Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes
Secondary 4 History
Secondary 4 History: modern Singapore, the economic miracle, housing and education policies, defence, and Singapore's role in ASEAN and the world. Students evaluate the policies and decisions that built a global city.
Economic Transformation and Global Integration
An in-depth analysis of Singapore's journey from a survival economy to a global financial hub, focusing on industrial policy and crisis management.
How Singapore created a stable environment to attract Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) through the Economic Development Board.
The physical transformation of Jurong and the role of Goh Keng Swee in pioneering industrialisation.
The shift in the 1980s from labor-intensive to capital-intensive and high-technology industries.
The development of Singapore as a regional hub for banking, finance, and tourism.
The unique role of Temasek Holdings and companies like SIA and Singtel in national development.
The first major post-independence economic downturn and the policy pivots that followed.
Singapore's resilience during the regional currency collapse and the importance of strong reserves.
Social Engineering and National Identity
Evaluating the policies that shaped Singapore's social fabric, from housing the nation to managing a multi-ethnic society.
The transition from kampongs to high-rise living and the Ethnic Integration Policy.
The implementation of the bilingual policy and the promotion of English as a working language.
Examining the philosophy of meritocracy and the evolution of streaming in schools.
The state's role in managing religious sensitivities and preventing communal conflict.
Singapore's unique social security system and its evolution from retirement savings to housing and health.
From "Stop at Two" to "Have Three or More", and the challenge of low fertility rates.
The attempt to define a national ideology to counter perceived westernisation.
Security, Defence, and Deterrence
Exploring the "Poison Shrimp" and "Dolphin" strategies, National Service, and the evolution of Total Defence.
The security vacuum created by the 1971 British withdrawal and the urgent need for self-defence.
The introduction of compulsory military service in 1967 and its social impact.
The technological advancement of the Singapore Armed Forces and the role of the defense industry (DSTA/ST Engineering).
The comprehensive strategy involving every citizen in the nation's security.
The role of the Internal Security Act in managing threats like communism, communalism, and terrorism.
The discovery of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) plot and the SGSecure movement.
Foreign Policy: Survival of a Small State
Principles of Singapore's diplomacy, its role in ASEAN, and navigating Great Power rivalry.
Realism, being a "friend to all", and the importance of international law.
Singapore's role in regional cooperation and the transition from confrontation to collaboration.
Singapore's diplomatic leadership in opposing the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia.
The history and significance of the 1961 and 1962 water agreements as a matter of national survival.
Contributing to global governance through the Forum of Small States (FOSS) and peacekeeping missions.
The territorial dispute with Malaysia and its resolution at the International Court of Justice.
Political Evolution and Governance
The adaptation of the Westminster system, the role of the opposition, and the transition of leadership.
Analysing the dominance of the People's Action Party and the concept of a "developmental state".
The introduction of Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) and Nominated MPs (NMPs).
The shift from a ceremonial to an elected president with custodial powers over reserves.
The rationale for GRCs in ensuring minority representation in Parliament.
The process of grooming and transitioning leadership between generations of ministers.
The history of opposition parties from the Barisan Sosialis to the Workers' Party.
The limits of political discourse and the rise of non-governmental organizations.
Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability
Building a "Garden City" and the engineering feats required for a resource-scarce island.
Lee Kuan Yew's initiative to green Singapore as a signal of efficiency and discipline.
The massive effort to expand Singapore's physical size through reclamation projects like Marine Parade and Tuas.
The debate over and construction of the Mass Rapid Transit system.
Singapore's journey toward water self-sufficiency through reservoirs, imported water, NEWater, and desalination.
The engineering of the world's first offshore landfill and the challenge of zero waste.
Singapore's vulnerability as a low-lying island and the Green Plan 2030.
Culture, Arts, and Heritage
The development of a distinct Singaporean culture and the preservation of heritage in a rapidly changing city.
The mix of ethnic traditions and the emergence of a unique "Singlish" identity.
The tension between preserving historical sites like Chinatown and the need for modern development.
The creation of the Esplanade and the growth of local theater, music, and film.
The significance of hawker centers as social spaces and their recognition as intangible heritage.
How museums like the National Museum and the Asian Civilisations Museum curate the Singapore story.
The role of sports in fostering unity, from the Kallang Roar to Olympic gold.
Global Challenges and Future Horizons
Singapore's response to 21st-century disruptions, from digital transformation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The push to integrate technology into every aspect of life and the digital economy.
Lessons learned from the 2003 SARS outbreak and the multi-layered response to COVID-19.
The rise of the platform economy and the challenge of protecting workers in a changing labor market.
The introduction of POFMA and FICA to protect the domestic political space.
The tension between remaining open to the world and addressing the concerns of local citizens.
Synthesizing knowledge to project the future of the nation in an uncertain world.