Policymakers from China & S’pore share ideas on social issues

SINGAPORE: The two—day forum between China and Singapore has drawn to a close, in a milestone effort to share solutions to social problems.

Racial harmony, income equality and effective social safety nets were some of the topics of discussion.

Policymakers from China and Singapore met to learn from each other on how to tackle such issues effectively.

Chinese officials spent a few days visiting public housing estates, community centres and heritage sites to see how Singapore puts policies to practice.

Chinese policymakers said they have much to learn from Singapore’s approach to home ownership, pensions and ethnic integration.

But both sides agreed that tangible solutions can be found through sharing ideas.

"Over the past few decades, both China and Singapore have achieved strong economic growth and job creation," said Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports. "But it has also brought about social challenges that are typically associated with more developed economies."

"There’s no ’one—size—fits—all’ solution. Each country will have to find its own way. But in doing so, there is much we can learn from one another," he concluded.

— CNA/xq