Former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, has long been an advocate for the importance of foreign talent in the growth and development of the country. In a recent speech at the South Asia Diaspora Convention, Mr Lee reiterated his belief that foreign talents play a crucial role in ensuring better growth within Singapore’s society and driving its economic progress.
Acknowledging the concerns of Singaporeans who have felt the competition from talented foreigners, Mr Lee emphasized that many foreigners come to Singapore not just to work, but to set up homes and become citizens of the country. He pointed out that the presence of more foreign talents in Singapore would lead to better growth in society, as it would be insufficient for the country to depend solely on the talent of its three million citizens.
Mr Lee highlighted the importance of drawing talent from across the globe, including South Asia, Northeast Asia, China, India, and beyond. He noted that Singapore’s vibrant economy and success are a result of its openness to foreigners and its ability to attract talent from diverse backgrounds. Without this influx of foreign talent, Singapore would not be able to achieve the level of growth and success that it has experienced.
The issue of foreign talent has been a key concern for Singaporeans, especially in the recent General Election where there was „a lot of angst“ on the role of foreign talents and Singapore’s ability to absorb them in the future. Despite these concerns, Mr Lee emphasized that without foreign talents, there would not be any jobs to begin with. He stressed the importance of considering whether Singapore prefers a slower growth rate with no input of talent or a faster growth with an inflow of talent, even if some top jobs go to foreigners.
In response to a question about the disadvantages of meritocracy, Mr Lee firmly stated that he does not believe there are any disadvantages to meritocracy. He emphasized the importance of selecting the best person for the most difficult job, regardless of nationality. In the case of foreign talent, he urged Singaporeans to consider whether accepting them would increase the country’s capacity and drive growth, or rejecting them would result in a slower working system.
Overall, Mr Lee’s comments underscore the importance of foreign talent in Singapore’s growth and development. His insights highlight the benefits of an open and inclusive approach to talent recruitment, which has been a key factor in Singapore’s success as a global hub for business and innovation. As Singapore continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, Mr Lee’s words serve as a reminder of the value that foreign talents bring to the country’s continued prosperity.