SINGAPORE: Netizens criticised Madam Ho Ching’s suggestion that Singapore needs to bring in more people from abroad to ensure the city-state continues to function amid an ageing population and declining birth rates.

Mdm Ho also expressed confidence that with proper city planning, Singapore could accommodate up to 8-10 million people.

However, netizens pushed back against this idea, arguing against an over-reliance on the foreign workforce.

Instead, they emphasised that by supporting local families, Singapore could increase its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) organically, leading to a more sustainable solution to the country’s demographic challenges.

In a Facebook post on 27 September, Madam Ho, spouse of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, addressed key issues concerning Singapore’s population growth and urban planning in response to the recent report showing that the total population has reached 6.04 million, a 2% increase since June 2023.

The former Temasek Holdings CEO highlighted the growing demand for caregivers as the population ages and the need for workers to sustain sectors like construction and engineering, particularly as the workforce shrinks due to lower birth rates.

“As we have less children, we need more people from elsewhere to join us to keep this city functioning, from repairing train tracks through the night to serving patients in hospitals through the night. ”

She referenced studies suggesting that taller buildings could enhance airflow and provide more space for greenery, contributing to a cooler urban environment.

Mdm Ho advocated for updating planning standards to include wider walkways, boulevards, and integrated bicycle lanes.

She also noted the equal allocation of land for public roads and housing, suggesting that elevated or underground roads could optimise Singapore’s space for living and recreation.

Netizen calls for policies to make family life more affordable, promoting an organic rise in TFR

However, observing netizens’ comments on Madam Ho’s Facebook page, it is evident that some highlighted the irony of her suggestions for addressing the growing population.

Some expressed doubts about the feasibility of accommodating a population of 10 million, with one user arguing that Singapore’s optimal population should not exceed 5 million due to the adverse effects already being felt at current levels.

The user described a population of 10 million as “madness,” regardless of any political agenda.

The netizen further argued that, unlike cities such as Los Angeles or Johor Bahru, Singapore lacks suburbs or hinterlands to balance urban density.

He also criticised the idea of planting more trees within the city, stating that it would not compensate for the destruction of primary forests on the island, viewing it as a case where “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Netizens voiced concerns about Madam Ho Ching’s proposal to increase the influx of foreigners to offset Singapore’s declining TFR.

They emphasised the need to tackle the root cause by boosting the TFR instead of relying on immigration.

One user highlighted that importing citizens or reclaiming land for further development would create long-term issues rather than offering sustainable solutions for the city-state’s future.

Another comment criticised the idea of creating a densely populated city akin to a “sci-fi movie,” where buildings are stacked “like Legos” with wind tunnels and rooftop greenery to accommodate 10 million people.

Rather than relying heavily on foreign caregivers and construction workers, the netizen suggested exploring ways to reduce this dependency.

The comment advocated for policies that would make family life more affordable, enabling an organic increase in the TFR and offering a more sustainable solution for Singapore’s future.

A comment offered alternative solutions to reduce reliance on foreign labour, such as employing AI and robotics to fill labour gaps. This suggestion points to a broader discussion about technology’s potential in addressing workforce shortages.

Some highlighted the need to make local jobs, especially in construction, more appealing to Singaporeans, or to invest in measures that reduce the need for foreign caregivers.

Concerns raised over National Service purpose amid growing foreign population

Some netizens questioned the purpose of national service if the majority of the population were to become foreign nationals.

He expressed frustration over the idea that local soldiers would defend a largely foreign population, linking this to higher inflation and living costs that could affect the quality of life for Singaporeans.

There are comments echoing the sentiment, discussed how the influx of foreign workers contributes to rising property prices and rental yields. They argued that increased demand from foreign nationals impacts the housing market, making it more difficult for locals to afford homes.

However, one netizen reminded that the primary purpose of NS is to protect the country from foreign threats.

He raised concerns about who would defend Singapore in times of conflict if the population were predominantly foreign.

Call for transparency in immigration discussions

There are also comments emphasised the need for an honest conversation about immigration, pointing out that the public deserves to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of increased immigration.