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

Question 1

Immigration Policy

Answer 1

Point:
It refers to the decisions made by the Singapore government relating to the type and number of migrants. Singapore’s immigrant policy is linked to the country’s manpower needs.

Examples:
In the 1960s and 70s, there was a greater demand for workers in the labour-intensive industries. Such as factories, constructions and shipyards. As such, the work permit was issued to foreign workers in 1971. In the 1980s, there was a shift to bring in professionals such as doctors, lawyers and engineers as there was a brain drain (It is the migration of highly skilled or educated people from one country to another.) of professionals in singapore. The immigration policy was meant to fulfil the manpower needs in order to sustain Singapore’s economy. Immigrants are able to apply for work easily, especially for higher-skilled jobs. It also meant to maintain a healthy old age dependency ratio (number of working people supporting the old.)

Explanation & link:
The falling birth rates will result in more elderly than working adults in the future. With lesser working adults to support the elderly, there will be higher taxes on working adults. Many of these migrants and immigrants bring a diversity of culture, practices and customs from their home country. They also come with skills and experiences that can contribute to our economy. Thus, the inflow of migrants and immigrants has led to a greater diversity in Singapore.

Question 2

Economic opportunities

Answer 2

Point:
Many job opportunities in Singapore due to the large numbers of businesses that operate here. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are a large corporation that produces and sells goods and services in various countries.

Explanation:
MNCs choose Singapore to set up various businesses as it is easy to do business here, there Is a stable political environment, the potential for business to grow and the least corrupt in the economy. So with more MNCs setting up their business in Singapore, more job opportunities attract more foreign workers to Singapore. Foreigners come to Singapore to work because some of the jobs may not be available in their home country.

Explanation & Link:
Hence, Singapore will enjoy greater diversity not only in terms of nationality and ethnicity but also socio-economically. Foreign manpower can be both lower and upper skilled. With more MNCs coming to Singapore, there will be more job opportunities. As a result, more workers will be needed which will then attract more migrants to Singapore which will lead to a greater diversity in singapore.

Question 3

Socio-cultural environment

Answer 3

Point:
The presence of different ethnic communities and culture help foreigners feel more welcomed and at home. Many of these communities gather in certain districts to help strengthen ties. With the Low crime rate, there will be an absence of corruption in Singapore. With a quality education system for themselves and their children.

Examples:
One specific socio-cultural environment is the quality of education in Singapore. Singapore’s public schools have high standards and are especially strong in terms of Mathematics and Science. In addition to the primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions such as polytechnics and universities also offer high quality education. They offer high standards of certification and a wage range of courses from the Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and vocational skills. There were 80 000 international students in Singapore in 2014.

Explanation & Link:
The high quality of education that one can receive in Singapore is attractive for migrants and their children. This is because having an education in Singapore increases their job prospects and in turn, their quality of life. Many professionals bring their families to settle down in Singapore. This has led to an increase in the socio-cultural diversity of Singapore.