What goes into making a Singaporean?

- noviembre 01, 2025

November 02, 2025

Dear readers,

In a study by CNA and IPS, whose findings were released today in our Big Read, about a third of respondents said multiculturalism is a core tenet of Singapore's national identity.

But somewhat paradoxically, a sizeable proportion - about four in 10 - also said the presence of foreigners and new citizens are a negative influence on that identity.

What gives?

It could be that Singaporeans equate multiculturalism with 'CMIO' (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others), with 'others' referring to Eurasians, one expert said.

Experts noted that economic anxieties could also have led to some angst against newcomers, as well as the emergence of viral social media posts showing foreigners behaving in ways that don't conform to Singapore's social norms.

As the country enters its sixth decade of nationhood and continues to forge its own identity, how should it manage such tensions?

And how will other global influences, from K-pop to TikTok trends, shape the Singaporean identity?

Read on to find out.

Yours faithfully,

Yasmine Yahya
Deputy Chief Editor, CNA Digital (TODAY, Lifestyle & Luxury)

Singapore's melting pot of multiculturalism seeks balance between old and new flavours