Chapter 5

Question 1

What are the four factors that has led to greater diversity in Singapore?

Answer 1

1. Immigration policy
2. Economic opportunities
3. Socio-cultural environment
4. 1 Community support
5. 2 Safe environment
6. 3 Singapore’s education system

Question 2

How has the immigration policy led to greater diversity in Singapore?

Answer 2

The immigration framework to grant citizenship and permanent residence is holistic, and considers a range of factors, including the applicants’ ability to contribute to Singapore, adapt to our society and show their commitment to Singapore. These migrants and immigrants bring a diversity of cultures, practices and customs from their countries of origin. Many of these migrants and immigrants also come with skills, valuable experiences and business networks to contribute ideas and expertise to Singapore’s economy. Thus the inflow of migrants and immigrants has led to the greater diversity in Singapore today.

Question 3

What makes Singapore a conducive business environment?

Answer 3

In Singapore, employment opportunities are readily available due to the large number of businesses that operate here. The ease of doing business, growth potential, stable political environment and well-established judiciary system attract global investors such as multinational corporations (MNCs). This has resulted in Singapore’s reputation as a business hub, and its world-renowned efficiency has attracted about 7 000 MNCs to set up operations here.

Question 4

How has economic opportunities in Singapore led to greater diversity?

Answer 4

Economic opportunities attract migrants and immigrants looking for employment that may not exist in their home countries. As Singapore’s economy continues to grow and perform, we will continue to need both lower and higher-skilled manpower to remain attractive to foreign companies and sustain our economic growth. Singapore’s stability and the economic opportunities it offers thus continues to attract many foreigners to seek employment and take up residency here, leading to greater (socio-economic) diversity.

Question 5

How does community support help foreigners feel more at home in Singapore?

Answer 5

Singapore is home to a wide range of ethnic communities and cultures from all over the world. The existence of these communities may help foreigners to feel more at home in Singapore. Many of these communities gather in certain districts, helping them to strengthen ties.

Question 6

Give an example of a foreign community in Singapore

Answer 6

Thai community

• Thai nationals in Singapore work in various fields, including the professional, service and construction sectors.
• The Golden Mile Complex along Beach Road, dubbed “Little Thailand”, offers many authentic Thai eateries and remittance centres where Thai nationals can send money to their families back home. There is also a large Thai supermarket and several smaller convenience stalls selling Thai daily supplies, produce and products.
• Thai food is also easily available in Singapore.

Question 7

Give an example illustrating how safe Singapore is.

Answer 7

In 2014, Singapore was ranked the second safest country in the world based on social order and security and ranked tenth overall based on categories like criminal justice and absence of corruption.

Question 8

Give an example that shows why Singapore is an ideal environment for business.

Answer 8

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 for 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.