Earlier this year, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore should help immigrants and foreign workers adapt to the country’s social norms to build a cohesive and inclusive society.
Mr Lee noted that the issue of immigrants and foreign workers raises “political sensitivities in many societies”.
However, he said that “Singapore relies heavily on them to top up (its) population base and talent pool”.
“Therefore, we must manage the inflow and integration of new arrivals with the utmost sensitivity and caution, to ensure that the flows are balanced and sustainable,” he added.
Preliminary suggestions so far include stronger support for foreign professionals to integrate beyond the workplace, such as through corporate volunteering or orientation programmes that introduce them to “local norms”, said MCCY.
“The engagements also emphasised the need for corporates to have (human resources) practices that assure all employees of equal opportunities, and to develop the competencies to foster integration,” added the ministry.
“Local employers are committed to fair, equal opportunity hiring; they want to better integrate employees and foster positive interactions in workplaces,” added Mr Tan.
“Foreign professionals also want to adapt to Singapore’s cultural norms and build relationships with their local colleagues.”
