May 1, 2012 - ST Forum
I AM concerned that the Government still believes Singapore
needs to maintain the current population size ('Population will
shrink from 2025 without new citizens'; last Wednesday).
Our small island already has more than enough people. Singapore
has exceeded the population size that allows a healthy quality of
life for its citizens.
Technology can possibly provide the infrastructure to support
the increasing population, such as taller residential buildings and
fully automated high-frequency train services.
Singapore can seek to have the best of both worlds - a
well-educated citizenry driving the economy through
high-value-added services, and the more mundane needs met by
foreign labour.
But a highly congested environment may prompt citizens, like
well-paid bankers, to dream of a saner life in another country.
Singaporeans do not have an escape hatch, unlike in highly
congested New York or London, whose workforce and inhabitants have
the option of enjoying tranquil suburbs within driving
distance.
It is better for Singapore in the long run if the Government
strategically plans for a population decrease instead.
At the current pace, our present generation of working adults
may mostly end up emigrating (with their money) or growing old with
a host of health problems brought about by extended work
stress.
There is still time to intervene to enable our greying
population to age gracefully, in better health and less dependent
on the shrinking pool of the younger generation.
In the end, a less congested country with a better quality of
life will encourage couples to have children.
Chen Junyi
