By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 23 September 2009 1417 2009 1417 hrs
SINGAPORE: A survey of new citizens and Permanent Residents has thrown up some positive results. Of the 360 newcomers polled by a work group from government feedback vehicle REACH, close to 78 per cent said they feel welcomed in Singapore. New citizens, who have to pledge their allegiance at such ceremonies have been in the spotlight recently. The Singapore government is now focused on getting them to integrate better into society. Of the 360 surveyed, 88 per cent said they don't have problems communicating with Singaporeans. 95 per cent said they would recommend Singapore as a place to live in and another 91 per cent intend to work here over the next five years. The survey also found that many of them did not have any problems adjusting to Singapore's political system and the civic rules and regulations in the country. Furthermore eight of ten surveyed supported the concept of national service in Singapore. However, some of them came up against some resistance. Dr Terence Chong, REACH Workgroup on Population and Integration, said: "There are still some new citizens who feel that they are unwanted competition in the workplace. They also feel that there are higher expectations placed on them because they are new citizens and PRs and so these needs to be addressed. “You need a variety of ways. Education is important. You need to foster a sense of inclusiveness and for new citizens it is important to get them to realise Singapore's historical heritage and the importance of multiculturalism as well.” The workplace is also the subject of another work group on economic issues. It is urging the government to go easy on withdrawing the fiscal stimulus measures announced in the government's Budget. Dr Chua Hak Bin, REACH Workgroup on Economic and Employment Opportunities, said: "With the recent property measures, there is fear that there would be a double blow if you withdraw a lot of stimulus measures introduced in February and there are already hints that the Jobs Credit scheme would be withdrawn and that's quite a big component - nearly four billion. "We have to bear in mind that could have a negative impact on the economy, perhaps a gradual withdrawal is in order." On Tuesday, the government had said that it will announce whether to extend the Jobs Credit scheme next month. Moving forward, REACH has decided to form three new policy work groups to address the dynamic changes in Singapore society. They will gather feedback on healthcare, manpower and national integration and present the findings in a year. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, said: “We owe it to you to respond equally conscientiously to your proposals. We will ask the relevant ministries to say 'Yes', 'No' or 'Maybe' and to give your reasons for the responses. “REACH has evolved beyond merely being a channel for feedback although feedback remains important. Today, REACH is part of the concept of deliberative democracy - a platform for responsible citizens to come together, identify the key issues, analyse data, formulate innovative policy options and ultimately co-create solutions to the many fundamental challenges we face.” - CNA/vm
SINGAPORE: A survey of new citizens and Permanent Residents has thrown up some positive results. Of the 360 newcomers polled by a work group from government feedback vehicle REACH, close to 78 per cent said they feel welcomed in Singapore. New citizens, who have to pledge their allegiance at such ceremonies have been in the spotlight recently. The Singapore government is now focused on getting them to integrate better into society. Of the 360 surveyed, 88 per cent said they don't have problems communicating with Singaporeans. 95 per cent said they would recommend Singapore as a place to live in and another 91 per cent intend to work here over the next five years. The survey also found that many of them did not have any problems adjusting to Singapore's political system and the civic rules and regulations in the country. Furthermore eight of ten surveyed supported the concept of national service in Singapore. However, some of them came up against some resistance. Dr Terence Chong, REACH Workgroup on Population and Integration, said: "There are still some new citizens who feel that they are unwanted competition in the workplace. They also feel that there are higher expectations placed on them because they are new citizens and PRs and so these needs to be addressed. “You need a variety of ways. Education is important. You need to foster a sense of inclusiveness and for new citizens it is important to get them to realise Singapore's historical heritage and the importance of multiculturalism as well.” The workplace is also the subject of another work group on economic issues. It is urging the government to go easy on withdrawing the fiscal stimulus measures announced in the government's Budget. Dr Chua Hak Bin, REACH Workgroup on Economic and Employment Opportunities, said: "With the recent property measures, there is fear that there would be a double blow if you withdraw a lot of stimulus measures introduced in February and there are already hints that the Jobs Credit scheme would be withdrawn and that's quite a big component - nearly four billion. "We have to bear in mind that could have a negative impact on the economy, perhaps a gradual withdrawal is in order." On Tuesday, the government had said that it will announce whether to extend the Jobs Credit scheme next month. Moving forward, REACH has decided to form three new policy work groups to address the dynamic changes in Singapore society. They will gather feedback on healthcare, manpower and national integration and present the findings in a year. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, said: “We owe it to you to respond equally conscientiously to your proposals. We will ask the relevant ministries to say 'Yes', 'No' or 'Maybe' and to give your reasons for the responses. “REACH has evolved beyond merely being a channel for feedback although feedback remains important. Today, REACH is part of the concept of deliberative democracy - a platform for responsible citizens to come together, identify the key issues, analyse data, formulate innovative policy options and ultimately co-create solutions to the many fundamental challenges we face.” - CNA/vm
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