during
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maternity leave (Sun). In essence, the policies set out by the government contradicts each
other. Maintaining a 7 percent annual growth rate pushes a productive society rather than a
sustainable population. As Singapore is a productive welfare state, social policy to increase the
TFR seems to be second on their list.
To see forth Singapores future economic success, an increased birthrate, down from
one of the lowest in the world, is in order. Environmental issues arise as the government
mends ways to support its population and also the effects of a dependent population have on
immigration policy. Supporting an ever-growing population on the main island of Singapore
has environmental impacts. Further, an immigration policy set out to balance the population
could come at the cost of an already heavily populated nation. Overpopulation is not an issue
but a concern. In that, with more people, the current island must support more people and
that means possibly a growing urbanization infrastructure, which also will fall on the
governments shoulders. The potential support ratio (the ratio of working class people that can
support the elderly population) is at 7.1 (CIA Factbook). At the speed of onset, the
government concludes in The White Paper stating that this number by 2030 will drop to 2.1 if
nothing changes. These demographic challenges highlight a growing population could
potentially only aggravate the matter.
Haze Pollution
With a demographic challenge, further consideration must be addressed about the
safeguards for the population. Due to regional fires, Singapore has dealt with a transboundary
effect of haze pollution. Considering, Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world and
an airport that serves roughly 50 million people annually but the air quality issue comes from
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somewhere else. Specifically, fires from peat lands and other deforestation for agricultural
purposes in Indonesia have obstructed air quality over Singapore. This environmental issue is
relevant during dry seasons. Specially, during the Southwest monsoon season in Singapore
(from June to September), the country is heavily impacted by hazy conditions.
Haze pollution poses a bigger threat than visibility. Health issues are exacerbated
throughout the country as the population inhales the unhealthy particles in the air. The biggest
event was in 1997 to 1998. Indonesia fires set out particles over Southeast Asia that were
vividly flagging. These fires seem to affect a larger area than just Southeast Asia. Compared to
the worlds emissions, the 1997 to 1998 fires generated just about 30 percent of the annual
global emissions (Tacconi). It is also valuable to note that this large contribution to CO2
emissions ignited to clear land for oil palm (Tacconi). The levels of particles in the air pose a
clear threat to heath issues concerning haze concentration, length of exposure, and most of all,
the health status of any individual.
The government of Singapore has responded to these environmental issues on multiple
fronts. From individual to national measures, Singapores air quality is left to respond to the
issue and not be proactive to stop that issue. Expressly, many government efforts like ASEAN
Cooperation Plan on Transboundary Air Pollution of 1995 and the ASEAN Regional Haze
Action Plan of 1997 have failed to minimize the issue (Tacconi). With that said, the true
underlining cause comes from local development and the livelihood strategy of individuals
living in Indonesia (Tacconi). Thus, Singapore is set out to combat the issue rather than wait for
statesmen to try and alleviate the deteriorating air quality to reach levels as bad in China.
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Currently, the government regulated and measures the air quality with PSI (NEA). This
measure is determined with six pollutant meters: (1.) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), (2.) Particulate
Matter (PM10), (3.) Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), (4.) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), (5.) carbon
Monoxide (CO), and (6.) ozone (O3) (NEA). Every three hours a new reading comes out and
every hour a new PM2.5 reading is available for all Singaporeans (NEA). There are currently 15
sensors throughout Singapore to measure air quality (NEA).
Further, the ratings give people a clear indication of how to approach their daily
activities. This is suitable for the well off or retired. The losses incurred could be a couple
workdays. Yet, this is quite inopportune for many others. Considering the poor, they are
forced to work in unhealthy air conditions. This could lead to health issues and bigger hospital
bills (Tacconi). These adverse effects truly exacerbate overall national health status and health
demands.
The speed of onset is truly dependent on oil palm demand globally. Indonesia is a
major supplier of oil palm and the increased consumption will increase haze pollution in
Southeast Asia and overall global carbon emissions. A valuable remedy would be to deal with
the disease itself. All of Singapores government actions are noteworthy; however, they are
palliative responses to a prevalent issue internationally.
Conclusion
Singapore, a nation that has defied all odds, has produced one of the most productive
economies on the globe. Singapore has the second busiest port by cargo tonnage behind
Shanghai, China (CIA Factbook). According to the Changi airport website, it serves roughly 57
million flyers annually (Changi Airport Website). The country has seen rapid economic
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development. The financial service sector in Singapore has moved its way into number four of
the top global foreign exchange trading. The governments developmental ideology and
productivist ambition has created a prosperous nation despite natural developing demand for
more environmental governance.
With all that said, Singapore faces environmental issues on multiple dimensions. Their
water storage issue is being addressed but will need more attention and expansion to meet a
growing demand from an increasing population and increasingly productive society.
Sustainable populations are hard to materialize with a generational interim to be evaluated and
immigration policy adjustments. Lastly, haze pollution in Singapores air triggered by regional
fires exacerbates health issues for all Singaporeans, especially the poor. Thus, economic
growth has definitely propelled Singapore to consistent high levels of growth, but will this
continue.
Singapore, next to many other nations, is learning that policies and procedures are
measured, not by intentions, but by results. The physical limitations to store water put
Singapore in a state of vulnerability towards national security. Concerning a sustainable
population, TFR has only dropped in the last three decades when government policy - to raise
TFR - has increased. Finally, both ASEAN agreements constitute the truth that the policy
makers and statesmen could discuss these issues but more actions need to be taken and
sooner. All environmental governance demands results. Without results, the conversations are
busy talk. Singapore will only see problems worsen in the next 20 years with out addressing
how to get results sooner.
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Also, drawing in David Owens book The Conundrum, the discussion about frugality
and Jevons paradox seem to be relevant in this discussion. Firstly, Singapore is a productive
nation that produces a high GDP per capita for its people. This translates into a wealthy
nation. Singaporeans, through all these environmental governance, policy, and procedure are
set out to only produce more efficient ways of dealing with water storage, population, and
haze. However, none of these issues are being addressed in a way of using less. Productivity
comes in the name of efficiency, which again translates into using more.
As long as Singapores main priority is economic growth and development, productivity
in the productivity era comes before all these issues. In Owens book, he defines economic
growth as, the cumulative result of a vast and complexly interconnected web of factors,
including productivity gains and efficiency improvements (Owen, 138). This tells the obvious
story of government policy unashamedly contradicting itself. With no real results,
environmental governance is then seen as a marketing tool to highlight government social
responsibility. This does not mean that Singapore is suffering from the extreme severity of the
issue. In hindsight, they are working towards improvements. However, the main issue is not
being addressed and that is decreasing consumption, not increasing efficiency.
All in all, Singapore faces an environment that demands attention and timeliness. The
future state of the nation to continuing in their success will rely on a forward edge on these
pressing issues. New information about each topic must be discovered and potential next
steps could lead to greater, more effective policy. In either case, if Singapore adopts better
government policy or more expensive water, it must all be considered in the near future.

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Work Cited
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2014.
Jones, Gavin. Late Marriage and Low Fertility in Singapore: the limits of policy. The Japanese
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2014.
Robinson, Rachel Sullivan. "Population Policy And Reproduction In Singapore: Making Future
Citizens." Contemporary Sociology 43.1 (2014): 121-122. Academic Search Complete.
Web. 26 Apr. 2014.
Sun, Shirely Hsiao-Li. "Population Policy And Reproduction In Singapore: Making Future
Citizens. London And New York: Routledge, 2012. Pp. 184.
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Tacconi, Luca. Local causes, regional co-operation and global financing for environmental
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