Staying open is how Singapore can compete, grow and stay relevant

AS SINGAPORE grapples with a shrinking local workforce and rising business demands, how can we remain open to foreigners while addressing concerns over job security, social integration and infrastructure strain?

The need for foreign talent to support our economic growth is an undisputed hard truth, made more acute by our declining birth rates and rapidly ageing population.

In 2014, there were six working-age residents supporting each elderly resident aged 65 and above. By 2024, this fell to 3.5. Including foreign workers raises this support ratio to 5.2, highlighting their essential role in augmenting the local workforce and keeping our economy going.