This post is a work in progress. I’m still figuring out what I know and what I think about this.

The Ethnic Integration Policy was introduced in 1989.

I think it’s a good policy in concept.

In practice, however, it means that minorities are subjected to smaller housing markets. There are fewer buyers and sellers in the minority housing market.

As a nation, Singapore understands the economic power that comes from having access to larger markets. The more people you can sell to and buy from, the better the outcomes. That’s why we sign so many Free Trade Agreements.

This principle applies at all scales. Suppose you wanted to buy or sell products on Carousell. It’s preferable to be able to sell to anybody in Singapore, than if you could only sell to people who live in Tampines.

Currently, the EIP places the burden of racial harmony – which is a good thing – on minorities, by subjecting them to smaller housing markets. This has a financial consequence. This cost can and should be calculated.

Minorities should be compensated for the financial sacrifice they are being asked to make for racial harmony in Singapore.

And, if not, at the very least, Singaporeans should know how much the EIP is costing minorities.