New citizens enrich Singapore, invigorate economy ‘in ways beyond what numbers can show’: SM Lee
SINGAPORE: New citizens enrich Singapore and invigorate its economy “in ways beyond what numbers can show”, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Mar 9).
Speaking at the Teck Ghee citizenship ceremony at Nanyang Polytechnic, Mr Lee said new arrivals bring fresh experiences, diverse perspectives and global connections.
This helps Singapore to plug into the world and thrive as a regional hub and a global node.
“This is how cities like London, New York or Shanghai become great centres of culture and prosperity. They attract enterprising and adventurous people from all over the world to go there, to live and work.
“And the steady infusion of new arrivals sharpens them, sparks cross-fertilisation of ideas and cultures, and creates an environment of constant innovation and enterprise,” he said.
Recalling his visit to Google’s headquarters in Silicon Valley two years ago, Mr Lee noted that most of the presenters he met had grandparents who hailed from all around the world.
“That is America’s enormous advantage – it draws top talent from every continent, and therefore it can innovate and stay ahead,” he said, adding that Singapore must always be open to ideas and talent from around the world.
“This is how we became a shining red dot. Because our ancestors came here from many lands, made this their home, and built up this country. And is what we must continue to do, to shine even brighter in future – not just for our own sakes, but for our children and grandchildren too.”
MEASURED AND BALANCED
The Singapore government is “keenly aware” of the need to handle immigration and integration sensitively, especially as the inflows are not small either, said Mr Lee.
Every year, there are about 30,000 citizen babies born and Singapore takes in about 22,000 new citizens.
“Even dragon year − last year − still not quite 30,000 citizen babies born. So we do need to bring in more people, more talent, more contributions,” he said.
It is therefore crucial for Singapore to manage its immigration inflows carefully by keeping it measured and balanced, said Mr Lee. It is also important to pay close attention to relations and harmony between different ethnic groups and people who are here, and take in people who can fit in and add to society.
