Township for Foreign Workers Could House Up to 20,000 Under One Roof

Singapore banks on its stable, multicultural society to attract investors and businesses. Investment in infrastructure construction has required foreign workers who bring new cultures and habits, some considered unacceptable by local Singaporeans. Hence, dormitory operators have proposed building huge “townships” for up to 20,000 foreign workers in one location, a concept that flourishes throughout the Middle East. The plan is for sustainable townships to provide basic amenities like food, lodging and entertainment so that laborers have less interactions with locals. But institutionalized segregation could make any interactions more disturbing, and with the plan, Singapore runs the risk of losing its status as one of the world’s most multicultural nations. – YaleGlobal