New immigrants should take extra steps to integrate into Singapore society

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/singaporeans-take-time-warm-new-citizens-20131117

Singaporean reserve was a subject of discussion at a conference on integration yesterday, with new immigrants saying locals do not tend to reach out to newcomers but are open to forming close ties once they have warmed up.

Former Belgian citizen Alain Vandenborre, who became a Singapore citizen in 2002, suggested at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) conference that new immigrants should make the first move.

"When you move to a country, you have to be gracious and understand that you are being hosted by the country... we have to take some extra steps to integrate ourselves into the society here," he said.

IPS director Janadas Devan said the conference was held to get people talking about the problems of integration which, if not dealt with, could result in Singapore heading the way of some Western countries which have seen a growth in nationalistic politics.