Singaporeans more united than before pandemic

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Singaporeans more united than before pandemic

Three-quarters of Singaporeans in a recent survey said their country was more united than before the COVID- 19 epidemic, in contrast to most people in several other countries feeling that their societies are now more divided.

Nearly nine out of 10 Singaporeans also said their country has dealt with the pandemic well, according to a study released on Thursday by American research think-tank Pew.

Some 75 per cent said Singapore was effectively handling the coronavirus outbreak in ways that show the strengths of the political system.

Among 24,525 people in 19 advanced economies that were polled, Singaporeans also stood out for having more than seven in 10 respondents believe that vaccination is very important for being a good member of society.

The survey conducted by Pew from Feb 14 to Jun 3 focused on attitudes toward the pandemic in countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.

In 13 countries, more people saw their country as more divided than before the epidemic.

The United States had the highest share, with 81 per cent of respondents saying they felt that way, followed by 80 per cent in the Netherlands and 78 per cent in Germany.

75 per cent of Singaporeans said their country was more united than before the pandemic.

Singapore, Sweden, 60 per cent and Malaysia 58 per cent were the only countries with majorities who felt that way.