(Issue 2) Chapter 5: Why is Singapore experiencing greater diversity now?

Question 1

Why is Singapore experiencing greater diversity now

Answer 1

1. Immigration policy
2. Education system
3. Community Support
4. Safe Environment
5. Economic opportunities

Question 2

Immigration policy

Answer 2

• Singapore has an open door policy regarding hiring of foreign workers, and those who are willing to contribute to Singapore
  -> To mitigate the issue of a declining population and a brain drain (smart people leave Singapore go overseas study/work)
• applicants must fulfil salary qualification criteria before being allowed to work in Singapore
• these migrants may choose to make Singapore their home by become naturalised Singapore citizens

-> Hence, these migrants and immigrants bring a diversity of cultures, practices and customs from their countries of origins, adding to the diversity in Singapore

Question 3

Economic opportunities

Answer 3

• economic opportunities are readily available in sg
• because large number of business operate in sg
• Singapore attracts business from overseas due to ease of doing business, the stable political environment and a well established judicial system
• Eg. Singapore is an easy place to conduct business due to the hassle free. attracting 7000 MNCs to invest here
  -> with these MNCs come job opportunities.
• Eg. L’Oreal offers positions ranging from counter managers, beauty advisors to managers

-> Foreigners are attracted to Singapore to seek employment as it is an attractive location for work based on the number and type of jobs available
- they are assured that job opportunities are always present
- they will also feel recognised by getting a deserving pay for their talent, skill and expertise

Question 4

Education system

Answer 4

• the education system in Singapore is well recognised for its effectiveness and high standard
• Eg. NUS and NTU are ranked top 20 in the world
• Public schools in SG are becoming more popular with foreigners and these schools also accept international students
• Tertiary education like polytechnics and universities which are very popular among international students
• because these institutions offer a wide range of sources, from the Sciences, Engineering to vocational skills

-> Migrants are attracted to the top notch education in Singapore
- they feel that it is a good place to settle their families here to meet their education needs
- this will offer a better future and improve their standard of living

Question 5

Community support

Answer 5

• Singapore has a wide range of ethnic communities and cultures from all over the world
• there are already communities settled in Singapore to help foreigners feel more at home in Singapore
• Eg. Japanese MNCs setting up operations in Singapore, so many expatriates arrived
• the japanese community themselves at Liang Court and Clarke Quay central due to the Japanese eateries and supermarket

-> the existing ethnic communities give the immigrants confidence and security in coming to Singapore as they would have support from them
- With these immigrant communities in Singapore, they bring with them distinct national identities that include ethnic practises unique to their countries of origin
- With the multi-cultural environment and the respect practiced towards the diverse practises and religion, they feel accepted and welcomed

Question 6

Safe Environment

Answer 6

• Low crime rates and strict laws play a role in ensuring the level of safety in Singapore
• Eg. Singapore is ranked as the second safest country in the world based on social order and security in 2014 by the World Justice Project

-> This ensures that the migrants coming into Singapore will feel confident and safe as they settle down with their families and communities
- Safety and security are the main considerations when deciding on the country to work or live in