S'pore needs more educated immigrants to make country
dynamic, says MM Lee
SINGAPORE : Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has
reiterated the need for Singapore to attract more educated
immigrants.
Speaking at the Indian New Year celebrations in Little
India on Saturday, Mr Lee said Singaporeans must recognise that
with a declining population, the country needs such people,
including those who have studied or worked in the US and
Europe.
With the economy in a buoyant mood after the government upgraded
its growth forecast for the year, Mr Lee said Singapore needs to
grow as an attractive hub for international trade, investment and
talent to sustain long-term growth.
"We benefited from being open to immigrants from around the world,
especially China, India and the region. Throughout history,
Singapore has welcomed migrants. When I first took office, we had
62,000 babies every year from a population of 2 million. Today,
Singapore citizens produce only 32,000 babies in a year when we
should have 60,000 just to replace our population," said MM
Lee.
Little India is a glowing example of how early immigrants have
flourished and taken root in the country.
Mr Lee said the government understands the concerns of Singaporeans
over new immigrants and foreign workers. So it has taken steps to
moderate the inflow and widen the differentiation between citizens
and non-citizens.
Having educated immigrants here, said Mr Lee, makes Singapore more
competitive and dynamic.
"The majority of the new PRs and citizens are skilled workers and
professionals in finance, IT and R&D. They bring new skills,
global connections and a strong drive to create better lives for
their families," said Mr Lee.
Mr Lee gave an example of how one immigrant is making a
difference.
"Shyam Srinivasan came from Chennai at age 14, and went to Geylang
Methodist Secondary School and Victoria Junior College. He took up
citizenship and obtained a teaching scholarship from the Public
Service Commission," said the Minister Mentor.
"Last year, he graduated top of his class in Physics at Oxford
University. He is now doing his Masters in Applied Physics at
Columbia University. He will come back and complete his NS. He will
educate and inspire the next generation of Singaporeans," he
said.
Their presence has also helped to shape the Singapore
landscape.
Mr Lee cited how many Indian temples today have been refurbished to
look "elegant" and "colourful".
"Our immigration policies have brought in better educated and
wealthy Indians who have made that qualitative difference to our
lives. Their support of these temples has resulted in this
transformation, reflecting the transformation that is taking place
throughout Singapore," said Mr Lee.
Mr Lee said the challenge is to integrate newcomers into Singapore
society and an event like this Indian New Year Celebration is a
good example of how integration can be done.
The event brings together different communities, not just among the
different Indian ethnic groups, but also Singaporeans of all
races.
- CNA /ls