Introduction

SINGAPORE: In a heartfelt social media post, a local man expressed his feelings of alienation in Singapore amidst a rapidly growing foreign presence in the country. Sharing his thoughts anonymously on the Reddit forum r/SingaporeRaw, he lamented that it feels like there are more foreigners than Singaporeans almost everywhere he turns.

Concerns Over Foreign Presence

As he ventures out, he encounters individuals from various countries, including China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos. 'They are everywhere, occupying both labor positions and high-paying roles,' he stated. 'It feels like there are no true Singaporeans left; our youngsters are losing hope.'

Low Birth Rate and Future Generations

The man highlighted the alarmingly low birth rate in Singapore, raising concerns about future generations who will have to compete against a large influx of foreign talent. He suggested that unless local children are motivated through education systems and leadership opportunities, they may struggle to succeed. 'You will find that you are a tourist in your own country,' he lamented.

Community Reactions

Other users echoed his sentiments in the comments section, revealing their shared feelings of alienation. One person noted, 'Even schools are filled with foreigners these days,' and another remarked on how popular venues like the Changi Business Hub often feel like a tourist spot rather than a local hub.

Defense of Foreign Participation

Yet, amid these concerns, some users defended the presence of foreigners, highlighting the vital role they play in Singapore’s economy. One commenter pointed out that many food and beverage outlets operate on minimal staffing, and without foreign workers, crucial jobs might remain unfilled. They emphasized that a significant number of companies are foreign-owned and that these entities provide substantial employment opportunities for locals.

Population Statistics

Recent statistics reveal that Singapore's population surged to approximately 6.04 million in 2023, with a notable rise in foreign and migrant domestic workers. The Business Times reported that the number of non-residents rose by 5% to 1.86 million, while local residents increased by just 0.7% to 3.64 million. The number of permanent residents also saw a slight increase, coming in at 544,900.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate about the balance between preserving Singaporean identity and embracing globalization continues to evoke strong feelings within the community. As voices from both sides share their perspectives, it raises important questions about the future of Singaporean society and the impact of such demographic shifts on local heritage and culture.