Meritocracy and elitism in Singapore

ONCE a vaunted principle and source of pride in Singapore, meritocracy faces growing ambivalence at home and abroad.

Recent books and studies have exposed the hidden ills of a system that purportedly confers equal opportunities and rewards the most meritorious. Critics say that meritocracy benefits those who start with more resources and lets them “game the system”, thus exacerbating inequality.

In Singapore, politicians have repeatedly said that while the principle behind meritocracy is sound, it can be improved to be more “open and compassionate”.