SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan, and Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan commented on the findings of a collaborative research conducted on the youths in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan. The research revealed that the learning ability of Singaporean youths is strong, and that they are willing to step up to the challenges of uncertainties of life. However, it also discovered that, compared to youths from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Singaporean youths placed greater importance on family, and also hoped for a slower pace of life.
Both Prof Straughan and Associate Prof Tan pointed out that Singaporean youths are optimistic about their future, and placing family as a priority also showed how government policies are taking effect. Prof Straughan noted out that "the message from the government to form a family and pursue lifelong learning has been consistent, and the fact that it has taken root has also demonstrated the strong confidence that our youths hold towards the Government." However, Associate Prof Tan is concerned that certain attributes from our young stem from their sense of complacency, pointing out that compared to their peers from Shanghai, "we may have lost our competitive edge". He added that Singaporeans are less likely to "take up the role as leaders, hoping instead to become a professional." Prof Straughan added that the immense stress from the current curriculum may have led to their thirst for a more comfortable and family-centred life.