Our Place in the World · Semester 2

Globalisation and Economic Interdependence

Exploring the concept of globalization and how Singapore's economy is deeply interconnected with global supply chains, trade, and investment flows.

About This Topic

Food from Around the World highlights Singapore's dependence on international trade for its food supply. Students learn that because we have very little farmland, much of our rice, fruit, vegetables, and meat come from different parts of the world. The topic also explores how this global connection brings a wonderful variety of international cuisines to our shores, making Singapore a 'food paradise.'

This topic is part of the MOE Social Studies curriculum's focus on global connectivity and resource management. It helps students understand the concept of 'imports' and the importance of maintaining good relationships with other countries. Students grasp this concept faster through 'supermarket' simulations and by investigating the 'origin labels' on their own food at home.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Global Supermarket

Set up a 'supermarket' with food props (or photos). Students must find the 'Made in' or 'Product of' label on each item and place it on a large world map to see how far their food has traveled.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: My Favourite International Food

Students think of a food they love that is not traditionally Singaporean (e.g., pizza, sushi, burgers). They share with a partner and discuss which country that food originally came from.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

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Inquiry Circle: Why Do We Import?

In small groups, students look at a photo of a farm and a photo of Singapore's city skyline. They discuss why it's hard to grow all our own food and why buying from other countries is a good solution.

⏱ 20 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students might think that all our food is grown in Singapore because it's always fresh in the shops.

What to Teach Instead

Teachers can use the 'Global Supermarket' activity to show the 'Product of' labels. This helps students understand the amazing logistics and transport that bring fresh food from far away to our tables.

Common Misconception

Students may believe that importing food is 'bad' because it's not local.

What to Teach Instead

Through discussion, teachers can explain that importing allows us to have a huge variety of food all year round. This surfaces the idea of global cooperation and the benefits of being a trading nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Singapore get its food from?

Singapore gets its food from over 170 different countries! For example, we get rice from Thailand and Vietnam, vegetables from Malaysia and Australia, and meat from Brazil and New Zealand. This 'diversification' helps make sure we always have enough to eat.

What does it mean to 'import' food?

To 'import' means to buy goods (like food) from another country and bring them into our own. Because Singapore is a small island with very little farmland, we have to import over 90% of the food we eat.

How can active learning help students understand global trade?

Active learning, like the 'Global Supermarket' simulation, turns an abstract economic concept into a tangible discovery. When students physically place a 'banana' on the map of 'Ecuador' or 'Australia,' they realize the incredible journey their food takes. This hands-on connection helps them appreciate the importance of global peace and trade for their own daily lives.

Can we grow any of our own food in Singapore?

Yes! We have some high-tech farms that grow vegetables, eggs, and fish. Singapore has a goal called '30 by 30,' which means we want to grow 30% of our own food by the year 2030 to be more self-sufficient.

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