!!! Chapter 5 (Factors contributing to greater diversity in Singapore) Flashcards
Immigration Policy (Define and Describe)
- Singapore’s immigration policy is closely linked with the manpower needs of the country
- The setting up of the Jurong Industrial Estate which marked the start of Singapore’s Industrialisation Programme created demand for more workers
- Workers were needed in construction sites, factories and shipyards
- Demand for workers are addressed through issuing of work permits to foreign workers seeking employment in 1971
- Employment passes disallowed foreign workers to stay permanently or have families in Singapore
Immigration Policy (Named Example)
- 1980s saw Singapore facing a declining population and brain drain which force Singapore’s foreign workforce policy to evolve to meet Singapore’s manpower needs
- Singapore now focuses on a high-skilled foreign workforce to support a knowledge based economy as Singapore faces a falling birth rate, which reduces overall citizen population and working-age citizens
- Hence, the Singapore government started to encourage another wave of immigration to Singapore
- The immigration policy encouraging migration has continued from the 1990s until today
Immigration Policy
(How will this shape a person’s identity)
- The migrants and immigrants bring their diverse cultures, practices and customs from their countries of origins
- They also come with skills, valuable experiences and business networks that contribute to Singapore’s economy
Economic opportunities
(Define and Describe)
- Economic opportunities attract migrants and immigrants looking for employment as such opportunities may not exist in their home countries
- Employment opportunities are readily available in Singapore as a large number of businesses operate here
- Thus multinational corporations are attracted to Singapore due to ease of doing business, growth potential, stable political environment and well-established judiciary system
Economic opportunities (Named Example)
- Foreign professionals have complemented local professionals, managers, executives, technicians (PMETs) to ensure Singapore’s economy remains vibrant and competitive
- They come from around the world, including Asia, the USA, and Europe, and usually occupy Singapore positions in industries such as banking and finance
- PriceWaterHouseCoopers Management Services is an international business management consultation firm, and one of the top accounting firms in Singapore
Economic opportunities
(How will this shape a person’s identity)
As a result of economic opportunities, foreign manpower come from all over the world to work in Singapore bringing their cultural practices with them, enhancing diversity in Singapore
Socio-cultural environment (Community support)
(Define and Describe)
- Singapore is home to a wide range of ethnic communities and cultures from all over the world
- Existence of such communities help foreigners feel more at home here
- Many ethnic communities gather in certain districts which helps strengthen ties
- Immigrant communities bring and have distinct national identities and ethnic practices unique to their countries of origin
Socio-cultural environment (Community support)
(Named Example)
Thais commonly gather at the Golden Mile Complex along Beach Road - it has been dubbed “Little Thailand” where there are authentic Thai eateries, a large Thai supermarket and smaller convenience stalls for a sense of community, familiarity and comfort
Socio-cultural environment (Community support)
(How will this shape a person’s identity)
- Thai influences can be seen in everyday life in Singapore
- Such as, temples, Chang Beer, Thai express and Muay Thai
- The Thai community has added to the diversity in Singapore,especially to the cultural landscape in Singapore
Socio-cultural environment (Safe environment)
(Define and Describe)
- Migrants and immigrants considers safety and security when deciding on the country to work or live in
- Both the foreigners and the supporting communities thrive when there’s a safe environment
- The crime rate is often a measure indicating the level of safety in a country
- Singapore’s law plays a role in ensuring the relatively low crime rate here
Socio-cultural environment (Safe environment)
(Named Example)
- Crime rates have gone down 5% over the past year
- In 2012, there were 584 crimes per 100000 people and in 2018 555 per 100000 people, and crime rates have been declining since 2005
- Almost 40% of all major crimes are solved with the assistance from the public
Socio-cultural environment (Safe environment)
(How will this shape a person’s identity)
- Safety and security are the main considerations when deciding on the country to work or live in
- Thus, migrants who come into Singapore will feel safe and secure hence contributing to the migrant diversity in Singapore, this ensures that migrants coming into Singapore will feel confident and safe as they settle down with the families and communities
Socio-cultural environment (SG’s education system)
(Define and Describe)
- Education system in Singapore is well recognised for its effectiveness and high standards
- Public schools in Singapore are becoming more popular with foreigners
- These schools accept international students
- Tertiary institutions like polytechnics and universities like National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University are also very popular among international students
- Singapore’s education is viewed as world class and their qualification is recognized worldwide
Socio-cultural environment (SG’s education system)
(Named Example)
- Singapore’s tertiary institutions such as polytechnics and universities offer high standards of certification and a wide range of courses, from the sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Arts and vocational skills
- Singapore is a well known hub for quality education, attracting about 80000 international students in 2014
Socio-cultural environment (SG’s education system)
(How will this shape a person’s identity)
- Migrants are attracted to the top-notch education quality in Singapore
- They feel that it is a good place to settle their families here given that it meets their education needs
- Thus, with the inflow of more migrants, they contribute to the diversity in Singapore as migrants bring along their culture, values, ideas and experiences that are shared with the rest of the Singapore society
