The quest for nation building : role of the Singapore government in the Singapore American School

Abstract

Nation-building has always been one of the top priorities of the Singapore government which can be seen in the planning and structuring of policies to achieve this aim. After separating from Malaysia, the Singapore government saw the need to attract foreign investors in order for Singapore to grow and prosper. In 1970s, many American-based companies relocated their operations in Singapore. The Singapore American School was established to educate the children of these American expatriates. Since the students spent most of their time studying in Singapore, the Singapore government saw the need to include these young expatriates into the Singapore society. As such, the school saw extensive involvement of the Singapore government in its educational or curriculum structure in order for nation-building purposes.