Addressing 179 new citizens at the Singapore University of Technology and Design in Changi on Aug 15, Law Minister Edwin Tong stated that while immigrants bring valuable diversity and multicultural perspectives, all citizens must remain bound by a shared Singapore identity to grow collectively stronger. The event, organized by the People’s Association and supported by the National Integration Council, highlighted national policies amid projections of rising immigration and a shrinking domestic population.
National Citizenship Ceremony Welcomes 179 Residents in Changi
According to Law Minister Edwin Tong, who also serves as Second Minister for Home Affairs, Singapore’s strength lies in its multiculturalism and diversity of experiences. Speaking at the National Citizenship Ceremony for the East Coast GRC, Tong noted that where individuals were born or raised matters less than their shared conviction to forge a common identity and take the country forward. The ceremony, first held in 2007, requires new citizens to receive their certificates either at annual constituency-led events or group representation constituency levels.
Two new citizens featured at the August event shared decades-long paths to acquiring citizenship. Nathaniel Naplah, a 51-year-old teacher’s aide originally from Liberia, arrived in 1995 to play professional football in what was then known as the S. League alongside local players like Fandi Ahmad, V. Sundramoorthy, and Malek Awab. Meanwhile, Michael Phelps, a 51-year-old commodities trader from Britain, arrived in 1999 for a two-year work assignment, later meeting his Singaporean wife Lynn and deciding to become a citizen after building a career spanning London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
Did You Know? The National Citizenship Ceremony was first established in 2007 specifically to showcase the significance of citizenship, and applicants are required to complete at least two years as permanent residents before they are eligible to apply.
Demographic Shifts and Immigration Projections
The intake of new citizens aligns with broader demographic strategies aimed at addressing Singapore’s falling birth rate and ageing population. In February, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that the preliminary total fertility rate dropped to a record low of 0.87 in 2025, warning that the population could shrink by the early 2040s without intervention. To offset these pressures, Singapore plans to grant up to 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, an increase from the 21,300 granted annually between 2020 and 2024.
Alongside the rise in citizenships, the intake of permanent residents (PRs) is projected to increase from an average of 33,000 per year between 2020 and 2024 to approximately 40,000 annually over the next five years. Applicants seeking citizenship must maintain permanent resident status for a minimum of two years before submitting their applications.
Rule of Law and Social Cohesion Measures
Tong emphasized that Singapore manages its multicultural population through a strict adherence to the rule of law, ensuring that everyone is treated equally regardless of background. Tracing the nation’s legal framework back 200 years to Britain’s Second Charter of Justice, Tong explained that local laws have been continually contextualized to protect spaces for religious practice and the growth of different ethnicities.
Highlighting the National Pledge, which he led the new citizens in reciting, Tong drew attention to the significance of the opening word “we.” He contrasted Singapore’s approach with fractured global societies driven by identity politics, skin color, language, and gender divisions, asserting that Singapore cannot afford similar fractures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship?
Individuals looking to apply for Singapore citizenship must hold permanent resident status for at least two years.
How many new citizenships does Singapore plan to grant in the coming years?
Singapore plans to grant up to 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, up from 21,300 granted annually between 2020 and 2024.
What organizations supported the National Citizenship Ceremony?
The event was organized by the People’s Association and supported by the National Integration Council.
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