What to focus for the exam?
First of all these are the theme that will not come out as it has already come out in 2007.

1. Venice (Theme 6)
2. Sustainable development (Theme 5)
3. Population.(Theme 4)

So it is safe to focus on the following theme as it has not come out in 2007.
1. Merger and Separation (Theme 1)
2.Sri Lanka (Theme 2)
3.Conflict and Cooperation (Theme 3)

But you must study everything within these three theme. No short cut.

For additional insurance do the following
1.Good governance (Theme 5)
2.Singapore Industrialisation (Theme 4)
3. Housing in Singapore (Theme 4)

Should be safe. Good luck.

Click the words on the left hand side of the blog to go to particular question.
Detail syllabus.

Theme 1. The Making Of A Homeland
The emotional bonding to one’s country comes with the understanding of how a young
nation is born as a result of the struggles, determination and commitment of the country’s pioneering fathers.

• Introduction: an overview of colonialism, nationalism and independence in Southeast Asia (Not examined)

• In and out of Malaysia (1963-1965)
- Political and economic reasons for merger
- Political, economic and racial reasons for separation with emphasis on the concept of a Malaysian Malaysia based on equality of all races
- Independence and nationhood


Theme 2. HARMONY AND DISCORD

Unity and Disunity
It is possible to live together in harmony despite differences in race, language and religion.
However, it is important to be relentlessly vigilant against the forces of divisiveness in a multiracial and multi-cultural society.

Discord and disunity with examples of the following countries
• Sri Lanka
• Northern Ireland

The following issues will be discussed for both Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland:
- Different causes of conflicts among ethnic and religious groups, e.g. colonialism, competition for economic resources, breakdown of a strong national government
- Manifestations of conflicts among ethnic and religious groups, e.g. extensive fighting between groups; sporadic attacks against the national government; conflicts between ethnic groups leading to foreign intervention

Theme 3. CONFLICT AND COOPERATION
Diplomacy and Deterrence Events and developments happening outside Singapore’s
borders can affect the lives of the people on this island.

• Conflicts among nations
- Causes of international conflicts

• Prevention and resolution of conflicts among nations:
- Diplomacy: bilateral relations with other countries, membership in international organisations, such as ASEAN and UN, social/cultural and economic cooperation among nations
- Deterrence: military self-reliance through either a professional army or a citizen armed force
- Example of Singapore’s two-pronged approach of diplomacy and deterrence

Theme 4 GROWTH OF NATIONS

Development Strategies
A nation can stand on it own by careful planning to optimise the allocation and use of physical and human resources. Reliance on its own resourcefulness will enable a nation to contribute to the world community.

Planning and Development

Planning for economic development and growth
- Case study of Singapore:
o Importance of planning in Singapore(physical characteristics such as limited resources, land)
o Industrialisation and industrial restructuring: role of EDB, JTC, NTUC

Planning for social development
Case study of Singapore: overview of public services with special reference to
- Education
- changes to education in Singapore and the response to changing goals and needs
- Example of Switzerland: the role of education in the economic and social development of Switzerland
- Health care Services
o changes to health services in Singapore and the response to changing goals and needs
o Example of Britain: trends towards privatisation in the provision of public services
- Population planning
o Case study of Singapore: population policies and planning for an ageing population (self-reliance versus state welfarism)
- Public Housing
o Case study of Singapore: role of HDB in public housing

Theme 5 .LOOKING AHEAD

Going Global, Staying Centred

Our track record of succeeding against the odds shows that as a people we can have a bright future if we continue to take a forward looking and practical approach to facing challenges. Besides, we need to ensure that sufficient vital resources are available to future generations of Singaporeans.

Constraints to further growth (regional and global factors) and sustainable development
- Constraints to further growth
o Economic e.g. competition from other countries
o Socio-political e.g. instability, war
o Environmental e.g. pollution
- Sustainable development
o Definition of sustainable development and what it means to Singapore
o Economic strategies for sustainable development: e.g. enhancing economic competitiveness through skills upgrading, IT, R&D, regionalisation and globalization
o Environmental strategies for sustainable development: e.g. environmental and resource management

Good governance and sustainable development: Case study of Singapore
- Principles of good governance – a pragmatic, meritocratic, fair, clean and transparent government
- Socio-political strategies for sustainable development: e.g. forging of social cohesion of multi-ethnic population, good diplomacy, forward-looking and incorruptible civil service


Theme 6. CHALLENGE AND CHANGE

Transformation of a Great City- State
There were city-states in history that rose from obscurity to
splendour and power, and which eventually went into decline. Even
great city-states, which were centres of prosperity and culture,
can fall prey to weaknesses and complacency within the system.