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WHILE Singaporeans are heartened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's assurance that "citizens come first", many remain concerned about competition from foreigners.
This was revealed in a telephone survey by government feedback unit Reach, which polled 902 Singapore adults on Mr Lee's National Day Rally speech.
Some 58 per cent of respondents supported the Government's policy of recruiting talent from abroad, a Reach press release stated, but "a sizeable number...remain anxious about competition from foreigners and are not convinced that such a policy will expand the pie for all and benefit them, despite repeated assurances from the Government".
The unit said that posts on the discussion forum of Reach's online portal also showed that netizens were concerned by the impact of foreigners, especially in the areas of employment, housing, overcrowding and cost of living.
A majority of survey respondents felt it was important for new immigrants to make the effort to integrate.
Chinese national and Singapore permanent resident Felicia Song agreed.
"When I first came to Singapore, I made it a point to watch local shows to have common topics of discussion with Singaporeans," said the 24-year-old, who has been in Singapore for the past 14 years.
With her family here and many Singaporeans among her friends, she is thinking of applying for citizenship in the future.
Though the news producer had no problems mixing with Singaporeans, she said that some of her friends had trouble integrating as they kept to their own circle of friends from China.
But integration is a two-way street.
Almost eight out of 10 respondents agreed that Singaporeans should do their part to understand and help ease new immigrants into the community.
MP Arthur Fong (West Coast GRC) said: "When we show our sincerity in welcoming new residents...they feel a sense of belonging." To help new immigrants feel welcome in the community, he "makes it a point to engage" these residents by inviting them to activities.
Some new citizens, like 50-year-old Dong Za Mung from Myanmar, are even taking on the role of grassroots leader.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunities Singapore has given me, both economically and in educating my children. So I want to do something to repay Singapore," said the mechanical engineer, who is married with three children aged 11 to 20.
He tries to get residents, including senior citizens, to participate in activities like monthly jogs and neighbourhood patrols.
Still, Singaporeans retain their reservations. Survey respondents hoped that the Government would impose stricter criteria to ensure that immigrants can truly contribute to Singapore before they are admitted, and not use Singapore as a stepping stone to other destinations.
Said Madam Lin Pei Lian, a Singaporean housewife: "I'm still worried about the jobs that they may be taking away from locals. Besides, what if they just pull out from Singapore during tough times?"
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This was revealed in a telephone survey by government feedback unit Reach, which polled 902 Singapore adults on Mr Lee's National Day Rally speech.
Some 58 per cent of respondents supported the Government's policy of recruiting talent from abroad, a Reach press release stated, but "a sizeable number...remain anxious about competition from foreigners and are not convinced that such a policy will expand the pie for all and benefit them, despite repeated assurances from the Government".
The unit said that posts on the discussion forum of Reach's online portal also showed that netizens were concerned by the impact of foreigners, especially in the areas of employment, housing, overcrowding and cost of living.
A majority of survey respondents felt it was important for new immigrants to make the effort to integrate.
Chinese national and Singapore permanent resident Felicia Song agreed.
"When I first came to Singapore, I made it a point to watch local shows to have common topics of discussion with Singaporeans," said the 24-year-old, who has been in Singapore for the past 14 years.
With her family here and many Singaporeans among her friends, she is thinking of applying for citizenship in the future.
Though the news producer had no problems mixing with Singaporeans, she said that some of her friends had trouble integrating as they kept to their own circle of friends from China.
But integration is a two-way street.
Almost eight out of 10 respondents agreed that Singaporeans should do their part to understand and help ease new immigrants into the community.
MP Arthur Fong (West Coast GRC) said: "When we show our sincerity in welcoming new residents...they feel a sense of belonging." To help new immigrants feel welcome in the community, he "makes it a point to engage" these residents by inviting them to activities.
Some new citizens, like 50-year-old Dong Za Mung from Myanmar, are even taking on the role of grassroots leader.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunities Singapore has given me, both economically and in educating my children. So I want to do something to repay Singapore," said the mechanical engineer, who is married with three children aged 11 to 20.
He tries to get residents, including senior citizens, to participate in activities like monthly jogs and neighbourhood patrols.
Still, Singaporeans retain their reservations. Survey respondents hoped that the Government would impose stricter criteria to ensure that immigrants can truly contribute to Singapore before they are admitted, and not use Singapore as a stepping stone to other destinations.
Said Madam Lin Pei Lian, a Singaporean housewife: "I'm still worried about the jobs that they may be taking away from locals. Besides, what if they just pull out from Singapore during tough times?"
[email protected]
