Singapore’s children of migrants can build bridges to rest of Asia

Our sociologist, Associate Professor Laavanya Kathiravelu, recently published an op-ed in the South China Morning Post based on her research on second-generation immigrants in Singapore. Her work examines the experiences and potential of children of migrants who have grown up and integrated into Singaporean society. She explores how these individuals maintain familial, cultural, and linguistic links to Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia, and argues that these ties represent an underutilised form of soft power.

Instead of viewing migrant heritage solely through the lens of integration, Associate Professor Kathiravelu suggests that Singapore could strategically leverage these cross-border connections. These young Singaporeans can serve as cultural bridges…facilitating deeper economic partnerships, educational exchanges, and diplomatic relationships across the region. They can share Singaporean expertise and training with neighbouring countries while enriching Singapore with their regional experiences and networks.

Click here to read the article.