Singapore Facing the challenges of large population increase
My uncommon sense tells me that, after the covid pandemic is declared over, the Singapore government will move towards increasing immigration to boost the population to 6.7 million and eventually to 10 million.

They will work towards this goal out of economic necessity. Singapore has become uncompetitive and irrelevant in many sectors of the economy due to high cost of doing business and inefficiency. 

It will still remain attractive as an oasis for the wealthy to make their home here for the following reasons:

a) To pay lower taxes, compared to their home countries
b) To raise a family
c) As a base to operate in the region.

We have already developed our MRT systems, hospitals, schools and airports to cater to a larger population. They cannot remain under-utilised and become white elephants.

This will pose a challenge to the local competition in facing competition for jobs from foreigners, especially in the higher levels of the workforce. Maybe the ministers think that they will be able to cope with the challenges better in the future. 

I believe that the challenges are huge and insurmountable, unless there are major changes to several policies on national service, employment practices, improvement in productivity, encouraging childbirth, etc. 

I do not welcome this strategy. I think that it is exposed to high risks and disadvantages. But my uncommon sense says that this is a likely scenario.

I will not be around to see the success or failure that will occur over the next three decades. 

In case Singapore gets too crowded and life becomes unbearable, I have prepared a retreat in Johor. It will probably be useful for my children or grandchildren.

Tan Kin Lian

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