Singapore should accept talented immigrants regardless of race

I agree with the commentary, “What China’s rise means for South-east Asia and overseas Chinese” (April 9), that Singapore is “not a Chinese country” and that we have our own national interests.

Our immigration policies, however, are designed to keep the racial balance (“We will maintain racial balance among S’poreans: PM Lee”; Feb 9, 2013).

This means that we are allowing many Chinese and Indians to immigrate to Singapore, compared with other migrants.

Does this not go against our well-regarded meritocratic principle?

If, say, more talented Indians than talented Chinese are interested in coming here, should we not let them do so, regardless of racial quotas?

We should also have more migrants from the region to build up ties with our neighbouring countries.

South-east Asia is still our hinterland. This means we should be more welcoming towards Thais, Vietnamese, Indonesians and Filipinos, among others.

This would help Singapore integrate with one of the world’s fastest growing regions.

We should have fewer qualms about mere quantity and quotas, but focus on building racial harmony among people in Singapore, no matter from where they come.