Singapore's evolving demographic landscape has long been a topic of national conversation, especially as the city-state balances economic growth with social cohesion. A recent study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), titled insights from the IPS–CNA Study on Immigration and Diversity, sheds new light on the perceptions of locals and foreigners regarding key issues like job competition and national identity. Released in early 2026, the research highlights stark divisions but also points to dialogue as a powerful tool for fostering understanding. Conducted amid ongoing debates on immigration policy, the study surveyed residents and non-residents, revealing nuanced views shaped by personal experiences and economic realities.

The IPS, housed within the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, brings academic rigor to these societal questions. Their findings underscore that while resource concerns such as housing and jobs create friction, structured conversations can build trust across communities. This is particularly relevant in Singapore, where foreigners make up about 40% of the population, contributing significantly to sectors like construction, tech, and finance.

As Singapore navigates its post-pandemic recovery and global talent competition, understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, employers, and residents alike. The study not only quantifies divides but offers practical pathways forward, emphasizing the role of community engagement over top-down mandates alone.

The IPS study emerged from a collaborative effort between IPS and Channel News Asia (CNA), building on years of research into Singapore's multicultural fabric. Titled "Locals and foreigners divided on issues of jobs and identity, but dialogue helps bridge differences," it was published on January 20, 2026. Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of over 1,000 respondents—split between Singapore citizens/permanent residents (locals) and non-residents (foreigners)—and a novel Consensus Conference pilot.

The survey captured views on immigration's impact across domains like employment, identity, and social integration. Questions probed agreement levels on statements such as "Foreign workers take jobs from locals" and "Immigrants dilute Singaporean identity." The Consensus Conference, organized with REACH (a government feedback arm), brought together 30 diverse participants—15 locals and 15 foreigners—for facilitated deliberations over two days. This deliberative democracy model encouraged participants to discuss evidence, challenge assumptions, and seek common ground.

Statistical analysis revealed significant divergences: 45% of locals expressed concerns over job competition, compared to just 12% of foreigners. On identity, 38% of locals felt immigration threatened cultural uniqueness, versus 8% of non-residents. Yet, post-dialogue shifts were notable, with 70% of participants reporting increased mutual understanding. This methodology provides a robust, evidence-based snapshot, validated through rigorous sampling to reflect Singapore's demographics.

Job scarcity perceptions form a core tension in the study. Locals, particularly older residents and those in mid-skilled roles, worry that high immigration inflows—peaking at 1.5 million non-residents pre-COVID—suppress wages and opportunities. Data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) supports some concerns: between 2020-2025, Employment Pass holders in professional sectors grew 15%, amid youth unemployment hovering at 5-7% for locals aged 20-29.

Foreigners, conversely, view their contributions positively, citing skills shortages in tech, biotech, and healthcare. For instance, 65% of non-residents agreed they fill critical gaps, backed by reports from the Economic Development Board (EDB) showing multinationals like Google and Meta relying on global talent for expansion. The study notes sector-specific divides: construction and F&B see higher local resentment, while finance and IT report more harmony.

Real-world examples abound. During the 2023-2024 hiring boom, locals in logistics reported longer job searches, while Indian and Chinese professionals filled fintech roles rapidly. The IPS analysis attributes this to Singapore's pro-business Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) policies, which cap foreign worker ratios but prioritize high-value talent.

• Locals' top concern: Wage stagnation in S-pass (mid-skilled) jobs, down 2-3% adjusted for inflation since 2022.
• Foreigners' perspective: 80% plan long-term stays, investing in upskilling via local courses.
• Government response: Fair Consideration Framework mandates advertising jobs to locals first.

These findings echo prior IPS surveys, like the 2021 study where 70% of residents favored stricter inflows, especially among those over 50.

Beyond economics, identity emerges as an emotional fault line. Singapore's managed multiculturalism—via ethnic quotas in housing (Ethnic Integration Policy, EIP) and bilingual education—has fostered harmony, but rapid inflows challenge this. The study found 42% of locals believe foreigners erode "Singaporean-ness," defined as shared values like meritocracy and resilience.

Non-residents counter that they embrace local norms: 75% participate in National Day events and learn Singlish. Yet, barriers persist—language, cultural faux pas, and social silos. A poignant example: expatriates in gated condos versus HDB heartlands, limiting organic interactions.

Historical context matters. Post-1965 independence, Singapore imported labor for nation-building, evolving to attract Permanent Residents (PRs) via points-based systems. Today, PR approvals dropped 20% in 2025 amid public feedback, per ICA data. The study links identity worries to intergenerational shifts: younger locals (under 30) are 25% less concerned, viewing diversity as normative.

Stakeholder voices vary. Community leaders like those from Mendaki (Malay programs) advocate integration classes, while business chambers praise diversity's innovation boost—Singapore ranks top in global talent competitiveness.

The study's highlight is the Consensus Conference, a first-of-its-kind in Singapore. Participants, demographically balanced (age, ethnicity, residency), deliberated hot-button issues. Pre-conference, divides mirrored surveys; post-event, consensus emerged on 80% of topics.

Key outcomes:

• Agreement that immigration policy should prioritize skills over numbers.
• Call for more intercultural programs in workplaces and schools.
• Recognition that locals' anxieties stem from inequality perceptions, not xenophobia.

Facilitators used evidence packs—MOM stats, World Bank migration reports—to ground discussions. One participant noted, "Hearing foreigners' stories humanized the 'other.'" IPS researchers hail it as proof-of-concept for scaling deliberative tools, akin to Ireland's Citizens' Assemblies.

This aligns with global trends: Finland's immigration panels reduced polarization by 30%. In Singapore, REACH plans expansions, potentially informing the 2026 White Paper on population.

Reactions span the spectrum. Government figures, via MCI, welcomed findings, reiterating the "Singapore Together" ethos. MOM's 2025 blueprint tightens levies while expanding training for locals—S$1 billion allocated for upskilling.

Opposition voices, like PSP's Leong Mun Wai, amplify job concerns, citing 2024 retrenchments (12,000+). Business leaders from SBF counter with data: GDP per capita rose 4% from foreign talent. Academics like IPS Director Janil Puthucheary emphasize bridging capital—ties across groups—over bonding within.

Civil society shines: Groups like Tote Board-funded integration hubs report 90% satisfaction in mixed events. Foreign talent associations, e.g., Foreign Professional Network, push for faster PR paths for long-term contributors.

Social media buzz on X reflects divides: Posts lament "foreign queue-cutting," others celebrate multicultural festivals. Trending discussions post-release focused on dialogue's viability.

The study informs tripartite calibration. Recommendations include:

• Enhance Fair Consideration Framework with AI job-matching for locals.
• Expand National Integration Council programs, targeting mid-career workers.
• Pilot more Consensus Conferences for policy co-design.

Economically, Singapore aims for 6 million population by 2030, per Green Paper updates. Balancing this requires nuanced inflows: more Employment Pass for high-tech, fewer S-Pass amid automation.

For employers, implications are clear—diversity training yields 20% better retention, per McKinsey. Academic institutions like NUS integrate these via public policy courses, preparing future leaders.

Explore higher education jobs in Singapore where policy expertise is in demand.

Jurong Island's petrochemical hub exemplifies integration: Mixed teams boosted productivity 15%, via joint teambuilding. Conversely, 2024 Little India riots highlighted flashpoints from overcrowding.

School programs like Character and Citizenship Education foster early bonds, with 85% interracial friendships among youth. Corporate cases: DBS Bank's global mobility program retains 92% of transferees through cultural onboarding.

Challenges persist in heartlands—EIP quotas spark debates, though 65% support them for diversity. The study advocates community dialogues to preempt tensions.

Singapore's model contrasts Canada's points system (high integration, 70% approval) and Australia's wage thresholds. UK post-Brexit curbs mirror local calls for limits.

World Bank data shows dialogue-heavy nations like Germany (post-2015 refugee influx) achieve faster cohesion. Singapore's edge: proactive policies, low crime (0.2 homicides/100k).

Lessons for peers: Pair quotas with engagement, as IPS suggests.

Looking ahead, 2026-2030 holds promise. With AI reshaping jobs, reskilling 300,000 locals via SkillsFuture is pivotal. Dialogue scaling could halve divides by 2028, per IPS projections.

Actionable insights:

• Individuals: Join inter-community events via OnePeople.sg.
• Employers: Implement reverse mentoring—foreigners teach locals global skills.
• Policymakers: Fund 50 Consensus pilots yearly.

For career navigators in policy or education, resources like higher ed career advice and university jobs offer pathways. Check Singapore academic opportunities.

Ultimately, the IPS study affirms Singapore's resilience: divisions exist, but dialogue delivers.

In summary, while challenges on jobs and identity persist, evidence shows conversation converts skeptics to collaborators. As one researcher noted, "Policy fixes resources; people build trust." This bodes well for a united, thriving Singapore.

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