RATIONALITIES OF SINGAPOREANS' NIMBY SENTIMENTS ON FOREIGN WORKERS' DORMITORIES

Abstract

Singapores reliance on foreign workers and the countrys perennial problem of a small land area meant that sustaining the countrys competitive edge in the global economy would result in the need to situate foreign workers dormitories in proximity to residential neighbourhoods. The recent petition against such a development in Serangoon Gardens raised the issue of whether Singaporeans “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiments are based on rationalities or are simply guises used by those with racial, ethnic or other prejudice. This question was investigated via 3 perspectives in this study and they are namely, Singaporeans perception of foreign workers, receptivity to living near foreign workers dormitories and the perceived valuation of properties in close proximity to such a development. The study found that xenophobia has largely not clouded the vision of Singaporeans with regards to their perceptions towards foreign workers. Also, most Singaporeans are not receptive to having foreign workers dormitories in proximity to their residences, hence any unilateral decision to house foreign workers in residential neighbourhoods are bound to encounter oppositions. Lastly, based on a demand perspective analysis, residential property values across all types are liable to see a decline when situated near foreign workers dormitories. These combined to signify legitimate concerns against foreign workers dormitories in which NIMBY sentiments arose from.