Problems with the middle class concept

Shifting expectations of what success is

Singapore’s low fertility rate

The cause of rising financial pressures

By many measures, Singapore continues to perform strongly economically. Yet some Singaporeans feel their personal aspirations are becoming more difficult to realise.

In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP), and Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences. From unpacking the idea of the broad middle class to examining falling birth rates, they explore the factors shaping perceptions of the Singapore Dream today.

Highlights of the conversation: 

01:49 Problems with the middle class concept

03:45 Shifting expectations of what success is

09:13 Singapore’s low fertility rate

15:33 The cause of rising financial pressures

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Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. We’ll look into it for future episodes.

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Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)

With Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences, A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP); and Walter Theseira, associate professor, Singapore University of Social Sciences

Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro

Producer: Nicole Teo

Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh

Video production: Studio +65

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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Follow Lens On and rate us on:

Channel: bt.sg/btlenson

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

By many measures, Singapore continues to perform strongly economically. Yet some Singaporeans feel their personal aspirations are becoming more difficult to realise.
In this episode of&nbsp;Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP), and Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences. From unpacking the idea of the broad middle class to examining falling birth rates, they explore the factors shaping perceptions of the Singapore Dream today.
Highlights of the conversation:&nbsp;
01:49 Problems with the middle class concept
03:45 Shifting expectations of what success is
09:13 Singapore&rsquo;s low fertility rate
15:33 The cause of rising financial pressures
---
Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to <a href="mailto:btpodcasts@sph.com.sg">btpodcasts@sph.com.sg</a>. We&rsquo;ll look into it for future episodes.
---
Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (<a href="mailto:claremb@sph.com.sg">claremb@sph.com.sg</a>)
With Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences, A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP); and Walter Theseira, associate professor, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro
Producer: Nicole Teo
Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh
Video production: Studio +65
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
---
Follow Lens On and rate us on:
Channel: <a href="http://bt.sg/btlenson">bt.sg/btlenson</a>
Amazon: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensam">bt.sg/lensam</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensap">bt.sg/lensap</a>
Spotify: <a href="http://bt.sg/lenssp">bt.sg/lenssp</a>
YouTube Music: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensyt">bt.sg/lensyt</a>
Website: <a href="http://bt.sg/lenson">bt.sg/lenson</a>
Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party&rsquo;s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.&nbsp;
Discover more BT podcast series:
BT Money Hacks at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmoneyhacks">bt.sg/btmoneyhacks</a>
BT Correspondents at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btcobt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bt.sg/btcobt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1725767545308000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MZyDZ2ZxkzhbmmY3UOc3Z">bt.sg/btcobt</a>
BT Market Focus at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmktfocus">bt.sg/btmktfocus</a>
BT Podcasts at: <a href="https://bt.sg/podcasts">bt.sg/podcasts</a>

Get a big-picture overview of the latest business events, societal issues and policy changes.

Catch up on the biggest news from around the world at the start of every business day with Lens on Daily. In Lens on Singapore, we take a monthly big picture look at current affairs, societal issues and government policies.

Podcaster: BT Podcasts

The Business Times, SPH Media.

Catch up on the biggest news from around the world at the start of every business day with Lens on Daily. In Lens on Singapore, we take a monthly big picture look at current affairs, societal issues and government policies.
Podcaster: BT Podcasts
The Business Times, SPH Media.

BT Lens On

Lens on Daily from The Business Times is a micro podcast to catch you up on the biggest news at the start of every business day. Lens on Singapore is a monthly big picture feature on current affairs, societal issues and government policies.

Podcaster: BT Podcasts

Produced by: The Business Times, SPH Media 

Lens on Daily from The Business Times is a micro podcast to catch you up on the biggest news at the start of every business day. Lens on Singapore is a monthly big picture feature on current affairs, societal issues and government policies.
Podcaster: BT Podcasts
Produced by: The Business Times, SPH Media