Singapore’s Chief Minister Lee Hsien Loong has a message for the city’s more flamboyant newcomers – tone it down. In a stark reminder that wealth alone does not earn respect in the island nation, the former prime minister urged immigrants to “keep the bling” and avoid flashy displays of luxury that could confuse locals.
“Don’t go around popping champagne that costs $20,000 a bottle with sparklers,” Lee said. “And don’t drive your Ferrari or Lotus or whatever in the middle of the night just to let everyone know you’ve arrived.”
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Then SM Lee added with a wry smile, “You wouldn’t think this is something you have to tell someone, but sometimes it’s helpful to remind them.
A delicate balance for Singapore: accommodating talent, protecting harmony
At a recent event, Lee reflected on how immigration – long a cornerstone of Singapore’s success – remains on the ropes.
“Immigration is not an easy balance to strike,” he said, adding that the government must attract global talent to boost growth while ensuring national social cohesion and security.
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Singapore’s foreign workforce makes up roughly one-third of its population. That mix, Lee argued, is necessary to keep the economy competitive — but it also brings cultural and political challenges that need to be carefully managed.
“Foreigners are needed to bolster Singapore’s workforce and make up one-third of the population and need to be accommodated,” he said. “But these significant numbers can also cause social problems, and foreigners need to understand Singapore’s rules and norms.”
Excesses and Ego Warnings for Immigrants Coming to Singapore
Lee’s remarks come amid growing chatter about the city’s growing inequality and the lavish lifestyles of some of its ultra-wealthy residents.
While Singapore welcomes foreign talent and capital, Lee warned that arrogance or insensitivity can quickly spoil the social mood. Known for its orderliness and low-key culture, the city doesn’t indulge in ostentatious displays – be it on Orchard Road or Instagram.
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Senior Minister Lee aptly described how some foreigners imported “foreign disputes” or flaunted their wealth in ways that disturbed social harmony. According to him, the goal is to build a society where newcomers understand local values and coexist harmoniously.
Managing the “total package” of Singapore
Senior Minister Lee aptly described how some foreigners imported “foreign disputes” or flaunted their wealth in ways that disturbed social harmony.
For Senior Minister Lee, the issue goes beyond etiquette – it’s about identity.
“It’s important to manage the total package,” he said. “So that Singapore has an economy with the manpower it needs, as well as a society that can maintain its identity and cohesion.”
In short, Singapore may be open to business – but not to bad behavior.
Singapore was built by immigrants who are still learning to balance diversity
Foreigners make up almost one-third of Singapore’s population, a testament to its status as one of Asia’s most globalized economies. The city-state relies heavily on migrant workers, foreign professionals and entrepreneurs to sustain its economic growth and compensate for an aging local population.
With Singapore’s population set to reach a record 6.11 million by June 2025 – of which around 1.91 million are non-residents or foreign workers – the city-state relies heavily on a global workforce even as it struggles to maintain its cultural cohesion.
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Singapore’s Chief Minister Lee noted that this reliance comes with problems. “Apart from the security risks, if some bring their foreign disputes, these significant numbers can also cause social problems and foreigners need to understand Singapore’s rules and norms,” he said.
The High Minister emphasized that the aim is to ensure that Singapore has “an economy with the manpower it needs” and “a society that can maintain its identity and cohesion”.
