Corinna Lim, the executive director of Aware, has advocated for a reevaluation of immigration policies as a crucial measure in addressing Singapore’s declining total fertility rate (TFR). Lim’s proposition, outlined in her recent commentary titled “Review immigration policy, Singapore’s Plan B for a plunging fertility rate,” underscores the urgency of addressing the demographic challenge facing the nation.
While Lim acknowledges immigration as a swift solution to counteract low birth rates, she highlights the inherent complexities associated with such measures. Integrating newcomers into the local community takes time, during which social tensions may arise from differences in cultural norms. Lim emphasizes the importance of gradual integration but warns against the risk of perpetuating social fragmentation if immigrants fail to assimilate effectively.
Moreover, Lim points out that modern immigrants, facilitated by technology and social media, may be less incentivized to integrate with the local population beyond work obligations. This phenomenon, she argues, further exacerbates the risk of societal fragmentation and undermines national cohesion.
Lim also raises concerns about the long-term implications of a significant immigrant influx, particularly regarding potential challenges to national allegiance and sovereignty. She emphasizes Singapore’s vulnerability as a small nation amidst global geopolitical complexities, underscoring the need for prudent policy decisions to safeguard its future.
Central to Lim’s argument is the recognition of Singapore’s declining TFR as an existential threat necessitating proactive measures. She attributes this demographic decline to a pervasive sense of pessimism fueled by negative news cycles, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to incentivize childbearing.
In conclusion, Lim advocates for a comprehensive reassessment of strategies to address Singapore’s demographic challenges, emphasizing the need for nuanced policies that balance the benefits of immigration with the imperative of preserving national unity and identity.
