Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
2.5 Living in a Diverse Society (Socio-cultural environment (Community…
2.5 Living in a Diverse Society
Immigration policy
1965-1970: Support labour intensive industries
After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore was a third world nation with
massive unemployment and lacked unemployment and lacked foreign direct investment
.
The setting up of the Jurong Industrial Estate marked the start of
Singapore's industrialisation programme
.
There was a demand for more workers and this was addressed through the issuing of work permits to foreign workers seeking employment in 1971.
These workers worked at construction sites, factories and shipyards however they were
not allowed to stay permanently or start families
in Singapore.
This
supported Singapore's labour intensive industries
and thus made Singapore
attractive to foreign investors
.
1980s-now: To address declining population and brain drain
Professionals such as doctors found it easier to work overseas
in, for example, Australia, as they could speak English.
The government began encouraging another wave of immigration. Now, there was
a focus on higher skilled foreign workforce
to support the knowledge-based economy.
At current birth rates, without immigration the number of
working-age citizens is projected to decline from 2020
and
Singapore's overall citizen population will decline from 2025 onwards
if current low birth rates persist.
The
number of elderly citizens will triple
to 900 000 by 2030 and will be
supported by a smaller base of working-age citizens
.
Age-dependency ratio will
worsen
.
By 2030, there will only be 2.1 working age citizen for each citizen aged 65 and above. This puts extra tax and economic burden of the working class population.
This will also lead to a shrinking customer base, and companies may find Singapore unattractive to sell their products to. Moreover, they may not be able to find adequate manpower.
Economic opportunities
The
ease of doing business, growth potential, stable political environment and well-established judiciary system
attract global investors such as multinational corporations (MNCs).
In Singapore,
employment opportunities are readily available
due to the large number of businesses that operate here.
One example of this ease is the creation of EnterpriseOne. It is a comprehensive network where local businesses can find the help and answers needed to start, grow and sustain their businesses. The EnterpriseOne Portal provides a wide range of information on government assistance, programmes and regulations to help entrepreneurs to set up their businesses more easily.
According the World Bank in 2014, Singapore was ranked first among countries with a conducive business environment.
According to the Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI) in 2014, Singapore was also ranked 1st out of 50 major investment destinations as best investment potential. This evaluation assesses operations, politics and foreign exchange. With no restrictions on the flow of capital (money for investment) for businesses, along with the most favourable operating conditions and strong diplomatic ties, Singapore's stable political and economic climate creates an idea environment to invest in.
According to Doing Business Report 2014, Singapore is the easiest place in the world to conduct business, partly due to the hassle-free way in which administrative matters are handled. Singapore simplifies the process of setting up business by making it simple to establish a company and register for taxes using the same online form. Forms are construction permits, new workplace safety and healthcare regulations can also be submitted online. In addition, Singapore has eased property registration by improving its computerised system.
According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014, Singapore was also the top country in Asia for least corruption in economy. Transparency is valued highly. This is due to clear and strict laws and legislation imposed by the government over business dealings and transactions.
It is important for Singapore to
remain competitive
in order to open up a range of
employment opportunities
.
In order to maintain
a strong Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
with
adequate job opportunities and consistent investments
, Singapore needs to attract both
lower and higher skilled manpower
.
Higher-skilled manpower:
Raises the income
of top tier income earners.
Lower-skilled manpower:
Keep wages low
at the bottom tiers.
Complement higher-skilled professional jobs: Foreign manpower is needed to complement the local workforce in sectors such as the construction and marine sectors, by taking low-skilled jobs that support higher-skilled professional jobs. Many of these foreign workers came from ASEAN member countries as well as from India, Bangladesh and China.
Support families with elderly people and children: Foreign domestic workers support elderly families with elderly people and children, example fetching children from school. Having foreign domestic workers to assist with care-giving duties will allow Singaporeans who are playing the role of primary caregiver at home to re-enter or remain in the workforce. They can come from many countries, including Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Support Singapore"s economic competitiveness, and vibrancy in the world: Foreign professionals have complemented local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) to ensure Singapore's economy continues to remain vibrant and competitive in the world. Foreign PMETs come from across the globe, including Asia, USA and Europe. They usually occupy senior positions in sectors such as banking and finance. There were about 340 000 foreign professionals in Singapore in 2014
Socio-cultural environment
Community support
Singapore is home to
a wide range of ethnic communities and cultures
from all over the world.
Many gather in certain districts and bring with them
distinct national identities
that also include ethnic practices unique to their country of origin.
Many young Koreans chose Singapore as it is an Asian country with an English-speaking work environment, MNCs, quality infrastructure and security. The Korean community in Singapore centers wrong Bukit Timah area where the Singapore Korean International school is located. Many eateries operated by Koreans, fashion boutiques and beauty salons can be found in the shopping complexes such as Bukit Timah Plaza and Square 2 shopping centre in Novena.
Safe environment
Singapore's laws play a role in ensuring the
relatively low crime rate
here.
Crime rates have been declining since 2005 and has gone down by 6% between 2012 and 2013. Almost 40% of all major crimes were solved with assistance from the public. Singapore is also ranked 2nd safest country in the world based on social order and security, and is ranked tenth overall based on categories like criminal justice and absence of corruption by World Justice Project in 2014.
Singapore"s education system
Singapore's education system is well-recognised and admired for its
effectiveness and high standards
.
This makes it
attractive to foreigners
.
Singapore had attracted about 80 000 international students in 2014
.