June 29, 2022

The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was signed on 29 June 2005. It eased the flow of goods, services and investments between Singapore and India. As Indian immigrants flowed into Singapore, Singaporeans resisted the changing cultural dynamics and increase in job competition. Some even left spiteful social media comments to air their displeasure. Such incidences highlight the ongoing and widening ethnic and racial divide between Singaporeans and foreign hires in general.

To understand how racial and ethnic divides prevail in Singapore, Associate Professor Elaine Ho Lynn-Ee (NUS Geography) and Assistant Professor Laavanya Kathiravelu (NTU Sociology) studied Chinese and Indian migrants who recently moved here. In ‘More Than Race: A Comparative Analysis of “New” Indian and Chinese Migration in Singapore’ (Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2021), they note that national narratives, jobs, culture, and citizenship all shape how foreigners are understood.

The researchers first argue that skills and class shape the social integration of migrants. Highly-skilled Indian migrants are viewed favourably due to their ability to contribute to Singapore’s economy. However, they can simultaneously be resented as they introduce greater competition for employment. In contrast, Chinese migrants tend not to be viewed favourably due to negative stereotypes such as rude behaviour and tendencies to gamble.

Second, recent migrants were also observed to be less included in society as their social and cultural habits are mismatched with Singaporean norms. Singaporeans often accepted immigrants when they adopted local practices such as the use of Singlish. Immigrants’ sense of belonging also depended on social acceptance from the wider community.

Third, perceived level of development also plays a role in inclusions. A/P Ho and Dr Kathiravelu note that Singaporeans tend to classify Chinese and Indian immigrants as low-skilled and lower classed rural migrants. Migrants with presumed lower level of development are faced with acts of discrimination and rude behaviour by Singaporeans.

Through this article, the researchers emphasise that racial and ethnic divisions are shaped by national narratives and the everyday struggles that people face with foreigners. It is also important to consider how immigrants negotiate with these impressions as they try to gain acceptance and find a sense of belonging in a foreign land.

Read the article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2021.1924391