Speech by Minister Josephine Teo on Population at the Committee of Supply Debate 2020

Integrating Immigrants into our Singapore Society

The Government has kept the pace of immigration calibrated, in line with our commitments. Over the past five years, we granted about 22,100 new Singapore citizenships on average each year.

We also granted about 31,700 Permanent Residencies on average each year. We have kept the total size of the PR population at around half a million for many years now.

It is not easy to become a new citizen or PR. Many applications are rejected. We have high expectations of those who join our community. Newcomers who want to make Singapore their home have the responsibility to adapt to our way of life, and must continue to contribute to our society and economy.

One good example is Mr Trieu Dang Huy, who works as a senior projects executive at Singapore Airlines. He has lived in Singapore for 14 years, and became a Singapore citizen last year.

• When Mr Trieu first moved here, he took it upon himself to learn English, Mandarin, and Singlish – so much so that when he speaks now, it’s hard to tell that he was originally from Vietnam.
• Mr Trieu met his wife while studying at NUS. Together, they believe it is important to contribute to society, and donate blood regularly.
• They also have a young son, who is Singaporean.

Extract from Minister Josephine Teo Speech on 28 February 2020
https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/media-centre/speeches/speech-by-minister-josephine-teo-on-population-at-the-committee-of-supply-debate-2020