The Singapore Experiment:
Are our xenophobic sentiments warranted?
The migration phenomenon is one that is being adopted all around the world, but it appears that only Singaporeans seem to associate themselves with xenophobic sentiments. What is the reason for such a deep- seated fear of foreigners? The most commonplace of reasons cited by Singaporeans is that they rob us of our jobs, be it at the blue collar or white collar level. Others complain that their backward cultural norms and practises threaten the careful socio- cultural balance that has been struck amongst the locals – which is highly ironic considering we are supposed to be a “melting pot”. Another popular reason, especially amongst the youth, is a perpetuation of the “Singapore for Singaporeans” mentality. Cases such as the 2005 Curry Incident - where a local Indian family found themselves in a dispute with their Chinese expatriate neighbours over the smell of Indian curry , or in 2012 when a PRC scholar studying in NUS called Singaporeans “gangsters” and “dogs” - does not lend itself well to the plight of foreigners in Singapore. However, before fingers are pointed at how inconsiderate and ungrateful foreigners are, one must consider the nature of the Singapore Experiment, as well as what our so- called foreign “bullies” are being subject to instead.
The most commonplace of reasons cited by Singaporeans is that they rob us of our jobs, be it at the blue collar or white collar level.
Singapore as a migrant community can be easily compared to the United States – yet another stop for foreigners looking to make a living. Over there, foreigners are encouraged to realize their ever popular “American Dream”, where there is an emphasis on freedom and upward social mobility. In the US, foreigners are also encouraged to settle down long term, have a family and a good home, as well as assimilate into their neighbourhood and community while simultaneously embarking on
In United States, foreigners are encouraged to realize their ever popular “American Dream”, where there is an emphasis on freedom and upward social mobility.
their dreams. Many minority ethnic groups today such as SpanishAmericans or Hispanic/ Latino Americans can be traced back to having been birthed from this ideal of American- style migration, and it is clear that the migration phenomenon has borne fruit, with future generations continuing to make their life and living in the US.
In Singapore, however, circumstances are starkly different because our foreign talent enter based on specific employment passes which often expire within 2-3 years of their deployment. Settling down long term is hardly ever an option, considering the ever increasing number of quotas on housing and healthcare for foreigners. Once their attachments or contracts have expired they are mercilessly deported back to their home country having served their stint and contributed to the economy. With foreign workers it is far worse because they are made to put up in dingy dormitories, and are only
Settling down long term is hardly ever an option, considering the ever increasing number of quotas on housing and healthcare for foreigners.
given time off once a week on Sunday for rest. Even then, they are shepherded in buses and are only allowed to roam within restricted areas, much like an enclosure, so as to not upset the locals. Procreation and relationships are not options, lest they wish to be “terminated”.
It may sound cruel and inhumane, but truth be told, be the term “foreign worker” or “foreign talent”, might very well be considered modern day slavery. The Singapore experiment is akin to that of a factory outlet workshop, where the migrants mean nothing near human. Everybody appears to gather for one main purpose, and that is contribution to the economy, along with a multiplication of wealth and material possessions. So before we proceed to criticize the next foreigner for snatching that post we wanted or condemn the construction of a foreign worker dormitory in an affluent estate, we should consider the manner in which they are treated – oftentimes it is unfair and restrictive. Singapore would hardly be an attractive place for foreigners if all we appear to do is sap their talent while simultaneously subjecting them to prejudiced treatment.
What we can help, however, is our social battle with xenophobia and perhaps induce a concerted effort towards building a more inclusive society.
Indeed, it is difficult to change the nature of our economy; considering we are human resource- driven, it is unlikely that our migrant culture will ever be as stress- free as that in the US. What we can help, however, is our social battle with xenophobia and perhaps induce a concerted effort towards building a more inclusive society.