Among the findings from the university survey, which was based on 4,000 participants: 64% said air-conditioning was essential; 62% needed to go to a restaurant at least once a month; and more than half required a trip to a Southeast Asian country every year. More than nine in 10 listed a smartphone.
In a country with one of the highest home-ownership rates in the world, 96% listed owning your own home as a basic essential.
The results come as new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong needs to address rising living costs, a rapidly-aging population, and sticky inflation in preparation for an upcoming election.
About two-thirds of those surveyed expected the government to pay for the basic necessities of those who couldn’t afford them, and more than half also thought that the authorities should help residents with items related to healthcare, childcare and public transport.
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Almost 88% said regular preventive health screening was an essential.
