Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasizes the importance of immigration for Singapore’s future at the Teck Ghee Citizenship Ceremony on 9 March 2025.
Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong welcomed new Singapore citizens at the Teck Ghee Citizenship Ceremony, held at Nanyang Polytechnic Auditorium. In his speech, he highlighted the significance of taking up Singapore citizenship and the vital role that immigration plays in sustaining Singapore’s success.
SM Lee acknowledged that taking up Singapore citizenship is a significant and deeply personal commitment. Every year, about 22,000 individuals become Singaporeans, each with their unique journey. Some arrived as students, others as professionals, while some settled in Singapore after marrying Singaporeans. He shared the stories of Ms. Prithikka Divyashini, a student leader at ITE College East, and Dr. Pham The Hanh, a long-time Singapore resident who contributes to society as a lecturer and volunteer. These examples, he noted, reflect the diverse contributions new citizens bring to Singapore.
He compared Singapore to global cities like London, New York, and Shanghai, which thrive by attracting diverse talent. He also shared an anecdote from his visit to Google’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, where many top innovators were immigrants, emphasizing how Singapore must remain open to global talent to stay competitive.
While acknowledging that immigration can bring challenges, SM Lee assured that the Government carefully manages immigration flows to ensure harmony between new citizens and existing residents. Singapore takes in about 22,000 new citizens annually, close to the number of citizen births, ensuring a balanced and measured approach to population growth. To help new citizens integrate, Singapore offers the Singapore Citizenship Journey, alongside grassroots programs run by the People’s Association. However, integration is a two-way effort. New citizens should actively engage in the community and embrace Singapore’s culture and values. Existing Singaporeans should welcome new citizens, build friendships, and reject xenophobia.
SM Lee emphasized that Singapore’s success has always been built on its diverse and united people. Just as past generations of immigrants built the nation, today’s new citizens will help Singapore grow and evolve. He urged everyone to work together to keep Singapore vibrant, cohesive, and full of opportunities for future generations. He concluded with a heartfelt welcome to all new citizens, encouraging them to contribute to Singapore’s continued success.
Source – PMO
