SS T3: increased diversity
reasons for increased diversity
positive effects
negative effects
ways to integrate foreigners
liberal immigration policy (1990s)
greater economic opportunities for immigrants
socio-cultural environment
exchange and appreciation of culture
exchange of skills and knowledge
increased prejudice
concerns over falling standard of living
ways to combat prejudice
naturalisation initiatives
community support
common experiences
examples of govt policies
govt encouraged immigration in 1990 due to low birth rate and ageing population
foreigners can easily become residents/PR --> bring in foreign talent: skills, experience, business networks
hence allowing SG to grow the economy and provide jobs for locals Singaporeans
e.g. % of PRs grew at avg of 8.4% annually from 2005-09, compared to 0.9% rate of SG citizens
(liberal immigration policy allow foreigners to easily apply to come work/live in SG, hence resulting in increased diversity in the SG population)
stable political envt (one-party democracy, low crime rate) + business-friendly policies to encourage MNCs to invest in the country
these MNCs hire a mix of white- and blue-collared workers of differing skill sets --> increased job opportunities for foreigners who are unable to find similar high-paying jobs in their homeland
e.g. over 37,400 MNCs made SG their regional HQ in Asia, such as Visa and Mastercard, rivalling credit card companies
lower-skilled workers: construction/marine sectors to sustain economic growth
higher-skilled: IT, management
(pull factor of increased job opportunities to earn higher wages than in homeland)
strong community support, safe envt & quality education --> foreign professionals settle down
comm support: help newcomers settle down & adapt, safe: low crime rate and strong laws (justice system), education: renowned education system in the world
(combination of these factors creates a desirable envt for foreigners to come & live in SG)
e.g. SG is ranked the highest among many countries for PISA
diversity in cultures can allow people to learn from each other
forms: fashion, music, food, traditional costumes
e.g. Govin Tan is Singaporean Chinese who achieved recognition in Indian music
fusion of different cultures can result in interesting mix of different cultures
(SG is hence a culturally vibrant society accepting of diverse cultures)
hence benefits SG economically
requirement for high-skilled manpower to add value to our economy --> addition of skills & knowledge
allow SG to reach world-class standards in terms of skills & knowledge
e.g. exchange in area of Research and Development with foreign scientists led to significant discovery in area of science --> H1N1 vaccine
hence resulting in the high standards of skills and knowledge of SG workers --> attracting MNCs to invest in SG --> further benefit to economy
different in cultural background --> conflicting views on lifestyle, value, beliefs
conflicting views + insufficient understanding and incorrect assumptions --> stereotypes & prejudice which are harmful to such a culturally diverse country
may result in discriminatory behaviour, even in daily life
e.g. rental racism, where some landlords are unwilling to rent to tenants who are of a certain race due to preconceived notions about their lifestyle habits that are prejudicial in nature
(create impression that SGeans are xenophobic, make foreigners feel unwelcome --> they leave the country, taking talent and business networks with them --> negatively impact economy)
greater competition for limited resources
greater competition for jobs
new immigrants = greater demand for resources (housing, healthcare, transport)
result in increased prices of property: people feel that high quality housing/ prime property become unaffordable
result in increased traffic congestion, increasing travelling time --> inconvenience to life
(living standard drops as they compete with foreigners for the limited resources in their own home country)
new immigrants = new skills, knowledge, foreign talent that companies want
SGeans worried that they cannot compete in the job market --> end up with no job or a job that cannot provide for them and their families to live comfortably
e.g. for low-skilled jobs like cleaning or bus-driving, there are limited slots for locals as lower-skilled foreigners are more willing to earn lower wages --> lower wages of the low-income group of citizens
increased competition for jobs --> worry over finding job with decent salary --> fall in standard of living
sedition act: fear to make prejudicial remarks
common space: prevent misunderstandings that cause prejudice/distance
education: social awareness and prevention of misunderstandings/prejudices
(greater chance at interaction --> friendships, form deeper emotional attachment to SG hence integrating effectively)
integration policies allow new immigrants adapt to culture & values of SG
better understanding of their new home, exploration of rich culture of SG
e.g. a naturalisation initiative is the compulsory "Singapore Citizenship Journey" which involves an online course, sharing session & half-day tour (national institutions, culutral/historical landmarks)
(pick up unique habits of Singaporeans such as Singlish, eating variety of cultural delicacies at hawker centres, reduce misunderstandings with locals --> better integration)
people organised by grassroot level according to the area they live in --> integrated accordingly with community support
PA have grassroot organisations e.g. RC, NC that provide community support and integrate new immigrants by holding interest-based programmes or block parties
hence creates common experiences and allows new immigrants to form bonds through shared experiences
(new friends, lessen anxiety of adapting to new place, strengthen social fabric)
common exp: shared opportunities of iinteractions b/w locals and immigrants
e.g. 2010 SG PR Quota introduced for PRs buying HDB --> not more than 8% per block
hence preventing social enclaves from forming (detrimental to peaceful racial harmony) and ensuring new immigrants interact with locals
immigrants and locals forced to share common facilities such as playgrounds, void decks, supermarkets --> greater social cohesion
Bilingual Policy of 1966 --> common language, sense of belonging
EIP of 1989 --> solve 1980 formation of social enclaves as majority (80%) live in HDB
GRC system --> allow minorities to have a voice/representative to voice their needs and feedback no matter the winner --> strong social cohesion