MM renews call for greater integration of new, highly educated migrants in society
By Rachel Lin
Singapore must not shy away from embracing new, highly educated migrants,
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday. --ST PHOTO: CHUA CHIN HON
SINGAPORE must not shy away from embracing new, highly educated migrants,
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.
Re-stating his view on the issue, he said Singapore would continue to need overseas talent to drive its economic dynamo.
Pointing to the first quarter growth of 13.1 per cent and revised government projections of 7 per cent to 9 per cent growth for the year, he said this was 'a big turnaround from our most difficult period in early 2009'.
With the outlook for the global economy now brighter, sustaining Singapore's long-term prospects meant the country needed to grow as an attractive hub for international trade, investment and talent.
'That was how we grew from a fishing village to a trading post under the British, and now a vibrant metropolis,' he said. 'We benefited from being open to immigrants from around the world, especially China, India and the region.'
He said while first-generation migrants might find it difficult to take on local habits and accents, their families would be naturalised.
By Rachel Lin
Singapore must not shy away from embracing new, highly educated migrants,
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday. --ST PHOTO: CHUA CHIN HON
SINGAPORE must not shy away from embracing new, highly educated migrants,
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.
Re-stating his view on the issue, he said Singapore would continue to need overseas talent to drive its economic dynamo.
Pointing to the first quarter growth of 13.1 per cent and revised government projections of 7 per cent to 9 per cent growth for the year, he said this was 'a big turnaround from our most difficult period in early 2009'.
With the outlook for the global economy now brighter, sustaining Singapore's long-term prospects meant the country needed to grow as an attractive hub for international trade, investment and talent.
'That was how we grew from a fishing village to a trading post under the British, and now a vibrant metropolis,' he said. 'We benefited from being open to immigrants from around the world, especially China, India and the region.'
He said while first-generation migrants might find it difficult to take on local habits and accents, their families would be naturalised.
