Nation building is defined as the process of using state power to form a national identity common.[1] The Singapore government has adopted several tangible structures including defence, housing and economy for the purpose of nation building. These aspects are invaluable and were well intentioned in the initial stages, but over time it can be argued that, although they remain significant, they may hinder nation-building efforts due to the implications that have arisen. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Public housing policies are significant in Singapore's nation-building efforts to instill a sense of belonging and racial cohesion by encouraging racially diverse and easily accessible communities of housing for all income levels, thus championing the nation as you own a stake in the nation.[2] Racial composition quotas were imposed in a public housing neighborhood (HDB) to prevent the formation of racial enclaves and promote multi-ethnic bonds. It is undeniable that housing policies are significant in nation-building efforts as homeownership in Singapore exceeds 90% and the share of rental housing is very low. These state policies are very important for social stability and building a sense of nation.[3] However, over time, due to lax immigration policies, they have led to a spike in demand for public housing. Since public housing has lower supply than demand by nature due to Build to Order apartments being built only 3-4 years after demand has been estimated through purchases by prospective homeowners, the Social housing prices will increase as housing is managed on a free market basis with little intervention from the state itself, making it inaccessible especially to new families. In fact, according to HDB statistics, in 2008, only 3,183 new apartments were built while the government welcomed over 90,000 permanent residents (PRs) and 20,000 new citizens in the same year.[4] According to HDB statistics, the flat-rate resale price index increased by 28% from 155.0 (first quarter 2010) to 198.5 (first quarter 2014)[5], which means an increase in 'HDB. National Service (NS) is significant in nation building as it forced conscripts from all walks of life to live together and share common experiences during their NS days and to promote among the people a continuous commitment to the defense of their common home [6] and we undertake to protect it "with our lives".[7] The importance of NS has not diminished over time, as public support for NS remains and NS men of all ages have a predominantly positive view of NS according to an IPS study conducted in 2013.[8] NS is also seen as an important trait of being Singaporean, for example nearly 70% of Singaporeans surveyed in an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey said that having a male child who has completed NS is an important characteristic of being "Singaporean". [9] However, despite the importance of the NS, it has several shortcomings that, if not addressed, will hinder nation-building efforts. The systematic discrimination of Malaysians, who are prevented from serving in military areas considered sensitive (e.g. Signal Units)[10] and the slow promotion compared to their.
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