Jurong West becoming a home to Myanmar immigrants

Jurong West is fast becoming an enclave for Myanmar citizens and PRs. They prefer to live in this area due to its proximity to the offices, shipyards and factories where they work.

According to a report, a new citizen from Myanmar by the name of Win Phyo spent a hefty $379,000 for a five-room resale flat in Jurong.

He chose Jurong West as “he wanted to live in an area favored by other Myanmar immigrants too,” he said in an interview.

Mr. Win, who works as an engineer, got his permanent residency in Singapore in 2005 and citizenship in 2008.

Around 10 other Myanmar immigrants are living near Mr. Win’s residence.

“It’s important to stay near my friends so when I need help, I can go to them….They will cook for me too when I’m busy – traditional Myanmar food like sour soups,” he said.

The problem of ethnic enclaves emerging within the heartlands has been a hot topic among Singaporeans lately. HDB had earlier said that an ethnic quote for PRs will be introduced.

Due to the liberal immigration policies of the ruling party, foreigners now account for 36 percent of the population in Singapore, an increase from 14 percent in 1990.

The large number of Myanmar immigrants who come to Singapore tend to congregate within their own community instead of reaching out to other Singaporeans.

Besides Jurong West, ethnic enclaves have also emerged in other parts of Singapore like in Seng Kang (Indians), Geylang (PRCs) and Tampines (Filipinos).

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports revealed a Community Integration Fund worth $10 million in 2009 to welcome such newcomers to Singapore.

It is understandable that Myanmar immigrants prefer to mingle with their own compatriots from their country rather than with locals, who know very little about the Myanmar religion and culture.