Singapore is an immigrant society. Our forefathers descended on this island to seek a better future for themselves and their children. We have come a long way since the founding of this city-state. Notwithstanding our heritage and shared aspirations, the divide between those who are considered “native” and those who are recognised as “newly arrived” has not vanished, even with time. 

Today, both foreign and local-born residents have an ingrained stereotype of “the other”, as each assumes that the lifestyles and rituals of the opposite group are vastly different from their own. 

This is a false dichotomy.

Whether you are born in Singapore, naturalised or just a resident, you will encounter many common challenges and celebrate shared milestones. We experience similar day-to-day journeys, both joyous and distressing as parents, spouses, colleagues, National Servicemen, public transport users, and even diners at the hawker centres. For instance, immigrants who have children sitting for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) face anxieties similar to other local born-and-bred Singaporean parents. Regardless of the culture of origin, we are all equally concerned about the need for work-life balance. And from time to time, we have similar tensions raising teenage children. 

We want to explore how both Singaporeans and immigrants alike can build stronger connections and empathy with each other, regardless of their differences in backgrounds. 

Through SG Shared Experiences, we will explore a myriad of topics and issues surrounding nationalism, identity, culture and ultimately, shared experiences. Collectively, these stories not only highlight the common triumphs and struggles that are familiar to us but they also remind us of how everyone, regardless of nationality, traverses the same path in Singapore.  

Angeline Lim

Leong Chan-Hoong, PhD

Council Member, National Integration Council

 For more information on the National Integration Council Website: www.mccy.gov.sg/sector/initiatives/national-integration-council.  Please feel free to contact  NIC_Secretariat@mccy.gov.sg  for any further clarifications.