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SINGAPORE: Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said policymakers are changing the way they deliver their messages - instead of the usual carrot-and-stick approach, they are favouring a softer method to help shape public attitudes.
Mr Teo, who is also minister-in-charge of the civil service, was speaking at the Global Behavioral Economics Forum, organised by polling company Gallup on Thursday.
He used NEWater as an example to explain how policymakers persuaded Singaporeans that recycled waste water was safe to drink.
"At one level, gaining acceptance was about appealing to the rational mind of Singaporeans by quoting the facts and the figures, and the science. But the key to overcoming the 'yuk' factor was building trust and social acceptability."
Another example is CPF Life, where Singaporeans were offered options - which made it easier for them to accept the annuity scheme.
However, sociologist Dr Paulin Straughan pointed out the danger of this approach is that in the long-term, it could lead to over-reliance on the government and loss of creativity.
She said: "On one hand, there'll be your usual complaints about too much regulation... On the other hand, when something goes wrong they'll say, 'Fine, raise the fine! Have some more rules! Where are the policemen when you need them?'"
To encourage people to get married and have children is one area where the government has yet to be successful.
Dr Straughan said society is at a point where expectations of women's roles and parenthood are constantly changing, so the type of message and the way it is sent out are important. - CNA/ac
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