Immigration key to growth, survival: SM Lee

He said that this would enable Singapore to thrive as a regional and international hub.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emphasised the crucial role of immigration in ensuring Singapore’s growth and survival.

“We need new citizens to top up our numbers and to keep our economy growing,” Loong said during the Teck Ghee Citizenship Ceremony at Nanyang Polytechnic Auditorium on 9 March.

This is particularly crucial as Singapore’s resident workforce is already at full employment and ageing. 

Each year, around 22,000 individuals are granted Singaporean citizenship.

Moreover, he also said new arrivals bring fresh experiences, diverse perspectives, and global connections, enabling Singapore to integrate with the world and thrive as a regional and international hub.

“This is how cities like London, New York, or Shanghai become great centres of culture and prosperity. They attract enterprising and adventurous people from all over the world to go there, to live and work,” Lee said.

Recalling his visit to Google’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, Lee said that most of the researchers there were immigrants.

“That is America’s enormous advantage—it draws top talent from every continent, and therefore it can innovate and stay ahead,” he said.

Herewith, Lee emphasised that Singapore must adopt a similar openness to ideas and talent globally.

“This is how we became a shining red dot. Because our ancestors came here from many lands, made this their home, and built up this country. And is what we must continue to do—to shine even brighter in the future—not just for our own sakes but for our children and grandchildren too,” he said.

The government recognises the need to handle immigration and integration sensitively, as inflows are not small either. “So we do need to bring in more people, more talent, more contributions.”

He encouraged both new and existing citizens to foster integration, urging newcomers to embrace local cultural norms, actively participate in their communities, and contribute to national development.

“You will not be exactly like those who have been citizens for many years, or all their lives, but that is also precisely what makes you distinct and valuable,” he said.

At the same time, he called on Singaporeans to welcome new arrivals and reject xenophobia.