Rise in age discrimination noticeable in Singapore, exceeding racial and gender prejudice, according to IPS study
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore has released a new survey titled "Prejudice, Attitudes and Critical Perspectives on Race in Singapore." The survey, conducted among 4,000 citizens and permanent residents, found that ageism is perceived to be on the rise in Singapore, with 17.6% of respondents believing age-based prejudice has increased over the past five years[1].
This rate is slightly lower than the 21.3% recorded in 2018, but it remains the highest among the three types of bias, followed by racism (11.2%) and gender bias (8.8%)[1]. The survey's authors, Dr Mathew Mathews, Mr Melvin Tay, and Dr Teo Kay Key, identified age-based prejudice as the area with the "greatest perceived deterioration."
The survey also covered attitudes towards Chinese privilege and critical race theory, reflecting contemporary societal debates in Singapore[1]. Interestingly, while many Singaporeans believe prejudice levels have remained steady overall, perceptions of ageism deteriorating were the highest, indicating this issue might be the most pressing or visible form of prejudice among Singaporeans[1].
The survey sample was representative of the age, race, and gender make-up of Singapore's resident population. The study was conducted by the IPS, a think-tank within the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
In summary, the survey findings suggest that ageism is the most pressing form of prejudice according to Singaporeans, followed by racism and gender bias. The IPS survey was released on Friday, July 25, 2025[1].
| Type of Bias | % Perceiving Increase Since 5 Years Ago | |--------------|-----------------------------------------| | Ageism | 17.6% | | Racism | 11.2% | | Gender bias | 8.8% |
The survey's emphasis on ageism might reflect growing public awareness of challenges faced by the elderly amid Singapore’s demographic shifts[1].
[1] Institute of Policy Studies (2025). Prejudice, Attitudes and Critical Perspectives on Race in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.ips.nus.edu.sg/prejudice-attitudes-and-critical-perspectives-on-race-in-singapore/
- As the survey points out, ageism is identified as the area with the "greatest perceived deterioration," suggesting a growing concern about age-related prejudice in Singapore's society.
- The emphasis on ageism in the survey reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by the elderly, particularly within the context of Singapore's demographic shifts and the health-and-wellness concerns associated with aging.
