5.3 Socio-cultural Environment

• Singapore’s status as a vibrant business hub has attracted many professionals to bring their families to settle down in Singapore and some eventually become naturalised citizens.
• This has led to an increase in socio-cultural and socio-economic diversity of Singapore society.
• Singapore’s socio-cultural environment is a key reason why migrants have chosen to eventually settle in Singapore.
• Some other features that appeal to potential immigrants include strong community support, a safe environment and a quality education system.

Community Support

• Singapore is home to a wide range of ethnic communities and cultures from all over the world.
• The existence of these communities may help foreigners to feel more at home in Singapore.
• However, if some foreigners do not interact beyond their immediate community, it may affect their engagement with the larger Singapore society.
• Many of these ethnic communities gather in certain districts, helping them to strengthen ties. (e.g Thai community → Golden Mile Complex, Japanese community → Liang Court and Clarke Quay Central, Korean community → Bukit Timah Plaza)
• Immigrant communities bring with them distinct national identities that can also include ethnic practices unique to their countries of origin.

Safe Environment

• Migrants and immigrants consider safety and security when deciding on the country to work or live in.
• Both the foreigners and the supporting communities thrive when there is a safe environment.
• The crime rate is often a measure indicating the level of safety in a country.
• Singapore’s laws play a role in ensuring a relatively low crime rate.

Singapore’s Education System

• Many migrants come to Singapore for quality education either for themselves or for their children.
• International students add to the diversity in schools as they are able to share their experiences and learning with their fellow students.
• Singapore’s public schools are becoming increasingly popular with foreigners due to their high standards.
• Many primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges accept international students.
• Polytechnics and universities have also been popular with international students because the offer high standards of certification and a wide range of courses.
• The options available have made Singapore a well-known hub for quality education.