Search Results

At the time of writing, Singapore ranks as the second most densely populated country in the world, only after Hong Kong. The population of Singapore exceeding 6 million, a milestone recently achieved, brings both challenges and opportunities, making it difficult to categorize the increase as purely a bane or boon. The effects are multi-faceted, depending on which lens one is looking in from. Through the lens of the True Reds, the Working Class The narrative spewed by policy-makers for the longest time hinges on how Singapore's size (or the lack thereof), and without natural resources to call its own... the impetus is on focusing on its People and mining their minds to believe this narrative. Borne out of this formula are traits of hyper competitiveness, having a hard on for paper qualifications, and forcing its citizens to believe that being the World's Most Expensive City to Live in is such a win. Singapore's "country first" policy, often prioritizing national interests, economic growth, and social stability, has had several notable impacts on Singaporeans. Real Singaporeans. While this approach has brought many advantages, there are also some negative implications that majority of the working class face. Income Inequality : Singapore’s focus on economic growth has attracted high-skilled expatriates and created a competitive job market. However, this has led to wage disparities and income inequality, particularly affecting lower-income citizens and increasing the cost of living. Pressure on Local Workforce : The emphasis on productivity and competitiveness means that many Singaporeans face intense work demands and long hours. This work culture can contribute to high levels of stress and impact work-life balance, affecting mental health and family life. The biggest joke out of this is a commissioned survey on how Singapore ranks as one of the most Happiest Society in Asia in the World Happiness Report 2024. One wonders who these responses actually came from. Housing Affordability : The "country first" approach promotes rapid urban development, but rising property demand and prices can make housing affordability challenging, especially for younger Singaporeans. Despite government efforts to stabilize prices, many still feel priced out of the housing market. Till today, many are still being conned to believe that Singapore's Million Dollar public housing is affordable. Social Tensions with Foreigners : The influx of foreign workers and professionals as part of Singapore’s growth strategy has caused some Singaporeans to feel like they are competing for jobs, education, and public services. This has quietly led to social tensions and a sense of cultural erosion. Lower Birth Rates : The focus on economic success, coupled with the high cost of living, has contributed to declining birth rates as young Singaporeans delay or avoid having children due to financial pressures, housing, and work-life demands. This demographic trend impacts Singapore’s long-term population sustainability. Reduced Civic Engagement : The focus on political stability and economic goals can sometimes restrict civic engagement, limiting open debates and criticisms. Some Singaporeans may feel that this affects democratic freedoms and limits their involvement in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. However, this 'some' remains a minority. The majority comprises the 'Yes men' that have gleefully voted for being eternally constrained. Dependency on Government Support : The reliance on government-led policies and interventions can create a dependency mindset, where individuals may look to the state for solutions instead of fostering more community-driven initiatives. Singapore’s "country first" policies aim to ensure prosperity and stability, but they have also create trade-offs that affect social cohesion, mental well-being, and economic inclusivity among Singaporeans. The lens of Country First, before all Else Singapore's open-door approach to foreign talent and its expanding population has allowed it to flourish economically and culturally, helping to address demographic challenges, support critical sectors, and strengthen its global standing. Singapore's "country first" policy treats its like a business with only profits being the sole KPI. The ill effects of the Stop at Two policy and the frailties of its rigid and square education system has forced its hand in welcoming foreign talent and increasing the resident population. It is a last throw of the dice which has brought several significant positive impacts, particularly in terms of economic growth, global competitiveness, and arguably....cultural diversity. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits: Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness : By attracting foreign professionals and workers, Singapore has strengthened its status as a global financial hub. This influx of talent has driven industries like finance, technology, and healthcare, helping Singapore become one of the world's most prosperous economies despite its small size. Increased Innovation and Skills Transfer : Foreign talent brings diverse skills and experiences, boosting innovation across various sectors. As local employees work alongside skilled foreigners, knowledge-sharing takes place, which contributes to upskilling the local workforce and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Enhanced Business Environment : The diverse talent pool has made Singapore an attractive base for multinational corporations (MNCs), leading many to establish regional headquarters in the country. This strengthens Singapore's economy, creates job opportunities, and supports a vibrant business ecosystem that benefits local and foreign businesses alike. Support for Key Sectors : Foreign workers fill essential roles in sectors like construction, healthcare, and domestic services, which often face manpower shortages. This support allows Singaporean citizens to access more services and relieves some of the burdens on the local labor force, enabling them to focus on higher-skilled jobs. Population Sustainability Amid Low Birth Rates : Singapore’s birth rate is among the lowest globally, creating long-term concerns about a shrinking workforce and aging population. By accepting foreigners, Singapore maintains a stable population, which helps sustain economic growth, supports the pension system, and alleviates pressure on healthcare resources for the elderly. Cultural Diversity and Global Perspective : The presence of people from various nationalities has contributed to Singapore’s rich cultural landscape, enhancing food, arts, and lifestyle options. This diversity helps foster a global outlook among Singaporeans, which is beneficial in an increasingly interconnected world. Boost in Real Estate and Infrastructure Development : A larger population has driven demand for housing, transportation, and infrastructure development. This has stimulated Singapore’s construction and real estate sectors, creating jobs and spurring innovations in urban planning and sustainable city living. Increased Tax Revenue : With more residents contributing to the economy, Singapore’s tax revenue has increased, enabling the government to invest in public services, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This revenue helps support social programs that benefit Singaporeans and improve overall quality of life. A One way ticket to 6m and beyond With a 0.97 Total Fertility Rate, it is a foregone conclusion that Singapore is not meant solely for Singaporeans. The reality of placing the country above everything else means the economy of Brand Singapore cannot fail. For it not to fail, there must be a constant supply of quality, qualified, skilled manpower to work the cogs of the economy. Immigrants and their families contribute to the country’s demographic stability. Over time, many immigrants have children and settle down, helping stabilize the population and creating a more sustainable future for the country. Immigration is vital for maintaining a balanced, productive, and resilient society in countries with low birth rates (think Japan, Singapore). It offers a way to address labour shortages, support economic stability, and maintain the social infrastructure essential to national well-being. With welcome arms, millions will come, and millions will leave. The true Singaporeans will have nowhere to go. Singapore has been sold as a country without a soul. Shiny. Glossy. Bright. Wealthy. Safe.

The debate over local vs foreign talent is a complex and often sensitive issue in many countries, and one could argue, even more so in Singapore. The perspectives on this matter can vary, and opinions are shaped by economic, social, and cultural factors. The Curse of Progression How did Singapore get here in the first place can largely be attributed to Singapore’s meteoric post war and post independence rise in areas of societal and industrial development. As one of the most advanced societies in the modern world, a large portion of the populace have achieved a certain level of education and academic grasp that have changed their outlook on the traditional outlook on life. Singapore in the last 30 years has seen more women graduates, holding on to good jobs and have career aspirations beyond mundane family building. In tandem, the modernism of Singapore society, technological advancement, has also propelled it to be a magnate of talent globally. This stifling competition for the same resources and opportunities has invariably caused Singapore to be one of the most ridiculously expensive cities to live in. Something, the policymakers are secretly ‘proud of’ - in view of a ‘Country first before anyone else’ policy. Human Capital : The Manna that is Singapore’s Lifeforce The cost of this is a plummeting birth rate. Without sufficient manpower to replace and meet growth demands, the incredible machine that is Brand Singapore cannot run efficiently, and swiftly as politicians want to. Herein lies the issue. At how fast a rate should Singapore artificially introduce manpower into the labour market? Are there lessons to be learnt from Japan - who adopted immigration policies only when it is too little too late? Should the quality of life of Singaporean’s be negated in the face of progression? These questions continue to plague policies and continue to be a work in progress. However till then, immigration continues to be the most viable ‘panadol solution’. The Balancing Act Here are some key points policy makers consider in shaping immigration policies while balancing the Foreigner Vs Local sentiments act: 1. Economic Contribution Local Talent: Supporting and nurturing local talent is crucial for long-term economic sustainability. It fosters a sense of national identity and can contribute to a more stable workforce. Foreign Talent: Bringing in foreign talent can address skill shortages, promote innovation, and enhance the overall competitiveness of industries. It can also contribute to economic growth and diversity. 2. Employment Opportunities Local Talent: Prioritizing local talent can be seen as a way to ensure that citizens have access to employment opportunities, reducing unemployment and income inequality. Foreign Talent: Some argue that attracting foreign talent can create new job opportunities, especially in industries where specific skills are lacking locally. This can lead to a more dynamic and robust job market. 3. Cultural and Social Integration Local Talent: Prioritizing local talent can contribute to social cohesion and a sense of national identity. It may help maintain cultural continuity and community bonds. Foreign Talent: The influx of foreign talent can enrich the cultural landscape, fostering diversity and a global perspective. However, there might be challenges related to integration and cultural differences. 4. Skills and Innovation Local Talent: Supporting local talent development is essential for building a skilled workforce. However, it's crucial to ensure that educational and training systems align with the evolving needs of industries. Foreign Talent: Bringing in foreign talent can inject new ideas, skills, and perspectives into the local workforce, promoting innovation and competitiveness. 5. Balancing Act Local and Foreign Talent: Striking the right balance is key. A well-managed mix of local and foreign talent can be beneficial, addressing skills gaps while providing opportunities for local individuals to grow and excel in their careers. Ultimately, the challenge lies in finding a balanced and inclusive approach that maximizes the benefits of both local and foreign talent, considering the unique context and needs of each country or region. Clear communication, fair policies, and ongoing efforts to address any disparities are essential for fostering a harmonious and productive workforce. Muhammad Ryhan has extensive experience in facilitating successful pathways for individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds into Singapore  - having consistently delivered tailored solutions that align with Singapore's dynamic immigration landscape. He has provided expert insights on prominent media platforms like The Straits Times, The Business Times, and Thomson Reuters since 2014 and has ingrained into his work ethics unparalleled dedication to ensuring that your immigration journey is not just seamless but strategically aligned with your goals. Book a consultation with me today for a discussion that could redefine your future.

A selective immigration policy is one that nations adopt out of necessity because the sheer attraction a country receives from Immigrants far exceeds the actual sentiment towards foreigners that the society can accept. The win-win for governments whose hands are forced to prioritise commercial and economonical interests over societal sentiments dictates that they have to carefully choose and admit individuals based on very specific criteria - typically to address economic, demographic, or social objectives. Such policies aim to attract immigrants who can contribute positively to the host country's development and meet particular needs over a 10-20 year horizon. Selective immigration policies often involve criteria such as education, skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other qualifications. It is no different in Singapore, or especially in Singapore, considering its size and capacity where the government has acknowledged that they will be looking to onboard foreign talent strategicially - ie, individuals that 'complements the local talent pool'. Lack of Transparency Makes Application Outcomes a Black Hole From the immigrants' perspective, Singapore's immigration policies in the past decade or so has been nothing short of frustrating. Despite their high qualifications, income package and skillsets, rejections remain rife. On the flip side, some immigrant hopefuls have anecdotally reported how some of their 'lesser' colleagues have received approvals on their applications. With absolutely no reasons for rejection provided by the ICA - Singapore's government body administrating applications, hopeful applicants are left speculating on the reasons for rejection or approvals. Despite multiple attempts and spending time and resource to ingrain into the society, it seems their application is simply a stab in the dark and lost in the void of a massive black hole. Surely, there ought to be a better way for applicants to have a better understanding of their path towards Singapore permanent residency or Citizenship? Adding some Colour into the Black Hole In a written reply to Parliamentary Question on Unsuccessful Permanent Residency Applications, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law shared : 1. Applications for Permanent Residency (PR) are evaluated on criteria covering a range of factors. The applicant’s length of residency is only one of the factors considered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The other factors include, but are not limited to, the applicant’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, educational qualifications, age and family profile, the applicant’s ability to integrate into our society, and commitment to sinking roots in Singapore. 2. We do not share the specific grounds for rejecting PR applications. First, information about detailed assessment criteria can be abused to inflate an undeserving applicant’s chances of success or to game the system. Second, the reasons for rejection may be used to arouse negative sentiments in other countries. This may create bilateral sensitives and is not in Singapore’s interest. While the above response may seem unsatisfactory at the onset, it reiterates the notion of Singapore's country first before all else mindset. Unlike other countries who adopts a 'Points System' to administrate immigration applications, Singapore cannot accord such luxury due to its limited land space, and volume of applicants vis-a-vis the total available quota available at any one point in time. At present, the average number of Singapore PR applicants annually stands at approximately 120,000 applicants. Out of these, an average of 32,000 - 34,000 gets approved in the last 4 years, bringing the industry success rate to around 30%. The same can be said about the fate of Singapore Citizenship applications. With annual approximate applicants numbering around 60,000, of which only 21,000 - 23,000 gets approved annually. Having represented applicants from over 70 nationalities traverse these applications since 2015, my view is that should Singapore adopt a Points System, it would lead to a swift catastrophe. The sheer number of 'highly qualified' applicants would probably bring the annual approval to about 70%. That translates to about 84,000 new PRs a year introduced into Singapore. This is not a sustainable number for both infrastructure and societal mores. For now, indeed the win-win is to keep the policy status quo. Maintaining this cloak of uncertainty allows the government to ensure there is a consistent, healthy volume of highly qualified applicants so that they have the best profiles of candidates per industry and talent disposal at any given time to select from. Because Brand Singapore sells for itself, this is a policy that the Government can get away with for the time being, until a more attractive ASEAN alternative emerges. Dissecting Singapore's Selective Immigration Policy If we glean through Ministerial responses and policy papers in the last decade or so, we can derive a very practical and strategic blueprint that makes up the Selective Immigration criteria. These include, but are not limited to applicants' : Age Length of Stay in Singapore Educational qualifications Economic contributions Job experience Talent & Skillset Industry Representation Family Ties in Singapore Commitment to Sinking roots Social integration factors Clean Criminal Records Clean Family Background The approach and strategy to apply requires a highly extensive discsusion as there are no two applications that are the same. The nuanced nature of each application requires an honest, expert audit to give applicants a transparent, and realistic overview of their chances of approval. This is even more so for highly skilled and qualified individuals because of the very stiff competition amongst elite profiles. Muhammad Ryhan has extensive experience in facilitating successful pathways for individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds into Singapore - having consistently delivered tailored solutions that align with Singapore's dynamic immigration landscape. He has provided expert insights on prominent media platforms like The Straits Times, The Business Times, and Thomson Reuters since 2014 and has ingrained into his work ethics unparalleled dedication to ensuring that your immigration journey is not just seamless but strategically aligned with your goals. Book a consultation with me today for a discussion that could redefine your future.

Singapore’s immigration requirements are extremely nuanced. The city-state’s sheer size enables it to be highly adaptable to take advantage of economic shifts, industry demands, as well as ripple effects caused by geopolitics and global catastrophes. While the immigration to economic gearing is perpetually changing, Singapore has the benefit of looking to the land of the rising sun as a clear example on how not to be late to the show in curtailing the effects of low birth rates, silver aging, and hyper globalization. Japan : The Land of the Setting Sun The steroid growth of post war industrialization in Japan is over. Culminating in the 80s and perhaps 90s, weak follow through and an infatuation to look too inwardly has sparked its own downfall. Japan has long been grappling with a slew of population challenges that have far-reaching implications for its economy, social structure, and overall well-being. One of the primary concerns is the country's aging population, coupled with a declining birth rate. Japan's birth rate has been consistently low, leading to an increasingly elderly demographic and a shrinking workforce. This demographic shift poses significant economic challenges, such as a reduced labor force, increased healthcare and pension costs, and potential stagnation in economic growth. The trend also raises concerns about social dynamics, as a larger elderly population may strain social services and impact the traditional family structure which in turn will impact quality of life. Efforts to address these population woes include government initiatives to encourage family planning, support for working parents, and immigration policies aimed at supplementing the labor force. But this is a little too late. Despite these efforts, finding a sustainable solution to Japan's demographic challenges remains an ongoing and complex task. Taking a Cherry Blossom from Japan’s failure? Singapore's notable birth rate issue has been a persistent concern for the government and policymakers. The bastard child of the ‘Stop at Two’ policy continues to haunt the nation state. In what is deemed an Uno reverse, valiant attempts at undoing the fallacy of this short sighted policy is simply not sustainable due to overall perpetual ongoing rising living costs. The country's birth rate has consistently remained below replacement levels, raising worries about its long-term demographic sustainability. Factors contributing to this issue include changing societal norms, a focus on career advancement, high costs of living, and limited work-life balance. The government has implemented various measures to encourage family formation, such as providing financial incentives, parental leave policies, and support for work-life balance. Despite these efforts, the birth rate remains a challenge, prompting a need for continued policy adjustments and societal shifts to address the complex interplay of factors influencing family planning decisions. A declining birth rate has implications for Singapore's workforce, economic growth, and social welfare systems, emphasizing the importance of finding effective and comprehensive strategies to tackle this demographic challenge. The Handy-Plast solution : Immigration With Singaporeans not keen to reproduce as quickly as the country needs it to, it has to depend on ‘surrogates’ to keep the infatuation for growth at all cost alive. Unlike Japan, Singapore’s policymakers were very quick to address its population woes. As early as the 1990s, many initiatives along with effective engineering of commercial deals have galvanized its attractiveness to gravitate foreign investments, along with talent to the red dot. It was an open door policy and remained so until the 2010’s, when for the first time, the incumbent government was rattled by local vs foreigner sentiments that could potentially cause an upset in state elections. Since then, Singapore employs a selective immigration approach to complement the local talent pool with foreign talent - attracting skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to contribute to its economic growth and development. However, core immigration policies remain a moving goal post. While Singapore's immigration policies were designed to balance economic considerations, demographic challenges, and social cohesion, it is essential to note that immigration policies will inevitably evolve along with economic requirements. Towards 2030 : Singapore’s Population Objectives The Singapore Population White Paper put together by various ministries sets out the key considerations and roadmap for Singapore’s population policies to address its demographic challenges. It outlines the Government’s policies to maintain a strong Singaporean core in the population, calibrate how many new citizens and PRs are taken in, create jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans and PRs, build a high quality living environment, as well as strengthen its identity and society. Foreigners on the yellow brick road to permanently settle in Singapore can take comfort that Singapore will continue to need the relevant talent always, across almost all industries. In a ChannelNewsAsia interview held in September 2023, Minister of Trade and Industry, Tan See Leng shared how, “Skilled foreign employees can help strengthen local workforce, transfer expertise”. After all, Singapore cannot afford to hope that birth rates miraculously multiply. Even if it did, it will be a 20 year wait before its effects can be seen in the marketplace. Muhammad Ryhan has extensive experience in facilitating successful pathways for individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds into Singapore - having consistently delivered tailored solutions that align with Singapore's dynamic immigration landscape. He has provided expert insights on prominent media platforms like The Straits Times, The Business Times, and Thomson Reuters since 2014 and has ingrained into his work ethics unparalleled dedication to ensuring that your immigration journey is not just seamless but strategically aligned with your goals. Book a consultation with me today for a discussion that could redefine your future.