A test alone may not bridge Singapore’s complex language and cultural gaps.
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans have voiced a clear preference for new citizens to be proficient in English, but whether a one-time test can truly address language barriers remains an open question. Following Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh’s proposal for English proficiency tests for aspiring citizens and permanent residents, debate continues over how effective such a measure would be in a multilingual society.
A recent CNA poll showed 80 percent support among Singapore-born citizens for Singh’s suggestion, with 53 percent of respondents saying poor English skills should be grounds for rejecting citizenship applications. Yet, there are significant challenges to implementing such a policy fairly, as assessing proficiency isn’t straightforward. Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo highlighted that a language test could disproportionately impact spouses of new citizens, a group often less proficient in English.
Many see the call for English testing as more than an issue of language skill—it’s rooted in a frustration with Chinese nationals who cannot communicate in English, creating cultural tension. Sociologist Shannon Ang noted that Chinese immigrants, due to Singapore’s bilingual majority, may not feel pressured to learn English, thereby undermining the role of English as a tool of social integration in a multiracial society.
Language divides are not merely a social inconvenience; they can lead to experiences of exclusion for non-Mandarin speakers in spaces where Mandarin dominates, such as some service settings and workplaces. Although Mandarin is one of Singapore’s official languages, exclusive Mandarin-only spaces create barriers for those who cannot understand the language.
A deeper look at CNA’s poll reveals that the issue resonates more strongly with ethnic minority groups—66 percent of Malays and 63 percent of Indians stressed the importance of English proficiency for new citizens, compared to 47 percent of Chinese respondents. While there’s no intent to vilify Chinese nationals, it’s evident that a language test alone may not be enough to address the broader issue. Passing a test proves capability but doesn’t ensure that Mandarin speakers will adopt English when appropriate.
Instead, businesses could play a role in setting English fluency as a basic standard in workplaces and customer service environments. Furthermore, Mandarin speakers—especially as the majority—should be mindful of when and where to use Mandarin. For some issues, Singapore’s preference for standardised tests may fall short, and fostering inclusivity could demand more than a one-time proficiency test.
