Singapore and China Discuss Blending Law and Social Norms for Effective Governance

At the 5th Singapore-China Social Governance Forum in Hangzhou, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Ong Ye Kung, articulated a nuanced approach to social governance, advocating for a synergistic combination of the rule of law ('fa') and social norms ('li'). Speaking to an audience of over 60 officials from both nations, Ong highlighted that successful community dispute resolution requires more than just legal statutes or inherent good behavior; it necessitates an integration of both.

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It is “wishful thinking” to expect people to resolve disputes on their own through a strong sense of propriety, as unruly behaviour and misunderstandings will always exist.

Ong cautioned against what he termed 'wishful thinking' – the notion that people can solely rely on a strong sense of propriety to resolve conflicts. He acknowledged that misunderstandings and unruly behavior are perennial aspects of human interaction. Conversely, he warned that an over-reliance on legal enforcement alone would foster a society where individuals only conform under the watchful eye of authorities, devoid of genuine kindness and warmth. This perspective, shared by Singapore's Health Minister, underscores the Republic's commitment to fostering a society that is not only orderly but also compassionate.

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Conversely, if we over-rely on law and enforcement to resolve disputes, people would only behave when authorities are watching. There would be no kindness, care and warmth in society.

The forum itself, themed 'Building Cohesive and Stable Communities Through Dispute Resolution,' served as a crucial platform for bilateral exchange. Chen Wenqing, a member of the Communist Party of China’s Politburo, noted the similarities in social governance between China and Singapore, citing shared priorities in public welfare, economic development, rule of law, and alternative dispute resolution methods. Singapore's delegation shared practical examples of how the nation navigates contemporary challenges, such as misinformation spread through digital technologies and the societal shifts brought about by immigration, particularly emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious society.

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China and Singapore have many similarities in social governance, given how both countries prioritise the public’s needs, are committed to economic development, uphold the rule of law, and emphasise alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.

From Singapore's perspective, as conveyed through Minister Ong's address and reported by The Straits Times, this engagement with China is vital. It allows for mutual learning and the refinement of strategies for social governance. The emphasis on balancing 'fa' and 'li' reflects Singapore's unique societal context and its proactive, adaptive governance model. The recent enactment of the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act in 2025, complementing existing religious harmony legislation, exemplifies this approach. This focus on proactive, integrated governance, addressing both legal frameworks and societal values, is a hallmark of Singapore's policy, offering a distinct model compared to potentially more enforcement-heavy approaches elsewhere, and is particularly relevant in the context of China's own complex social governance landscape.

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For multiracial and multi-religious Singapore, our utmost priority since day one is to maintain peace and harmony in our communities.