D O T H E A RT S, S U C H A S M U S I C A N D
L I T E R A T U R E , R E A L L Y P L AY A N
IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SINGAPORE
SOCIETY?
Charlotte Ng Jane Ting
12S03C
CLARIFICATION
 “really” - Question has a hidden doubt as to whether the arts play an
important role in the Singapore society (Essay has to clarify the doubt)
 “important role” – Shaping the values/character of people; Local arts
can serve as a form of national identity
 “Singapore society” -
Rather underdeveloped, but people are
starting to appreciate the Arts in the recent years (building of Esplanade,
setting up of SOTA)
ARTS UNITE PEOPLE
 The arts is used as a tool to foster national identity. Music plays an
important role in the Singapore society – it is a proof of our cultures and
a multi-racial society.
 It transcends the role of expressing ourselves. It enables us to ignite
the sense of belonging from within, and uniting the people of our
country together.
 E.g.: National Day Songs, songs sung in different languages, Home
grown singers (Sun Yanzi)
LITERATURE
 Serves a storehouse for the memories of Singapore’s past and present. It unites the
memories of the people and helps to preserve them as part of our national identity
 The younger generation can learn more about Singapore’s history from a different
perspective, which could be better than reading a textbook, as it evokes lesser emotion
 E.g.: “Emily of Emerald Hill” by Stella Kon, “Fistful of Colours” by Christine Lim
 However, not many people know about such literature works, with the exception of
those in the literature scene. Singaporeans must first cultivate appreciation for literature
before they can appreciate such works. This could be done via changes in the education
system.
LITERATURE
 As a subject, literature motivates students to critique and analyze. The education
system in Singapore churns out a science stream majority, which results in lack in
creativity in Singapore society.
 Literature has been implemented as a compulsory subject in secondary school
education to hone and encourage critical thinking that is lacking in Singapore society
 Literature is a subject which students are dissuaded to take for the O level
examinations as it supposedly pulls down their grades. Hence, Singaporeans have a
pragmatic outlook – if they cannot succeed in doing the subject, there is no point in
studying the subject.
ARTS
 Adequate knowledge in background of important genres of music
(e.g.: Classical, Pop) and adequate ideas in important works of literature
(e.g.: Shakespeare) makes an individual a more functioning global citizen.
 Cultural quotient is essential for one who lives in a globalizing world.
 However, Singaporeans do not usually bring up the topic of the arts,
and it does not play a large role in daily interaction.
ECONOMIC ASPECT OF THE
ARTS
 Part of the reason for constructing aesthetical buildings(Esplanade
and art museums) and programs is for economic benefit – gaining
tourist revenue.
 Pragmatic view of Singapore society