Rethinking the Status Quo: Public Policy Case Studies on Singapore

Abstract

The ability to rethink the status quo is central to good governance. To ensure that policies remain fit for purpose as circumstances and needs change, robust policymaking demands questioning of the assumptions behind public policies, re-looking at policy design and implementation, and re-examining the impact of existing policies. This collection of six case studies for teaching covers diverse policy domains such as education and meritocracy, housing and built heritage, public transport, casinos, the gig economy, and the drive towards e-payments. Together, they present Singapore’s public policy development in action—the impetus, challenges and outcomes of rethinking the status quo.