Category: Political/Societal Issues
Title: Singaporeans need assurance over growing population
(link: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/257677/1/.html)
I feel that Singaporeans do need to be assured over the growing local population. The current reactions of the local people are pretty negative, as they are afraid that a targetted total of 6.5 million number of people in the next 40 to 50 years will cause increased competition for jobs, housing and in school.
I think that the main concerns are of employment and housing. Firstly, unemployment has already been an issue in Singapore. An increase in population will mean that there is more competition for jobs, and thus people are of course afraid of being unemployed. I can empathise with this mindset, as unemployment is indeed a big problem in the current society. The stress of raising a family without stable income is unbearable, and has led to many suicide cases. However, I do believe that the society and local industry will expand in conjunction with the growing population. The economy would also probably have improved much. Besides, the government will take measures to pave the way for an increased population.
The other main concern would be housing. It is pretty intriguing how the small red dot on the map would be able to accomodate 6.5 million people. It is thus a worry how to contain another 2.5 million people on this island. Most people are worried that there is not enough space for the construction of housing for the increase in population. An interviewee in the article said, ""May not have enough of space unless you develop more reclaimed areas." Personally, I am not completely relaxed about this matter, but property analysts expect Singapore's landscape to change with more taller buildings to make up for the lack of land. Changes in apartment sizes are also imminent (one storey might have had 2 apartments, but in the future one storey may have 3).
Somehow, the idea of population growth has caused much anxiety among parts of the society. Perhaps it is the "kiasu" mentality working, as there would be more competition in aspects of their life, such as employment. Thus, I agree that assurance is needed to soothe any tensions that may exist in the society created by the projection of a future with 2.5 million more "kiasu", durian-loving Singaporeans.