Singapore needs to be a continuous meritocracy: Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, says Singapore needs to be a continuous meritocracy where every individual is given opportunities to move up and progress. 

This is part of building an inclusive society. 

Mr Tharman said a continuous meritocracy is one where every individual is evaluated continuously based on their contributions and abilities. 

He was speaking to some 750 university students and lecturers at a forum held at Nanyang Technological University. 

The forum's theme was on the challenges ahead for Singapore. 

Mr Tharman said building an inclusive society does not come automatically but is increasingly becoming a challenge. 

He added that it is important to have a government that intervenes to narrow the gaps. 

This includes putting in policies that are tilted towards the less fortunate and encouraging a workplace culture that respects and rewards individuals. 

He said Singapore must also work on moving away from being a society that focuses too much on academic qualifications.