SINGAPORE must manage the inflow of foreign talent and other immigrants to ensure Singaporeans do not lose out but rather benefit from their presence, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Thursday.

He said the Republic, which is already a cultural melting pot, will become even more diverse in the years to come.

'Locals must accommodate the different habits, beliefs and practices of foreigners, and foreigners working and living here must respect local ways and habits and make an effort to integrate,' he said.

'Then, Singapore will be an oasis of harmony with a rich diversity of people, culture and ideas.'

Foreigners living and working here, however, must contribute to Singapore, said Mr Goh.

'Those who come to drink from the oasis must add to our ability to replenish the water, and not just consume and deplete the stock,' he said.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times

franchan@sph.com.sg