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[h=1]Modestly populated S'pore works better[/h]
Published on May 1, 2012
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<!--close .storyLeft-->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
Published on May 1, 2012
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<!--close .storyLeft-->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