This book is the second in Singapore Children's Society's series of collected lectures by distinguished speakers on various aspects of childhood. The chapters feature the speakers' personal narratives and professional expertise in their various fields of work, as well as their replies to pertinent questions from members of the public about the issues faced by children growing up in Singapore. It is our hope that the book will serve as an invaluable resource for members of the public who are interested in finding out more about the changes to childhood in Singapore over the years.
Contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- About Singapore Children's Society and the Lectures
- Growing Up in the Digital World (Han Fook Kwang)
- Our Children, Their Hopes and Future (Grace Fu)
- Definition of Success — Doing Justice to One's Blessings (Chan Chun Sing)
- Growing Up in an Unequal Society (Teo You Yenn)
- Parenting: Does One Size Fit All? (John M Elliott)
- A Shared Journey Safeguarding our Children (Priscilla Lui Tsang Sun-Kai)
- The Book Committee
Readership: General public, students and academics in the fields of psychology, social work, sociology, mass media and education, and practitioners, policy makers, and other stakeholders involved in working with children and their families.
"If life improves there is hope.
Several thought leaders share their views in this commemorative monograph to inspire the younger generation to better the lives of people. If we fail, we can become a mercenary society, and this is not what we want our future Singapore to be.
Valuable ideas on effective parenting and suggestions to create different pathways to success are presented. The young need to acquire skills in managing the digital world, to close the social divide and to fight human exploitation."
Dr S Vasoo
Emeritus Professor, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore
"A wonderful compilation of thought-provoking lectures captured over the past seven years — questions are re-casted and answered with a current day lens. This publication provides much needed discourse on systemic issues affecting children and youth in Singapore. A highly recommended read!"
Anita Fam
Chairperson, National Council of Social Service
"I congratulate the Singapore Children's Society on its 70thanniversary. The children of Singapore are fortunate to have you as their champion.
Every year, the Children's Society invites an expert or a leader to deliver its lecture. This book contains six lectures delivered between 2015 and 2021. Han Fook Kwang talks about the digital revolution and its many benefits. However, the internet also threatens children with online bullying and other issues. Teo You Yenn tells us that children from lower-income families face low self-esteem, poor home environments and are unable to compete with children from higher-income families. The wonderful John Elliott, who died too soon, says that there is no single model of good parenting. What's important is for the parents to be sincerely concerned about their children's welfare. And I agree with Priscilla Liu that corporal punishment of children should be banned. This book also contains two thoughtful lectures by Minister Grace Fu and Minister Chan Chun Sing. I am happy to recommend this book to anyone who is interested in children."
Tommy Koh
Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singapore Children's Society protects and nurtures children and youth of all races and religions. In 2021, the Society reached out to 19,973 children, youth and families in need. Established in 1952, its services have evolved to meet the changing needs of children.
Today, Children's Society operates more than 10 service centres island-wide, offering services in the four categories of: Vulnerable Children and Youth, Children and Youth Services, Family Services, and Research and Advocacy.
