A 2019 study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) involving 4,000 participants found that a significant proportion of respondents expressed a positive attitude towards foreign cultures and believed there was potential for learning from these cultures. However, a majority of respondents, specifically more than two-thirds of respondents, expressed the view that immigrants did not do enough to integrate into Singaporean culture (Matthews et al., 2019). Furthermore, the level of comfort and trust towards immigrants was shown to be lower among local-born individuals in both public and private relationships. It was observed that over half of the respondents expressed unease if immigrants were to constitute the majority of the population in Singapore. Likewise, a smaller proportion of respondents expressed their comfort level if these immigrants were to become their spouses or in-laws.

 

The same 2019 IPS study also found that over 40% of respondents expressed concern that the mishandling of immigration policies could result in a decline in national identity (Matthews et al., 2019). The observed phenomenon can be attributed to the cultural and value systems immigrants bring upon arriving in Singapore. Furthermore, the aforementioned study also indicated that Chinese respondents exhibit a higher propensity to experience the decline of national identity than their Malay and Indian counterparts. The study's authors suggest that this observation may be explained by the presence of non-Chinese immigrants and Chinese immigrants with distinct cultural backgrounds compared to locally-born Chinese, which inferred that a significant number of Singaporeans strongly associate with their national and racial identities.

 

The findings indicate that immigration policies directly influence culture and national identity. Hence, it is imperative for the Singaporean government to comprehend the views of its populace and provide reassurance that their interests will be safeguarded, even in light of the necessity for immigration. Concurrently, as immigration is a complex issue, it is vital for the Singaporean government to effectively convey the significance of immigration policies and their contribution to the broader economic agenda. By implementing this approach, the likelihood of mishandling immigration laws would be reduced, potentially influencing national identity in a favourable manner. It is critical for Singapore, being a heterogeneous society, to offer equitable opportunities for all individuals without displaying preferential treatment towards any particular group. By implementing policies that promote equitable distribution of opportunities, the government may foster a sense of trust among Singaporeans, thus facilitating the development of a more cohesive society where everyone respects and accepts cultural differences.

References:

 

Hudson, C. (2017). Singapore Immigration and Changing Public Policies, Demographics, Social Policy, and Asia, Part 1, Vol.22(3). Retrieved from https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/singapore-immigration-and-changing-public-policies/

 

Kong, L. (1999, June). Globalisation and Singaporean transmigration: Re-imagining and negotiating national identity. Political Geography, Vol.18(5), pp.563-589.

 

Mathews, M., Tay, M., & Selvarajan, S. (2019, October). Faultlines in Singapore: Public Opinion on Their Realities, Management and Consequences, Institute of Policy Studies, IPS Working Papers No. 37. Retrieved from https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/working-paper-37_faultlines-in-singapore_public-opinion-on-their-realities-management-and-consequences_final.pdf

 

University of Minnesota (n.d.). Chapter 8.1 Foundations of Culture and Identity. Retrieved from https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/8-1-foundations-of-culture-and-identity/