October 7, 2021

‘83% of S’poreans say globalisation is good for the economy, but 50% think immigrants take away jobs: IPS study’ (The Straits Times, September 2021) features findings from the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) report ‘Making Identity Count in Singapore: Understanding Singaporeans’ National Pride and Identity’, co-authored by Dr Mathew Mathews (Principal Research Fellow and Head of IPS Social Lab, NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy) and Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser (NUS Department of Sociology and Academic Adviser of IPS Social Lab), based on the results of an IPS study on national pride and identity.

The study polled 2,001 Singaporeans and permanent residents from a representative national sample of households. It found that Singaporeans generally hold a positive view of globalisation, with 83 percent of the people polled acknowledging the benefits of globalisation. On the other hand, a smaller group of Singaporeans, 17 percent of the people polled, believe that globalisation only benefits foreigners and the rich.

On the topic of immigration, 75 percent of those polled agreed that immigrants provide a boost to the economy, and 62 percent agree that newcomers improved society by bringing in new ideas and culture. At the same time, more than half of the respondents think that immigrants could take jobs away from Singaporeans, and 53 percent of respondents feel that the government spends too much on helping them. In particular, those with less education and of lower socio-economic status were more likely to agree with the previous two statements, viewing immigrants as greater competition.

According to A/P Tan, the results show that Singaporeans are not anti-globalisation or anti-immigration, but instead would like policies on immigration to be improved.

The study also found that rather than age or race, education and socio-economic status accounted for differences in how proud people felt about 24 different institutions that had been deemed sources of national pride. Some examples of these institutions include Singapore’s healthcare system, racial equality, and the level of meritocracy in Singapore.

A/P Tan remarks that from the results of the study, the levels of national pride and identity in Singapore were healthy. In particular, the healthcare system, cleanliness, Singapore Armed Forces, religious diversity and freedom, the education system, and the COVID-19 pandemic management were some aspects the respondents were most proud of. On the other end of the spectrum, they were least proud of having the same ruling party for a long time, government autonomy, sporting achievements, the arts, treatment of migrant workers, and press freedom. People of higher socio-economic status were also found to be less proud of meritocracy than those of lower socio-economic status.

Read the article here.