Commenting on the issue of foreigner influx into Singapore, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology Paulin Straughan noted that “for the man in the street, he may not understand the economic rationale of having more foreigners in the country.” Prof Straughan added that “It is harder to understand an appreciation of future gains… Gone are the days Singaporeans understand delayed gratification, opportunity costs.” She noted that the issue needs to be managed with “careful calibration (and) communication”. “It requires a very carefully calibrated policy that explains to Singaporeans (the rationale), and assure them that their needs are met,” she said.
On the question of whether Singaporeans, as a people, are ready to accept more foreigners – and the attendant friction and challenges – in their midst, Prof Straughan believed that Singaporeans have no problem integrating foreigners into the community and that current concerns are overplayed by a disgruntled group which are bordering on xenophobia. Their views are not a reflection of all Singaporeans and may be a minority view. She added, “We have it in our DNA to be inclusive.”