Chapter 5: Why is there greater diversity in Singapore now?

Question 1

Explain how the immigration policies over the years affect Singapore’s diversity

Answer 1

1. After gaining independence Singapore was a third world nation and faced great unemployment and no foreign direct investments
2. To counter these problems, the government set up the Jurong Industrial Estate and produce garments, textiles. toys and wood products which are labour intensive
3. In the 1970s, there was a demand for more workers due to industrialisation, and thus more construction sites, factories, and shipyards were needed.
4. Government issued more work permits, but did not allow these workers to stay permanently or start families
5. By 1980s. the government reviewed the immigration policies as there was a declining population and brain drain, as many educated Singaporeans left Singapore to seek Job opportunities in other countries.
6. These immigration policies are to meet the manpower needs, primarily focusing on higher-skilled foreign workers as the government wants a knowledge based economy. To move away from hard labour and to use knowledge to create, acquire and transmit information to boost the economy.

Question 2

Explain how the declining birth rate led to diversity in Singapore

Answer 2

1. Age dependency ratio is the ratio of people older than 64 to the working age population
2. Impacts of an increasing age dependency ratio is that there is a heavier economic and social burden on the working age population to take care of the ageing population
3. The working age population have to deal with higher taxes and more economic burdens
4. Low birth rates also lead to an unattractive customer base and inadequate local manpower and thus less foreign investments.
5. As a result, foreign manpower has become increasingly encouraged in Singapore
6. Migrants who come to Singapore temporarily/Naturalised Singapore citizens who decide to make Singapore their home allow for a diversity off cultures, practices, traditions, customs, skills, valuable experiences and business networks, contributing to ideas and expertise in Singapore.

Question 3

Explain how Singapore’s economic opportunities have led to a greater diversity.

Answer 3

• Singapore attracts migrants as SG offers job opportunities that may not be available in their home country.
• Singapore also has a large number of multi-national corporations that provide employment opportunities
• MNCs come to Singapore as Singapore has political stability, a well-established judiciary system, growth potential, and ease of doing business.
• Global investors like MNCs are attracted and thus provide ample job opportunities, and their consistent investments have increased Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product per capita
• Both lower and higher skilled manpower are needed
  -An increase in foreign manpower/immigrants would lead to greater socio-economic diversity
  Examples of foreign work labour
  -PMETs
  -Domestic workers
  -Foreign manpower

Question 4

With regards to Singapore’s economic opportunities, describe with examples, why Singapore is an ideal environment for business

Answer 4

Economic: Best investment potential
- Singapore comes 1st in 50 major investment destinations in a ranking that assesses operation, politics and foreign exchange. Furthermore there is stable political and economic climate in Singapore.
Social: Ease of doing business
- Administrative matters are easily handled
- Forms for construction permits can be submitted online
Political: Top country in Asia for least corruption in the economy
- Clear and strict laws and legislation imposed by the government over business dealings and transactions

Question 5

Explain how Singapore’s socio-cultural environment has led to greater diversity

Answer 5

-Singapore is a vibrant business hub
-Attracts many professionals to bring their families over and settle down
-These families come from different background. and help to increase Singapore’s socio-cultural and socio-economic diversity

Question 6

Explain with examples, how Singapore’s community support has led to greater diversity

Answer 6

• Singapore is home to a wide range of thnic communities and cultures from around the world
• These communities made foreigners feel more at home
• Immigrants bring with them many distinct national identities
• Many of these communities tend to gather in certain districts to strengthen their community ties
  Koreans: Tanjong Pagar and Little Korea
  Thai: Golden mile complex
  Japanese: Liang Court and Central at Clarke Quay

Question 7

Explain how Singapore’s safe environment and education system has led to greater diversity

Answer 7

Safe environment
1. Singapore has a low crime rate, which have been declining since 2005 due to the strict/tough laws and almost 40% of all major crimes are solved with assistance from the public.
2. Migrants and immigrants are more attracted to safety and security when deciding on the country to work/live in
3. Foreigners and supporting communities thrive when there is a safe environment

Education system
1. Well recognised for its effectiveness and high standards
2. International students add to the diversity in schools
3. MOE conducts annual admission exercise between September and October for international students who wish to join international schools
4. Singapore JC/Universities offer a wide range of courses and high standards of certification. Attracted about 80000 international students in 2014.