ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on five issues that the author believes deserve more attention in policy-making, and in civil society and academia. The first issue has to do with social norms and values: how they constrain and affect policy effectiveness and, very importantly, how the policies themselves have a way of shaping social norms and values. The second issue has to do with differentiation in education. The third issue is the importance of place and of housing neighbourhoods in particular. The fourth issue has to do with ensuring a fair deal between generations. The fifth and final issue explores policy effectiveness. There will be lessons to be drawn from around the world. Certainly Singapore, a small country, will have to continue learning from experience both here and elsewhere, as we adapt our policies to the needs of a changing society.