Fight for our land : National Service and the integration of new citizens in Singapore

Abstract

The influx of immigrants has prompted the Singapore government to increase efforts at integrating new citizens and immigrants to de-escalate social tensions. Notably, little research has been conducted on the role and effectiveness of National Service (NS) in integrating new citizens and Permanent Residents, despite being an effective site for socialisation across socio-economic backgrounds and transmitting social norms. Drawing from 17 in-depth interviews, this study found that NS had a marginal influence on immigrants’ decisions to take up Singapore citizenship, compared to their long-term plans to settle down in Singapore and the benefits that citizenship brings. Findings also revealed that NS did not make immigrants feel more Singaporean nor emotionally connected to Singapore as their adopted home, compared to stronger influences from schools and their length of residence. Despite occupying a special position in the Singaporean identity, the limited effects of NS on integration should be of concern to policymakers.