Singapore Welcomes New Citizens as Pillars of Progress

In a vibrant ceremony at Nanyang Polytechnic on 9 March, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered a powerful message to approximately 200 new citizens: their arrival is not just a boost to Singapore’s population but a vital force for its economic dynamism and cultural richness. Speaking at the Teck Ghee Citizenship Ceremony, SM Lee underscored the existential importance of immigration to the city-state, framing it as a cornerstone of Singapore’s survival and global relevance.

“New arrivals bring fresh experiences, diverse perspectives, and global connections. You help us to plug into the world and thrive as a regional hub and a global node,” SM Lee declared, drawing parallels with global metropolises like London, New York, and Shanghai. These cities, he noted, became centres of culture and prosperity by embracing talent from across the world, fostering environments of innovation and enterprise. Singapore, he argued, must follow suit to remain a “shining red dot” on the world stage.

Immigration as an Economic Imperative

SM Lee’s address highlighted a stark demographic reality: Singaporeans are not having enough children, and the resident workforce is at full capacity while ageing rapidly. Unlike larger nations with vast populations and resources to rely on, Singapore lacks a natural hinterland. Each year, the Republic welcomes around 22,000 new citizens alongside roughly 30,000 citizen births—a deliberate strategy to bolster its numbers and sustain economic growth.

“Singapore needs new citizens to top up its numbers and to keep its economy growing,” SM Lee emphasised. He acknowledged that immigration introduces competition, pushing Singaporeans to work harder and meet higher standards. Yet, he argued, this pressure is a catalyst for a more vibrant economy, creating better opportunities and brighter prospects for future generations. Closing the door to talent, he warned, would see opportunities bypass Singapore, relegating it to just another regional city and diminishing the prospects of its descendants.

This perspective aligns with Singapore’s long-standing policy of controlled immigration, designed to balance economic needs with social cohesion. The government’s approach is data-driven: with a total fertility rate languishing below replacement level at around 1.1 in recent years, and an ageing population projected to see one in four citizens over 65 by 2030, immigration is not a choice but a necessity. New citizens, often skilled professionals or young families, inject vitality into the workforce and consumer base, sustaining sectors from technology to healthcare.

Navigating the Delicate Balance of Integration

Yet SM Lee was candid about the challenges. Immigration, he noted, is a sensitive issue globally, often sparking tensions between newcomers and established residents. In many European countries, large inflows have triggered nativist backlashes, exacerbated when immigrants are linked to violent crimes, deepening societal divisions. Singapore, he insisted, must avoid such pitfalls by managing inflows with precision and care.

The government’s strategy hinges on measured immigration, ensuring harmony among ethnic groups and between new arrivals and long-term residents. Policies prioritise individuals who can integrate and contribute to society. Every new citizen undergoes the Singapore Citizenship Journey, a programme designed to instil an understanding of national values and identity before citizenship is granted. Additionally, Integration and Naturalisation Champions from the People’s Association organise community initiatives to welcome and assimilate newcomers.

SM Lee urged new citizens to play their part by embracing Singapore’s cultural norms and actively contributing to their communities. Equally, he called on existing Singaporeans to be “big-hearted” in welcoming newcomers as valuable members of the national team, rejecting nativist or xenophobic rhetoric that could fracture societal cohesion. “Those who play up such sentiments for political gain will do great harm to Singapore’s society,” he cautioned, a pointed reminder of the stakes involved.

Personal Stories of Belonging

Among the new citizens celebrated at the ceremony were individuals whose journeys reflect Singapore’s appeal as a land of opportunity. Ms Prithikka Divyashini, a 19-year-old chemical process technology student at ITE College East, moved to Singapore from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 12 years ago. Now the president of her school’s student ambassadors and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, distributing food to the elderly, she expressed pride in her new status. “I’m very grateful for this citizenship, and I feel really proud to be reciting the pledge as a Singaporean,” she said. Aspiring to become a pharmacist, she believes citizenship will open more doors for her to excel.

Similarly, Dr Pham The Hanh, a 46-year-old engineering lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, has called Singapore home since arriving from Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2003 on a Ministry of Education scholarship. A researcher turned educator, he has given back by offering free tuition to children at Teck Ghee Community Club for over five years. Reflecting on his decision to become a citizen, he cited the warmth of colleagues and friends—and a longing for char kway teow during a visit to Hanoi—as key factors. “It was easy for me to adapt to life here as I like the weather, food, and people,” he said. Accompanied by his 16-year-old son, who also received citizenship, Dr Pham pledged to contribute by educating young Singaporeans.

These personal accounts underscore a broader narrative: Singapore’s immigration policy is not merely about numbers but about building a cohesive, diverse society where individuals from varied backgrounds can find belonging and purpose. The act of reciting the National Pledge and singing the National Anthem during the ceremony, as SM Lee noted, reinforces a shared identity among citizens old and new.

A Global Model with Local Challenges

Singapore’s approach offers a potential model for other nations grappling with immigration debates, balancing openness with control. Unlike many Western countries where immigration policies have become polarising political footballs, Singapore maintains a technocratic stance, prioritising economic and social outcomes over populist rhetoric. Yet challenges remain. Public sentiment, while generally accepting, can bristle at perceived competition for jobs or housing, particularly during economic downturns. The government’s sensitivity to these concerns is evident in its careful calibration of inflows and emphasis on integration.

Moreover, Singapore’s unique context—its small size, high density, and multicultural fabric—means its model may not be easily replicable elsewhere. The city-state’s ability to enforce strict criteria for citizenship, coupled with state-driven integration programmes, relies on a level of governmental control less feasible in larger, more decentralised nations. Still, SM Lee’s speech serves as a reminder that immigration, when managed with foresight, can be a net positive, driving growth without sacrificing harmony.

Sustaining the ‘Red Dot’

As Singapore navigates its demographic and economic future, the role of new citizens will only grow in importance. SM Lee’s vision is clear: an open, dynamic Singapore that attracts global talent while fostering a unified national identity. If successful, this strategy could ensure the Republic remains a regional hub and global node, defying the limitations of its size and resources.

Yet the path forward requires constant vigilance. Balancing the economic benefits of immigration with social cohesion demands not just policy precision but also a collective commitment from all Singaporeans—new and old—to embrace diversity as a strength. As SM Lee warned, closing off to the world is not an option; stagnation would dim the shine of the “red dot.” Instead, Singapore must continue to innovate, integrate, and inspire, proving that a small nation can achieve outsized impact through openness and unity.

The stories of Ms Prithikka and Dr Pham, among the 22,000 welcomed annually, are testaments to what Singapore stands to gain. Their contributions—whether through community service, education, or ambition—enrich the nation’s social and economic tapestry. As the city-state looks to the future, these new citizens are not just additions to its population but vital threads in the fabric of its enduring success.