Singapore 🇸🇬’s culture, history, and population are different from those of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has a population of around 7 crore people, with Chennai alone having nearly 1 crore residents. In contrast, Singapore’s total population is only about 5.5 million (55 lakhs).
However, India 🇮🇳 can adopt some of our customized policies, as both countries were once British colonies. Likewise, both countries can learn from each other and adapt useful practices.
We want to embrace India’s rich culture because culture is important in empowering people, especially for a small country like Singapore. If a nation does not have a strong cultural foundation, it can become vulnerable. India also has excellent IT professionals, and there is much we can learn from them. There is a strong bond between India and Singapore. Around 8% to 10% of Singapore’s population is Tamil, and we share strong connections in the IT sector. Singapore is also one of the largest sources of transitional foreign direct investment into India.
In Singapore 🇸🇬, we strive to give people hope, ensure employment, and provide quality education. Everyone is encouraged to work and become independent. Our education system is world-class, basic healthcare is accessible, and we help citizens own their homes. Law and order are applied equally to everyone, whether a minister or a cleaner. Independence and self-reliance are important values here.
As a minister, everything I do must be documented in writing. A minister must always stay vigilant and think about the future. As a small country, we constantly consider how to survive and adapt if major challenges arise. This is something we think about every day.
The way governments communicate has changed. We now use social media, podcasts, and videos to engage with younger generations. Singapore has always ensured that racial politics and discrimination do not divide society. We provide individuals with the freedom to succeed while maintaining strong structural discipline.
English has become the dominant language in many areas, from cinema to everyday life. At the same time, we ensure that everyone learns their mother tongue. Today, many parents themselves find it difficult to communicate in their mother tongue, making it harder to pass the language on to the next generation.
In Singapore, we have made over 20,000 Tamil books available at the Woodlands Library. Tamil people are generally known for being virtuous, fair-minded, and strong in mathematics and science. Educational attainment is high. Many Tamils work in the IT sector, and as education becomes more widespread across India, people from various Indian communities, including North Indians, are also excelling in the field. Across all communities, when people are given opportunities, they rise. Tamil culture is rooted in strong moral values, and we place great importance on education. Our parents emphasize education.
Singapore 🇸🇬 is not as strict as it is often portrayed to be. In Tamil Nadu, I particularly enjoy visiting Coimbatore and the nearby villages.
- K. Shamugam Minister of Singapore 🇸🇬 to Gopinath