"We must also be cognisant of subtler threats to multiracialism, which may chip away at our cohesion and stability over time. As a small and open economy, Singapore has remained open to foreign talent, as they contribute strengths and expertise that enable us to remain economically competitive. However, living cheek by jowl on such a small island means that it is crucial for them to be able to socially integrate into our local communities. They must recognise that they are part of our society too, and in Singapore we interact with, and live among people who are different from ourselves. Left unaddressed, sentiments among Singaporeans that foreign talents play by different rules, and stick only to their own, may fester. We often cite our origin as a migrant society, to reassure ourselves that we have enough bandwidth to adjust to the challenges of sharing our small city with newcomers."
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"Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Institute of Policy Studies 35th Anniversay Gala Dinner" (26 June 2023)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Halimah_Yacob
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Halimah Yacob
Halimah Yacob (born 23 August 1954) is a Singaporean politician and lawyer who served as the eighth president of Singapore from 2017 to 2023. She is the first female president in Singapore's history. Prior to her presidency, she served as Speaker of Parliament from 2013 to 2017 and was the first female speaker in Singapore's history.
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