‘People are tribal’: Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng says Indians form enclaves in other countries, not just Singapore

Singaporean social commentator Calvin Cheng, formerly an Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), commented on Indians forming "enclaves and exclusive social networks" in various countries, including Singapore. These networks aid in securing jobs and forming smaller groups within companies they work in, but Cheng also noted this behavior extends to residential areas, leading to control of management committees.

He acknowledged that this may upset locals, but emphasized this phenomenon occurs not just in Singapore but also in other nations like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, primarily among first-generation Indian immigrants. Cheng drew parallels between the experiences of Indians and Chinese immigrants, both of whom relied on informal networks to secure housing and employment, often forming enclaves that included people from similar villages, counties, and dialect groups.

He stressed that people tend to be "tribal" and form such associations. Cheng added that while newly arrived Chinese in Singapore behave similarly to Indians, their enclaves are less conspicuous as they blend in with the majority. He also highlighted that this behaviour extends to Singaporean communities abroad, urging newcomers to assimilate and integrate, stating that otherwise, "what's the point of coming to a foreign country and hanging out only with your people?"

Cheng expressed hope that Singaporeans could be more tolerant of human nature, while also appealing to foreigners to actively integrate and mix with people of other nationalities, avoiding the formation of social enclaves that exclude locals.