The youth factor: analysing the effectiveness of government-led youth engagement programmes in Singapore

Abstract

Citizen engagement has been undertaken by governments worldwide to garner support from citizens and encourage collaboration to solve societal issues. This study evaluates the effectiveness of government-led youth engagement programmes in Singapore. Through an inductive approach, this study surveyed Singaporean youth between the ages of 15 and 35 on their views towards youth engagement programmes. Follow-up interviews were conducted to obtain more nuanced qualitative insights. Subsequently, findings were benchmarked against Rowe and Frewer’s Public Engagement Framework. This study concludes that the effectiveness of government-led youth engagement programmes in Singapore is limited as a result of socio-cultural and operational factors. These socio-cultural factors include youth apathetic mindsets towards formal political participation, and sentiments that their voice is not heard and/or has limited influence. Operational factors include the lack of representativeness amongst youth participants in these programmes and inadequate publicity efforts. Recommendations to improve effectiveness of future programmes include educational curriculum changes, citizens’ panels for youth issues, a new modality of engagement, and increasing outreach through partnerships with other youth-centric organisations and leveraging social media.