INTEGRATION OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multilingual society where peace, harmony and racial tolerance thrive. This well-known fact along with a stable and corruption-free government, a strong economy and good infrastructure have attracted foreigners to invest, settle and work here. As a result, many communities, such as the American, Australian, British, French, German, Hong Kong, Japanese, Korean, People's Republic of China and Taiwanese have started to spring up in the city state. One of these communities, the Hong Kong community, is examined in this study. Some Hong Kong graduates, professionals and businessmen have already begun settling here prior to the adoption of a more liberal immigration policy on 10 July 1989. This liberal immigration policy permitted foreigners employed in blue collared jobs to migrate to Singapore. In addition, it allowed Hong Kongers to take up permanent residency in the Republic without having to live in Singapore immediately. In view of Hong Kong's impending reunification with China and the uncertainties brought about by a different system of government, the new policy attracted the Hong Kongers when it was implemented. Since then, Hong Kongers have begun arriving here in significant numbers. There has been no research on the entire Hong Kong community in Singapore or their integration with the host community. Based on primary and secondary data, this study examines the degree of integration of the Hong Kong community with the host community by making reference to its customs and traditions, social networks and residential pattern. This exercise also highlights the significance of length of residence in influencing integration.