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How to reduce inequality: Curb foreign worker numbers, support SMEs, tax high-earners more

Pluck low-hanging fruit: curb foreign worker numbers that depress local wages; support SMEs so they can raise wages for locals; and tax the high-earners more

ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
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International research on income inequality finds that higher inequality is associated with lower economic growth. Inequality in Singapore ranks on the high end among high-income countries. What could explain this, and what can be done about it?

CITY AND SUPERSTAR EFFECT

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 28, 2018, with the headline How to reduce inequality: Curb foreign worker numbers, support SMEs, tax high-earners more. Subscribe