Happiness: Singapore's Next Chapter

Happiness: Singapore’s Next Chapter

On 23 March 2015, Singaporeans and the nation grieved over the loss of ours founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Singaporeans of all races came together as a cohesive nation paying tributes to thank him for what he had transformed Singapore from being a third world nation to first world nation in 50 years.  As we commemorate the first anniversary of his death, let’s us not only take the opportunity to remember his spirit and values but also reflect on how we want Singapore to be in the next 50 years when we celebrate SG100.

Looking back in the last 50 years, Singapore has achieved astounding results in both economic growth and wealth. In 2014, the size of Singapore’s GDP was about US$ 308 billion with a GDP per capita of about US$38,000. Singapore was ranked 21^st highest in GDP per capita in the world. (Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/singapore/indicators). However, the same cannot be said for happiness, which is one of the three key goals enshrined in our national pledge.

The Singapore Pledge

We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.

Although the World Happiness Report 2015 ranked Singapore as the 22^nd happiest country in the world (source: World Happiness Report 2016), the other reports about happiness of Singapore and Singaporeans were less positive.  For example, the latest Happy Planet Index (HPI) which measures experienced well-being, life expectancy and ecological footprint, Singapore achieves a HPI score of 39.8 and is ranked 90 of 151 countries. (Source: http://www.happyplanetindex.org/countries/singapore/).  A survey conducted by JobsDB in 2015 revealed that only over half of the Singaporean respondents were happy at their respective workplaces (source: Asiaone, 30 July 2015).

To fulfil our national pledge, the pursuit of happiness should be a key focus to complement Singapore’s economic prosperity and progress in the next 50 years as we celebrate SG100. In so doing, Singapore will help to promote and fulfil the “United Nation Resolution 65/309 - Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development”. We must commit ourselves to create and sustain a happier world in which every single individual, family, organisation, and community can pursuit and bring happiness to ourselves and others.

The Happiness DNA

In the pursuit of happiness, Singapore and Singaporeans should first define and measure happiness. In general, happiness can be defined as the subjective measure of life satisfaction or dissatisfaction and a life that is worth living.

Happiness is a natural pursuit of all human beings and it can be discovered and learned. Singapore and Singaporeans should pursuit happiness in a holistic manner embracing both internal and external happiness, which is known as the “happiness DNA”. External happiness is considered to be short-lived and unauthentic. It consists of financial, career, environmental, social and health happiness. Internal happiness is considered to be permanent and authentic and it consists of mental, emotional and spiritual happiness. The internal happiness helps to create an internal condition that is conducive to nurture happiness in our genes. The Happiness DNA is illustrated in figure below.

The Happiness DNA

External Happiness

Financial happiness. Being financially adequate to make ends meet is an essential part of external happiness. A person cannot be happy if he is incapable or worried about how to make ends meet. Having a decent and equitable wage to cover living expenses and retirement is essential for financial happiness. Economic prosperity and progress as well as fair employment and financial literacy are important to ensure that Singaporeans are self-reliant, skilful and value creating. Economic restructuring is a work in progress for securing Singapore’s long term survival and financial happiness for all.

Career happiness. Employees spend more than one-third of their lifetime at work and it is important that they can find meaning in their daily work and happiness at the workplace. An equitable compensation system coupled with a fair and inclusive employment practices including work-life balance are conducive for a happier workplace. SkillsFuture is the way forward in empowering Singaporeans with lifelong skills so that we can raise the level of employability and find meaning in contributing to Singapore’s progress.

Health happiness. Physical health is an important part of external happiness as it affects both the physical and mental ability of a person. Good health brings happiness and happiness brings better health. In a 2002 Australian study (published in the American Journal of Health Promotion), participants who were happy and satisfied found that they were 1.6 times healthier than the group who were unhappy. Promoting and educating Singaporeans on physical and mental well-being as well as having an affordable quality healthcare system and work-life balance are fundamental strategies to create a sustainable and healthy nation.

Social happiness. Happiness is not just about being happy oneself. It is also about spreading happiness to people around us. Research has shown that relationship with spouse, children, parents, colleagues and friends can influence the level of happiness. Singapore and Singaporeans should aim to be an inclusive society regardless of race, religion, language, or nationality. Thinking sameness, seeing goodness and doing sweetness to ourselves and others will make us more united and inclusive as a civilised and gracious nation. Thinking sameness nurtures our mental ability to identify similarities among us which foster compassion and unity. See goodness helps us to express appreciate and gratitude in what we have rather than what we don’t have. Doing sweetness is about acts of kindness and building relationship. Although, building a smart nation will facilitate connectivity however nurturing strong family kinships and community cohesiveness will bring warmth and humanity to all.

Environmental happiness. Studies have found that cities with strong sustainable development practices and policies such as community gardens, green spaces, green homes, clean water, social spaces and sustainable transportation, have raised the level of happiness. It is understandable why people are frustrated when the MRT train service is down. Having a liveable, safe, and sustainable living environment as well as well-integrated infrastructures and seamless transportation system are sources of environmental happiness.

Internal Happiness

Mental happiness. Many studies have found clear and compelling evidence that happier people enjoy better health and longer lives.  Positive values and beliefs are the source of positive thoughts which direct positive habits and behaviours. We should cultivate and practise positive moral values and beliefs, mindfulness and gratitude at home, school, workplace and society. A study by the Singapore Mental Health in 2010 found that one in 10 people in Singapore suffer from a mental disorder (source: http:www.imh.com.sg/wellness). Mental wellness should receive no less attention and emphasis than physical well-being.

Emotional happiness. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson and author of the book “Positivity”, says that focusing on day-to-day feelings of satisfaction can lead to a happier life, and that an awareness of the present moment, paying attention to human kindness, and enjoying nice weather can increase positivity in one's mental outlook. Promotion and education of emotional wellness, and cultivation of positive emotions like kindness, compassion, tolerance, patience, graciousness etc. can bring about emotional happiness.

Spiritual happiness. Spiritual happiness is not about religion or faith but about having a clear sense of purpose in life. Discovering one’s life purpose and passion, and directing all energies towards it raises happiness. A 2009 study of 1,238 elderly people found that those with a sense of purpose lived longer. Another study of 900 older adults found that those with a greater sense of purpose were much less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (Source: http://www.spring.org.uk/2014/05/a-sense-of-purpose-helps-you-live-longer.php). The rise in the percentage of suicides among people aged 60 and above from 23 % (79 cases) in 2000 to 30% (126 cases) in 2014 (source: The Straits Times, 17 December 2015) is alarming as they are perceived to be more accomplished individuals in their age. They should be enjoying their fruits of labour rather than ending their lives. Helping individuals to seek meaning or a sense of purpose at every major stage of their life at home, school, national service, workplace and society is important for spiritual happiness. Engagement in family, school, workplace and society give rise to ownerships and commitments which result in a sense of purpose, self-worth and life satisfaction.

The realisation of happiness for Singapore and Singaporeans in the next 50 years requires a holistic and coordinated approach as depicted in the Happiness DNA diagram encompassing Aware, Purpose, Change, Act, Reflect and Progress.  An existing ministry or a body can be set up to spearhead and coordinate the happiness movement. Countries like Bhutan, Ecuador, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela have appointed ministers of happiness to improve their people's happiness. The agency responsible for the happiness movement should first conceive an inclusive plan by engaging Singaporeans and institutions. This would help to raise awareness of the happiness movement. Awareness can be raised by establishing or adapting appropriate indicator(s) to measure and report on happiness on a regular basis just like our GDP.

Happiness is both an attitude and a skill that can be nurtured. Educating our people on how to be happy is essential. SkillsFuture, People’s Association, unions, social enterprises and schools are possible institutions that would help to raise awareness and educate our children, teenagers, workers, matured and senior citizens on happiness. The purpose to make happiness as Singapore’s next chapter should be well articulated and communicated. The areas to enhance or change in realising happiness should be identified for implementation or action. The results of the implementation should be reflected and evaluated to monitor the progress of the movement.

In the next 50 years, I hope that the three key goals: happiness, prosperity and progress enshrined in the Singapore’s Pledge can be realised as we celebrate SG100.