Community service

Annyong Haesayo! Have you ever noticed that kpop and Korean dramas are popular in Singapore nowadays? This is due to the influence brought about by the Korean wave, which results in making Singaporeans going gaga over the Korean trends. However, not much people know that even a prospering country like Korea, is also facing problems like ageing population, just like Singapore. Besides this, we will also be sharing with you on areas such as healthcare and physical disabilities.


Do you have grandparents that are very thrifty? Actually, they have much higher accumulated savings per head than younger people. However, because of their thrifty-ness, they may be spending less on consumer goods, leading to economic downturn. Not only that, a decrease in social security may also occur. This is an effect of ageing population, and it is currently a serious problem faced by both Singapore and Korea.


Do you know the total population in Korea and Singapore? Population in Korea is about 12 times larger than the population in Singapore. Despite the difference, the ratio of the elderly in Korea and Singapore actually do not differ much. There is a ratio of 1 : 10.36 in Korea and a ratio of 1 : 10.73 in Singapore. Although the number of elderly in Singapore is slightly higher than the number of elderly in Korea, the percentage of elderly emitted into Old Folks’ Home in Korea is higher than it is in Singapore. A percentage of around 18.2% in Korea and around 13% in Singapore. This could be owing to the difference in the retirement age in both countries. A retirement age of 58 in Korea and 62 in Singapore.

Therefore, the government of Singapore and Korea had done their part by implementing schemes to curb the problem of ageing population. Both countries actually have the same proposal of increasing retirement age and encouraging birth rates. In Korea, The government has proposed raising the retirement age to 65 by 2033, and in Singapore, the government had planned to eventually raise the retirement age to 67 and even no retirement age.  In Korea, the government have also implemented the policy “Sons or daughters, let's have two children and raise them well.”  With a list of measures like tax incentives, priority for the purchase of a new apartment, support for education, and assistance to infertile couples etc. In Singapore, a similar policy was also introduced “3 or more if you can afford” with attractive incentives such as baby bonus. A cash gift of up to $4,000 each for your 1st and 2nd child and $6,000 each for your 3rd and 4th child. 


Next, we would like to touch on the differences between schools in Singapore and Korea. Do you know how the school facilities for the handicap students differed in Singapore and Korea? In Korea, the number of disabled children is about 80 thousand, of which about 70 thousands of them attend either special or normal education and the remaining 10 thousand of them does not receive any education at all! In Singapore, we have different organizations for the physically disabled children. One such example would be MINDS. The Ministry Of Education tries to make sure that no children would be left behind, feeling inferior to others just because they are “different”.

As for South Korea, their education system does not adjust to suit the needs of individual students. Those who are physically disabled must navigate their education alone. In addition, physical disabilities are set as some mark of disgrace in the Korea society and do you know they tend to shy away from the public's attention? This trend is especially serious in schools! Physical handicap is considered as a punishment for past sins or a threatening sign that had to be avoided. We think that Korean society needs to be more aware of and open towards diversity that exists within its population. The public must understand that people with disabilities are different only in their special physical needs, and are capable of contributing just as much to a thriving educational environment.


Lastly, we would like to discuss some of the healthcare policies in Korea and Singapore. The South Koreans’ quality of life has improved due to the development of their medical technology. The three main areas of South Korea’s healthcare security system are: National Health Insurance Program, Medical Aid Program and Long-term Care Insurance Program. The Medical Aid Program was established specially for low-income households. Under this program, the government pays all medical expenses for patients who are unable to pay for healthcare. Also, the Long-term Care Insurance Program was introduced mainly to help the elderly. Elderly people with serious limitations in performing activities of daily living are qualified to apply for the program. For example, those aged 65 years and above or aged less than 65 years but suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can apply for this program. These programs are mostly funded by the insured and government.

Whereas in Singapore, the government provides facilities and medical services to citizens. Government-funded hospitals offer medical services at lower rates than the private sector. CPF is a comprehensive social security saving plans which provides working Singaporeans with a fund for healthcare, retirement and other social welfare purpose.  Subsidies are also based on sliding income scale and patient’s ability to pay. Medishield is an insurance plans which protect people from catastrophic medical expenses. However it does not cover services such as vaccination and alcohol rehabilitation. Medifund acts as a safety net to those whose medisave accounts are low and could not afford the bills. The interest from this fund is distributed to hospitals to cover the costs of patients who are unable to pay their medical bills.

All in all, the three main areas that we have focused on shows that Singapore and Korea really differs in their community service system. Isn’t it interesting? We really looked forward to going to Korea to have a better look and understanding of their community service! That’s all we have for you! Thank you!

Response questions:

1. What are some forms of community services the students in POSCO High School had done?
2. Does the elderly in Korea behave in the same way as the elderly in Singapore? (Make a comparison of the Elderly in Korea and Singapore)

Presented to you by the KIMCHI GANG! :D