[yomly]

Actually, I'd argue that something like NS, its merits not being discussed here, does do good for social cohesion and cultural integration.

When everyone is (relatively) equal and put through something comparatively arduous, it does good things for helping people gel together. It also probably helps instill a common sense of belonging to a nation.

I'd attribute at least some of Singapore's ability to cultivate a sense of national identity to things like NS.

From what I've seen, Singapore is fairly racist, but in the sense that pretty much everywhere and everyone is racist without very conscious mental effort. That said, Singapore seems pretty well integrated and culturally inclusive considering what a melting pot it is especially on the ground at the interpersonal level. I imagine that as such a small state, these things are easier to micromanage for a government though. Additionally, nothing kills xenophobic sentiment faster than exposure, and as a small city-state, Singapore also provide favorable conditions for that too.

[ValentineC]

> Actually, I'd argue that something like NS, its merits not being discussed here, does do good for social cohesion and cultural integration.

> When everyone is (relatively) equal and put through something comparatively arduous, it does good things for helping people gel together. It also probably helps instill a common sense of belonging to a nation.

> I'd attribute at least some of Singapore's ability to cultivate a sense of national identity to things like NS.

National Service is a tad tricky to discuss. While you mention that everyone is (relatively) equal when put through national service, that statement mainly refers to male citizens and second-generation permanent residents. Females, foreign students, and first-generation migrants aren't required to do so, and I can hardly see how they would be able to empathise with those who have had to undergo NS.

One other thing — imagine if one applies to a large MNC, and the hiring manager learns that the applicant might have to eventually fulfill their reservist liabilities and disappear for a month. If the applicant pool is global and there are no quotas to meet for local hires, it's very difficult to see how a competitive role based in Singapore might be filled by a Singaporean.

[yomly]

I can't really disagree with anything you're saying. Wrt to only males going through NS, I can imagine someone in the Sg govt making the assumption "if all men go through NS and bond, then when they start families, their wives will follow" - considering that they tried to convince the smart to pair off with the smart, I wouldn't put that line of reasoning past them.

As for quotas, I've heard a lot of people complain about them and how much of a pain it is to fill Singaporean headcount. Specifically on the subject of MNCs and reservists, I feel we're in an age where that could be easily seen as discrimination. Given we can't apply that to women who get pregnant, or people of religious origins (who may have additional holidays or fasting periods).