In governance, integrity is top concern but national pride is also important amongst Singaporeans: Milieu Insight

A recent online survey found that integrity is Singaporeans' top concern about governance, followed by accountability and the vision of the country's leaders. Beyond these worries associated with governance, the survey also found that most respondents resonated with the statement of being proud to be a Singaporean.

In conjunction with National Day, Milieu Insight, a leading survey software company in Southeast Asia renowned for its award-winning research expertise, conducted a poll among 1,000 Singaporeans aged 16 and above from 17 to 23 July to learn more about the nation's sentiments.

The poll covered five main topics, such as the top qualities wanted for the next generation of leaders, changes Singaporeans want for the country, their favourite NDP song, their national dish and cravings when abroad, and sentiments on National Pride.

Integrity and Inflation of utmost importance

Not surprisingly, the survey found that about 52% of respondents believe integrity is the most essential quality for the next generation of Singaporean leaders.

However, Gen Zs between 16 and 24 years old prefer accountability (43%), integrity (42%), and good communication skills (32%), while older generations aged 55 and above value integrity the most for future leaders.

In addition, other changes that Singaporeans would like to see in the next ten years are improved/increased measures to address the management of the cost of living (79%), relief for the ageing population (59%) and increased opportunities in the workforce (58%).

On the other hand, diversity, equality, and inclusion are important factors, particularly for Gen Zs aged 16-24. They feel more passionately about increased freedom of speech (37%) and recognition of rights, such as LGBTQ+ (28%), compared to the overall national average of 29% and 18%, respectively.

"The report reveals Singaporean's strong national pride and sentiments and the top qualities they want for the next generation of leaders," said Mr Gerald Ang, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Milieu Insight. "Overall, Singaporeans are primarily hoping for improved measures to address management of the cost of living."

Ang added that the poll findings reflect a nation poised for growth, inclusive prosperity, and a brighter future.

This was reflected in respondents' sentiments on National Pride. Most (94%) of respondents are proud to be Singaporeans, with 1 in 3 (33%) of those above 45 strongly agreeing. 

94% of respondents also feel a sense of familiarity when they see or hear other Singaporeans while travelling abroad.

Optimism on the rise

Optimism toward the nation has been a growing trend in the past year, with new leaders at the helm and new initiatives launched islandwide.

This was reflected strongly in the 2023 Presidential Election, which Tharman Shanmugaratnam won in a landslide. Lawrence Wong was then sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister on 15 May 2024 — the first in 20 years.

In addition, Milieu's survey results are an insight worth reading to learn more about people's opinions on the country's leaders and the changes they would like to see, be it the cost of living and relief for the ageing population.

While people of different age groups may have differing opinions on national issues, national pride always identifies us as Singaporeans.