Chapter 5 Flashcards
What are the 3 factors leading to the greater diversity in Singapore now?
- Immigration policy
- Economic opportunities
- Socio-cultural environment
What is immigration policy? Elaborate.
The process which a country encourages foreigners to enter. Usually, a country has a motive for doing so. For instance, Singapore has an ageing population and a low fertility rate. This means that there is a higher proportion of elderlies than working adults and that married couples are having fewer children.
How does government solve ageing population and low fertility rates?
By encouraging immigrants to come to Singapore to increase the working population. This is one way that society becomes more diverse.
Why is ageing population and low fertility rates in Singapore problematic?
a) Shrinking working population
It is difficult to find employees in SG due to their scarcity. For this reason, they become more costly to hire as they are in high demand. As a result, SG becomes unattractive to foreign/local businesses.
Additionally, it would be stressful of working population to look after the elderly. Taxpayer’s money have to be dedicated for ageing population like medical care.
b) Shrinking consumer base
Small population -> fewer potential customers to buy products. Companies will struggle to earn profit with such number of customers. (Compare opening a biz in China vs SG)
Explain economic opportunities (in SG).
-In SG, many employment pathways exist due to myriads of businesses operating here.
-They open business in SG since it is easy. The appealing factors are:
1. growth potential
2. stable political environment
3. well-established judiciary system.
This attracts immigrants because there might be a shortage of jobs in their home country or they could get a higher income in SG.
-For example, foreign construction workers and domestic helpers
What is socio-cultural environment? What are the 3 socio-cultural features in SG that appeals to immigrants?
Socio-cultural environment refers to the social and cultural factors that shape a country. SG is appealing to immigrants due to the following:
- Community support
- Safe environment
- Strong education system
Expound the 3 socio-cultural features of SG.
- Community support
The existence of a community helps foreigners to feel at home and included into a new country - Safe environment
Safety and security are considerations when immigrants choose a country to move to - Strong education system
Immigrants come to SG with the assurance that their children will receive quality education which is internationally recognised.
Why is it imperative for SG to attract businesses?
When businesses open in a country, jobs are created (for instance, opening of Decathlon in SG). This is crucial as it provides income for people. People can expend more with more income, creating more business and also forming more employment opportunities.
What is a migrant?
A person who moves to another country to find work or for better living conditions.
What is meant by foreign direct investment?
The investments made in a country by a company from another country.
What is a brain drain?
Migration of highly trained or educated persons from their home country to other countries at the expense of their home country. Singapore faced this in the 1980s because it was easier for professionals like doctors to work overseas.
What is an immigrant?
A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. In SG, they can refer to naturalised SG citizens or PRs.
What are multinational corporations (MNCs)?
An enterprise or corporation operating in several countries but is managed from one home country. It is a large corporation which both produces and sells goods and/or services in various countries. Generally, any company or group that derives a quarter of its revenue from operations outside of its home country is considered an MNC.
What is Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita?
The GDP per capita is the GDP divided by the total number of people in the country where the GDP is the total goods and services produced within the country.
