World Issues

In the recent government white paper, it has projected a rough population growth for Singapore to as many as 6.9 million by the year 2030. This issue has created much introversy. In this report, both the positive and negative impacts of the proposed population growth will be discussed, in areas such as economic growth, social cohesion and political stability. Lastly, I will conclude with my own opinions on this issue.

With more foreigners coming to Singapore and residing here, many problems will arise from it and they may either be positive or negative. Thus, it is important for the government to weigh the effects of both carefully and come out with the most appropriate solutions to solve any detrimental problems.

Positive Impacts:

a. Economic Growth

The rising population definitely has a positive impact on Singapore’s economic growth. More people residing in Singapore means there will be an expansion of tax bases which allows the government to receive more money from both the locals as well as the newcomers residing in Singapore. As a result, the government will be more financially ready to handle any emergency. There will also be an increased consumer spending at local businesses because of higher demand for goods from a larger consumer base. Thus, local businesses get higher revenue. Innovations by cultures are encouraged to keep up with the growing population which will create a more advanced country (Marc Chase, 2012).

Improvements are made in infrastructures such as Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), to accommodate more riders. More MRT lines will be available with the Downtown, Thomson and Eastern region lines opening between 2017 and 2020. Extension to other lines are also implemented. Train intervals are also said to be reduced to below 100 seconds in the next eight years (Imran Ahmed, 2011). All these enhancements would have a positive impact on train travel.

b. Social Cohesion

Many will perceive increasing population to have a negative impact on social cohesion, however, there can be positive impact as well depends on the environement around us. Increasing diversity in the country can improve perceptions of, and relations between ethnic groups (James Laurence, 2009).

c. Political Stability

Since there is a high tax paying population, each person needs to pay less as more people are sharing the tax. Thus, people will be happier and less likely to go against the government or bring out any objections. Political stability will then be achieved.

Negative impacts

a. Economic Impact

Wages of the bottom income earners were held down by the influx of foreign workers. Though there is larger working force, the wage rate will