Quality of Life in Singapore 2010

Quality of Life Index

A recent study attempts to rate and rank the best places based on Quality of Life Index of 194 countries. The author acknowledged that this rating is western-biased and compare 9 factors to derive a score. The top 5 countries are France, Australia, Switzerland, Germany and New Zealand. Surprisingly, Singapore is ranked numerically 70^th and the printed media has no report on this study till now. Is there a mistake or the biased factor resulted in such low ranking?

Positioning and Rank

As Singaporeans, we are trained to think position is everything. In this case, the ranking system will be our first focus. Naming Singapore at 70^th position is incorrect because for the same scores at 61, there are 6 countries. If we give the same rank for the same scores, Singapore is ranked 21th out of 194 countries. We notice an improvement but should we deserve better? A peek into the formula shows the index does not have any decimal points. Perhaps providing decimal will give a clearer picture. However, when the formula is applied, we failed to derive the same results as the study. Nonetheless, the formula shows that Singapore is ranked 56^th position with a score of 57.35. So we are standing at the top 28.87% of the Quality of Life survey. Is that the complete picture?

Review of the factors

Instead of squeezing the figures to climb higher in the ranks, let's try to review our weaknesses and improve on them. Let's dig more:

1. Cost of Living (ranked 29 out of 47)
   We scored badly in this category. This factor is tagged to the lifestyle in US so having a lower position than US means that our cost of living is worst than US. Looking at the inflation of goods and services, our daily expenses are higher than yester years and we may be having a lower score next year for this category. Singapore, an open economy, is vulnerable to economy jitters and shakes. As almost everything is imported from elsewhere, there is little chance of making this category better except making Singapore dollars stronger than other currencies thus making things cheaper. So if you step out of Singapore, you will realized Singapore dollars is strong as compared to many other currencies. (Side note: Sweden has a rating of 0?)
2. Leisure & Culture (ranked 17 out of 66)
   Singapore is ranked above average in this sector but I consider this one of our potential weaknesses. One may argue that visiting museums and reading newspaper may not be our national pass time. The internet era of wireless network has changed our lifestyle in obtaining news and updates via twitter and television against the conventional printed media. However, most Singaporeans will agree with me that we have limited recreational activities besides watching movies in cinemas. Nearly all activities that can attract people are indoor-based else Singaporeans will refuse to participate. Perhaps the hot humid weather is to blame as well.
3. Economy (ranked 10 out of 34)
   Singapore has strategic focus on economy and we have scored well in this category. Isn't it surprising to learn that a small island is ranked top 10 in the economy field? In contrast, Iceland which has already bankrupted is ranked 31 out of 34. Strangely, US, technically bankrupted, still ranks 11th behind Singapore. Interestingly, China is ranked 9^th and is leading us. The lion has woken up.
4. Environment (ranked 34 out of 44)
   Despite being Singapore named Garden City, our score is very disappointing in this category. Being small is our constraint. Even with excellent city plans and implementation, we fail to register a good image in this study. But everyone agrees that the National Parks has done a good deal in greening the environment we live in and provides excellent facilities for residents. Now, have you wonder why there are no butterflies in a garden city? Perhaps the fault lies in the residents themselves.
5. Freedom (ranked 8 out of 13)
   In a democratic society, Singapore is ruled with laws to maintain order. Comparing to the west, perhaps the political climate of one party rule is not favourable to the west and therefore, we are ranked lower in this category. Taiwan, where opposing politicians fight amongst themselves in parliament sessions, is ranked second. The question is do we want to follow their footstep.
6. Health (ranked 17 out of 72)
   With an increasing graying population, this category is a worrying concern in the near future. So far, we did well in this category but the cost of making sure Singaporeans is alive is higher than the burial cost. Singaporeans will live longer than their parents but more costs will be spend in making sure of that. So investing in your health is more important that investing in your finance portfolio.
7. Infrastructure (ranked 15 out of 43)
   We have an above average rating in this category assisted by the 100+% mobile ownership and the good transport network. However, there is a high price tag we are paying to enjoy and maintain such facilities. If more vendors are in the market, healthy competition will drive cost down and consumers will benefit more.
8. Risk & Safety (ranked 1 out of 15)
   This is the best category Singapore has scored and ranked 1^st. However, 56 countries scored full marks so there is nothing to be proud of. The challenge is to maintain our position else our position will be 57^th next round. The parties responsible shall lies with the Police and security departments and so far, they are doing a great job with low crime rates for years.
9. Climate (ranked 54 out of 76)
   There is nothing we can do to change the hot humid weather, rainfall and 32 degrees celsius. Our only comfort is Singapore is blessed with no major natural disasters. On this point, it is strange to note that Indonesia is ranked 14^th in this category with live volcanoes and occasional earthquakes.
   
    

Conclusions

Singapore, a tiny island, with no natural resources has scored well in this study considering its inherent limitations. The study aims to bring out the best places to live in the perspective as a foreigner. If you intend to migrate, this index will be very useful to you. But if you are a local, it is just a gauge of how attractive is your country to potential immigrants. Singapore adopts the foreign talent policy so it is important to improve our scores in all categories to make Singapore a better place to stay – for both locals and foreigners.
For you and me, everywhere is the same as long as your loved ones are beside you. This is all that matter.