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More people, more happiness? — Henri Ghesquiere
NOV 14 — Does immigration enhance Singaporeans’ gross national happiness?
I would suggest that it does, though not without cost, and it could do so even more.
First, immigration has boosted Singapore’s economic growth. While money does not buy bliss, improved living standards, such as better health and education, enhance citizens’ well-being.
Gross domestic product — an imperfect but useful gauge of a country’s production — grew by 6.7 per cent a year on average during the 2003-2008 period.
More than one third of this growth occurred through an increase in the labour force of 5 per cent annually. Overwhelmingly, newly arrived expatriates, including permanent residents, accounted for this rise.
Expatriates create income-earning opportunities for Singaporeans. They hire their services when, for example, they take a taxi. With inexpensive kitchen help, a Singaporean entrepreneur may be more willing to open a restaurant, creating demand for local accountants.
Immigration improves the labour force. Hiring a prospective Nobel Prize winner raises the average level of education and capabilities. Domestic helpers relieve Singaporeans of the need to do household chores, enabling them to work outside the home. Average income per inhabitant grew 3.5 per cent annually in the period 2003-2008, though the increase was not distributed evenly.
But does higher income via immigration make Singaporeans happier? The fourth King of Bhutan, during his enthronement in 1972, proclaimed that gross national happiness was more important than gross domestic product.
His philosophy sought to balance material well- being with social equity, spiritual awareness and environmental sustainability.
Immigration is not without its costs. Singapore’s population will rise from five million today to seven million by 2020 if the pace of growth of the past six years is maintained. By then, expatriates will outnumber citizens unless naturalisation or the birth rate accelerates sharply.
Rapid immigration raises a number of issues, including availability of space, heightened competition and identity. Crowding begets stress and the living environment can deteriorate. Competition for housing and school slots intensifies when supply lags behind demand.
The recent recession stirred anxiety. The individual and collective selves undergo redefinition when citizens confront large numbers of culturally different, often more affluent, and internationally mobile expatriates.
Some Singaporeans say that they feel like second-class citizens in their own country.
Misgivings about immigration are common globally. As with foreign trade, the benefits of immigration are substantial but diffuse, whereas its costs tend to be concentrated and impact people unevenly. No doubt, there are legitimate issues of pace, integration and national identity.
Singapore has implemented policies to better equip its citizens. Dependence on foreigners can be lessened if more Singaporeans work longer. Productivity gains are another avenue.
Purposely lowering economic growth objectives seldom appeals to governments. The booming 2003-2008 period, however, saw above-trend economic growth that does not appear sustainable. If so, population growth could decelerate.
Immigrants present not only challenges but also opportunities. Nowadays, some 40 per cent of Singaporeans who marry find an immigrant spouse.
Viewing immigration through an us-versus-them lens has limited use. Jointly solving problems holds better promise.
The image of expatriates as footloose opportunists ready to jump ship to the next lucrative assignment elsewhere is exaggerated. Many are committed to Singapore. Besides, Singapore can benefit even from those who do not stay here long, just as Singaporeans who study or work abroad add value to the places where they reside. Expatriates are a resource beyond the narrow economic sphere.
Can the benefits of immigration make citizens happier? Managing conflicting emotions would help. To think one is happy can be an important part of actually being happy.
Research finds that once basic survival and health-care needs are satisfied, income becomes less of a factor. Trusting and reciprocal relationships with family and friends then gain prominence. People want the opportunity to realise their potential and lead purposeful lives.
Cultures differ but most humans crave security, appreciation and control over their lives.
Citizens and expatriates interact daily as producers and customers, employers and employees, students and teachers. Take the last. Clear two-way communication about what students are expected to learn, and why, increases their sense of security. Encouragement and feedback on ways to improve make them feel appreciated.
The workplace can weave habits of goodness into production, as opposed to instilling fear. Incentive structures can be set up that reward joint problem-solving, keeping in mind workers’ need for security, appreciation and a sense of control. A mixture of cooperation and competition can produce excellence. Staff may actually come to enjoy going to work.
Enabling citizens and expatriates to pursue fulfilling lives will contribute to the happiness of all.
More people, more happiness? — Henri Ghesquiere
NOV 14 — Does immigration enhance Singaporeans’ gross national happiness?
I would suggest that it does, though not without cost, and it could do so even more.
First, immigration has boosted Singapore’s economic growth. While money does not buy bliss, improved living standards, such as better health and education, enhance citizens’ well-being.
Gross domestic product — an imperfect but useful gauge of a country’s production — grew by 6.7 per cent a year on average during the 2003-2008 period.
More than one third of this growth occurred through an increase in the labour force of 5 per cent annually. Overwhelmingly, newly arrived expatriates, including permanent residents, accounted for this rise.
Expatriates create income-earning opportunities for Singaporeans. They hire their services when, for example, they take a taxi. With inexpensive kitchen help, a Singaporean entrepreneur may be more willing to open a restaurant, creating demand for local accountants.
Immigration improves the labour force. Hiring a prospective Nobel Prize winner raises the average level of education and capabilities. Domestic helpers relieve Singaporeans of the need to do household chores, enabling them to work outside the home. Average income per inhabitant grew 3.5 per cent annually in the period 2003-2008, though the increase was not distributed evenly.
But does higher income via immigration make Singaporeans happier? The fourth King of Bhutan, during his enthronement in 1972, proclaimed that gross national happiness was more important than gross domestic product.
His philosophy sought to balance material well- being with social equity, spiritual awareness and environmental sustainability.
Immigration is not without its costs. Singapore’s population will rise from five million today to seven million by 2020 if the pace of growth of the past six years is maintained. By then, expatriates will outnumber citizens unless naturalisation or the birth rate accelerates sharply.
Rapid immigration raises a number of issues, including availability of space, heightened competition and identity. Crowding begets stress and the living environment can deteriorate. Competition for housing and school slots intensifies when supply lags behind demand.
The recent recession stirred anxiety. The individual and collective selves undergo redefinition when citizens confront large numbers of culturally different, often more affluent, and internationally mobile expatriates.
Some Singaporeans say that they feel like second-class citizens in their own country.
Misgivings about immigration are common globally. As with foreign trade, the benefits of immigration are substantial but diffuse, whereas its costs tend to be concentrated and impact people unevenly. No doubt, there are legitimate issues of pace, integration and national identity.
Singapore has implemented policies to better equip its citizens. Dependence on foreigners can be lessened if more Singaporeans work longer. Productivity gains are another avenue.
Purposely lowering economic growth objectives seldom appeals to governments. The booming 2003-2008 period, however, saw above-trend economic growth that does not appear sustainable. If so, population growth could decelerate.
Immigrants present not only challenges but also opportunities. Nowadays, some 40 per cent of Singaporeans who marry find an immigrant spouse.
Viewing immigration through an us-versus-them lens has limited use. Jointly solving problems holds better promise.
The image of expatriates as footloose opportunists ready to jump ship to the next lucrative assignment elsewhere is exaggerated. Many are committed to Singapore. Besides, Singapore can benefit even from those who do not stay here long, just as Singaporeans who study or work abroad add value to the places where they reside. Expatriates are a resource beyond the narrow economic sphere.
Can the benefits of immigration make citizens happier? Managing conflicting emotions would help. To think one is happy can be an important part of actually being happy.
Research finds that once basic survival and health-care needs are satisfied, income becomes less of a factor. Trusting and reciprocal relationships with family and friends then gain prominence. People want the opportunity to realise their potential and lead purposeful lives.
Cultures differ but most humans crave security, appreciation and control over their lives.
Citizens and expatriates interact daily as producers and customers, employers and employees, students and teachers. Take the last. Clear two-way communication about what students are expected to learn, and why, increases their sense of security. Encouragement and feedback on ways to improve make them feel appreciated.
The workplace can weave habits of goodness into production, as opposed to instilling fear. Incentive structures can be set up that reward joint problem-solving, keeping in mind workers’ need for security, appreciation and a sense of control. A mixture of cooperation and competition can produce excellence. Staff may actually come to enjoy going to work.
Enabling citizens and expatriates to pursue fulfilling lives will contribute to the happiness of all.
arch?
