Beyond metrics: Is Singapore’s fixation with measuring everything holding it back?

Publication Type

News Article

Publication Date

6-2026

Abstract

In a commentary, the author opined that Singapore’s emphasis on measurement and meritocracy, while instrumental to its economic success, may also discourage innovation by prioritising what can be measured over what cannot. She noted that truly transformative ideas often emerge from environments that embrace ambiguity, experimentation, and uncertainty. Drawing on her experience with students, Assoc Prof Yang observed that many struggle not with ability, but with navigating uncertainty after years in systems focused on clear metrics and outcomes. She added that an overreliance on measurement can increase stress and anxiety, while crowding out qualities such as curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, and intrinsic motivation.

Discipline

Asian Studies | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | Work, Economy and Organizations

Publication

Straits Times

First Page

B1

Last Page

B1

ISSN

1692-9344

Publisher

Singapore Press holdings

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS