New Study Identifies 40 Items Deemed Essential for Singaporeans’ Household Needs

Study by SMU uncovers insights into what Singaporeans think are essential items, the extent to which different groups can access such items, and gives recommendations to bolster social support for the vulnerable

By the SMU Corporate Communications team

12 Jul 2024

Singapore, 12 July 2024 - Forty out of fifty-one items polled are regarded by a majority of Singaporeans to be essential for their daily household needs. These items comprise household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, items related to digital connectivity, as well as social activities like going out with family and friends.

These findings are from a new study titled "Household Needs Study (HNS)", which surveyed 4,014 respondents. The study was conducted from May 2022 to February 2023, and was spearheaded by Prof Paulin Straughan, Director of SMU Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and Dr Mathew Mathews, Head of Social Lab, and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

The study aimed to identify what Singaporeans deem to be essential for a normal life in Singapore and examined Singaporeans' ability to afford such items and activities (across different household income, housing type, and age groups), and their general attitudes and beliefs towards reasons for poverty.

The study found that Singaporeans were divided on whether other items, such as air conditioning and dining out at a restaurant at least once a month, were considered essential. Other items, such as an annual staycation, were not deemed essential by most respondents.

It was also revealed that income or housing type affected whether respondents thought certain items were perceived as essential. For instance, 34% of respondents living in 1- and 2-room HDB flats thought air conditioning was essential, compared to 78% in private housing.

Two-thirds of respondents reported that they had access and/or could afford all 40 items deemed essential items identified in the study. The remaining one-third lacked access to an average of four essential items.

As a nationally representative population-based survey, the study can help academics, government agencies, social service practitioners, philanthropists and more to understand and develop social policy and practice. In particular, to ensure that essential items are provided for those in need. It also highlights the importance of considering activities pertaining to social inclusion as essential to one's quality of life. Refer to Annex A for the study's key findings.

SMU-DBS Foundation Symposium on Essential Household Needs in Singapore

The HNS was presented at the 'SMU-DBS Foundation Symposium on Essential Household Needs in Singapore' on 12 July. Speakers from the academic, social service and corporate sectors gathered to discuss findings from the HNS, and share views on how to enhance vulnerable segments' access to essential needs.

"SMU ROSA is delighted to continue its partnerships with the government and industry to foster a more inclusive society through research. It is crucial for us to understand and address these needs to advance healthspan and holistic well-being for Singaporeans," said Prof Paulin Straughan, Director of SMU Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA).

"We're privileged to be part of today's symposium, and of an essential conversation with like-minded parties who share our commitment to taking a whole-of-society approach to drive change. In today's fast-evolving world, there is an urgent need for us to lend support to those who need it most, and empower them with the skills, tools, and opportunities to build towards better circumstances. At DBS Foundation, we hope to join forces with those who share our goal of uplifting the vulnerable and creating a more inclusive Singapore for all," said Ms Monica Datta, Lead, Fostering Inclusion, at DBS Foundation.

At the Symposium, Dr Mathew Mathews also presented findings of an IPS poll on Singaporeans' perception on who should provide for essential items for those in need. The poll found that respondents were inclined to view the self as the main provider of essential items, followed by the government, community, relatives/friends, and then businesses (in order).

Breaking down the list of essential items, 67% of respondents believed the government should help Singaporeans who cannot afford basic necessities (e.g., three meals a day, shelter, access to healthcare), while 62% believed that individuals are responsible for providing themselves items associated with a decent standard of living (e.g., dining out at restaurants once a month).

Both the IPS poll and the HNS were conducted as part of the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) regular partnerships with academics to enable informed and evidence-based policy making, and funded by MSF.

Enclosures

Annex A: Key findings of the Household Needs Study

Annex B: Key Findings from IPS' poll on 'Public Perceptions of Provision of Essential Needs'

Annex C: Symposium on Singapore's Household Needs Survey

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