Some say that Singaporeans enjoy "complaining." This behavior, similar to the domestic practice of "petitioning," is quite common among immigrants in Singapore. Here, ministers must be elected Members of Parliament, and all MPs are required to meet with constituents regularly each week. Therefore, in Singapore, it is not difficult to directly bring any issue to the attention of a minister. The smooth channels for complaints undoubtedly lead to a reduction in the number of issues that can be complained about. In cases where constituents seek meetings with MPs, it is often those seeking assistance who are in the majority.
Singapore is not without its super-rich. However, the system in Singapore ensures that all income must be transparent and accountable. There is no allowance for vague or unclear "grey income." As a result, many people do not object to the high salaries of officials, as they believe that as long as all income is on the table, subject to oversight and recognition, high salaries in themselves do not create unfairness.
Moreover, successful businessmen in Singapore largely adhere to the spirit of the immigration forebears' saying, "When poor, one should cultivate oneself; when prosperous, one should benefit the world." The wealthy here are charitable and enthusiastic about public welfare.
Attracting Talent in Advance
It is well known that Singapore is a traditional immigrant country with a renowned policy of welcoming foreign talent. Especially as Singapore increasingly faces challenges of population decline and aging, it must continue to attract immigrants to fill the local population.
At the same time, Singapore also recognizes that countries around the world are striving to attract foreign talent, and Singaporean talent has become a target for "poaching" by other nations. Therefore, while continuing to attract outstanding talent to settle in the Lion City, the government is also focused on strengthening national identity and social cohesion, implementing a series of measures to help immigrants in Singapore integrate into local society as quickly as possible.
Recently, based on the principle of "citizens first," Singapore has reduced some benefits previously available to permanent residents, raising concerns about whether Singapore is no longer welcoming foreign immigrants. In response, senior government officials have repeatedly emphasized that there is no such intention.
In fact, the reduction of benefits for permanent residents is intended to widen the gap in treatment between citizens and permanent residents, encouraging more permanent residents to choose citizenship rather than maintaining their status as permanent residents for the long term. For citizens after naturalization, Singapore emphasizes "equal treatment without distinction." It is evident that "citizens first" is not meant to exclude immigrants; its true purpose is to strengthen national identity and cohesion to address the future global competition for talent.
