The Merriam-Webster dictionary refers to meritocracy as a “system, organisation, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and merit”. In public discourse, the promise of equality in terms of social mobility, opportunity, recognition and social justice embedded in merit is generally agreeable with people’s basic moral understandings; in recent times, widening social inequality (perceived or otherwise) in Singapore has renewed calls for a rethink of meritocracy.
Features
Discovering my gifts in the Arts
We speak to Methodists from the Arts sector on how they were led to their careers and discovered their God-given gifts.
A Christian Response to the Repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code
At the National Day Rally this year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the Government’s intention to repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code (“377A”) and decriminalise sex between men. PM Lee also announced that the Government would protect the definition of marriage between a man and a woman from being challenged constitutionally in the courts and would amend the Constitution in order to protect it.
Onward, Christian Soldier
I did not expect to receive an overseas education, much less to serve full-time in the Singapore Armed Forces. But both were gifted to me not long after I entered National Service in 1988. With a government scholarship, my future seemed determined.
Roe v. Wade: What does the Lord require of us?
On 24 June 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States of America reversed the decision in Roe v. Wade. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex legal discussion, the…
I wear my faith on my sleeve
As Singaporeans, we have certain principles ingrained in us from our schooldays, thanks to National Education—“No one owes us a living”, “We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility” and “We must preserve racial and religious harmony”.
Youth Ministry: What the pandemic taught us
Abraham Sui is the Chairperson of Youthphoria, the Youth Ministry of Aldersgate Methodist Church. I come from a church named after the famous place of John Wesley’s heartwarming encounter—Aldersgate Methodist…
Here, for a Purpose
Methodist Girls’ School celebrates her 135th anniversary this year. Commemorating Founder’s Day on 25 July, the school gives glory to God for his abundant love, grace and faithfulness over the years, which…
Former gaming addicts tell their stories
Ruth Lim studied Game Development and Computing Science and works as an Esports Coach at SOOS OIO. A competitive gamer, she has won many titles and represented Singapore in gaming tournaments. She attends Cornerstone Community Church.
God and Gaming – What parents need to know
Kids game, while parents frown. There is a gap between these diametric responses of parent and child to gaming. Our end objective in mitigating this gap is not to swing…