Raising feelings of happiness by improving determinants of well-being

Response to parliamentary question on the results from NUS’s 2022 Quality of Life survey, and initiatives to improve Singaporeans’ mental well-being.

Oral PQ 5701. Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth following the latest Quality of Life survey which found a decline in happiness among Singaporeans over the past decade (a) whether the Ministry can elaborate on specific local factors that may be contributing to this trend; (b) whether any study has been done to correlate between the observed decline in happiness and the rise in mental health issues; and (c) what initiatives can be taken to achieve better survey results.

1. The National University of Singapore’s Quality of Life survey found that Singaporeans were less happy in 2022 as compared to 2016. This may reflect Singaporeans’ emotions as they weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, when Singaporeans had fewer opportunities to connect with friends and family or engage in the community, such as through volunteering or participation in the arts and sports. All of these are important determinants of well-being, which may in turn help raise feelings of happiness. 
2. Nevertheless, the survey also found that Singaporeans remained satisfied with life. This finding is also reflected in the World Happiness Report 2023, which found that Singapore is the happiest country in Asia, and the 25th happiest country in the world. 
3. Happiness is a state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment, and is distinct from mental health needs or issues. We are not aware of existing studies done in Singapore that correlate both.
4. The Government has implemented a holistic approach to enhance Singaporeans’ mental health and well-being, through the national strategy we announced in October 2023. The SG Mental Well-being Network is the community pillar to this strategy. Through the Network, we bring together partners and citizens to strengthen mental health and well-being outcomes. We also set up Well-being Circles to strengthen community and peer support, and equip citizens with skills to care for their own mental well-being and that of others. We are also working with schools and employers to create environments which support well-being.   
5. As these efforts bear fruit, we look forward to improving Singaporeans’ well-being over time.