Singapore as a brand, in my opinion, is quite something. Small population, small land size yet with big achievements. Overtaking Malaysia in GDP and fastest post-recession rebound in Asia are some of the list of accolades. As a Singaporean born and bred here, I do have my moments when foreigners whom I met sang praises about our nation. However, I do have deep sentiments about this achievement. For everything what Singapore stands for today, there is a price tag to it. A rather substantial one in fact.
Economic Precedence
One of the top priority of Singapore's standing in the world stage is economic growth and it's growth resource; its people. Comprising of a growing migrant population giving us a hand in sustaining and growing our economic powerhouse. Long working hours, intensive price competition and productivity have strained family relations and time. Low birth rates and rising singleton numbers are the price Singapore needs to pay for this growth.
Mandatory Migrant Social Integration Period
As an effect to the first point on economic growth and falling birth rates, migrants are part of the answer to building Singapore as a nation and brand. Though slowing down in PR approvals, the substantial base of migrants are in the process of adjusting to the Singaporean culture of work and lifestyle. In the current stage, the Singaporean brand is also inevitably affected as this adjustment could take years and might change the way the brand is being perceived.
Erosion of Social Values
The perception of the efficient, well educated and economic productive Singaporean is a result of time spent away from building social ties. Less time for family and friends with a higher need for instant gratifications. Smoking, binge drinking and gambling have all risen in numbers. Number of divorces and singletons have also hit record numbers, not to mention low birth rates amongst married couples.
In the eyes of the world, we might be perceived as a world class city with a high brand equity. I am grateful as a consultant who does regional work occasionally. However, I am also very clear the price we have to pay in order to get there. The question is, are we willing to continue paying for it and probably raise the stakes higher for this brand?
Economic Precedence
One of the top priority of Singapore's standing in the world stage is economic growth and it's growth resource; its people. Comprising of a growing migrant population giving us a hand in sustaining and growing our economic powerhouse. Long working hours, intensive price competition and productivity have strained family relations and time. Low birth rates and rising singleton numbers are the price Singapore needs to pay for this growth.
Mandatory Migrant Social Integration Period
As an effect to the first point on economic growth and falling birth rates, migrants are part of the answer to building Singapore as a nation and brand. Though slowing down in PR approvals, the substantial base of migrants are in the process of adjusting to the Singaporean culture of work and lifestyle. In the current stage, the Singaporean brand is also inevitably affected as this adjustment could take years and might change the way the brand is being perceived.
Erosion of Social Values
The perception of the efficient, well educated and economic productive Singaporean is a result of time spent away from building social ties. Less time for family and friends with a higher need for instant gratifications. Smoking, binge drinking and gambling have all risen in numbers. Number of divorces and singletons have also hit record numbers, not to mention low birth rates amongst married couples.
In the eyes of the world, we might be perceived as a world class city with a high brand equity. I am grateful as a consultant who does regional work occasionally. However, I am also very clear the price we have to pay in order to get there. The question is, are we willing to continue paying for it and probably raise the stakes higher for this brand?
