This study examines intergenerational educational and occupational mobility within Singapore’s Malay community across a three-generational trajectory (grandparents, parents, and respondents). It employs a mixed-methods design consisting of a community survey (n = 267) and interviews (n = 33) conducted between October 2024 and January 2025. The survey maps patterns for a wide analysis of variables including education, work, perceived financial mobility, as well as barriers and enablers to progression within the community. The interviews dig deeper to uncover the mechanisms that can accelerate or hinder upward mobility intergenerationally, such as information gaps, social capital, credential payoffs, and competing priorities.
The survey and interviews depict a section of the community that has climbed the education ladder and is entering a wider set of occupations but still must confront structural and social barriers. The findings and recommendations of this report aim to illuminate these challenges and propose recommendations that seek to reduce cumulative disadvantage and strengthen returns on investment and effort in education and work.
Please click on the link to read the full report – Intergenerational Mobility Within the Malay Community in Singapore
Please click on the link to read the abridged report – Intergenerational Mobility Within the Malay Community in Singapore (Abridged)
Digital PDF ISBN: 978-981-94-6643-6
Physical Paperback ISBN: 978-981-94-6642-9
(Note: An updated version of the full report of the Intergenerational Mobility within the Malay Community in Singapore study was uploaded on 18/05/2026).