Singapore – The Indian community in Singapore has made significant strides in education and income levels over the past two decades, according to Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam. Speaking at an appreciation ceremony hosted by the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), the minister highlighted a notable increase in the number of university graduates and a sharp rise in household incomes among Indian residents.
Drawing on data from Singapore’s population census, Shanmugam noted that 41% of Indians aged 25 and above held university degrees in 2020—up from just 16.5% in 2000. “This means that four in 10 Indians are now graduates,” he said, attributing the progress not only to immigration but also to the community’s own efforts toward self-improvement.
Shanmugam, who also chairs SINDA, emphasized that the number of Indian students leaving school without completing secondary education had dropped significantly—from 38% in 2000 to 18% in 2020. Despite the encouraging figures, he called for continued efforts to reduce the dropout rate further. “We can do better because one in five is still too much, but it isn’t four in 10,” he said, underscoring the importance of sustained educational support.
The minister also highlighted economic progress, noting that the median monthly income of Indian households rose by 40% over the past decade—from SGD 6,000 in 2010 to SGD 8,500 in 2020. “That’s a very substantial increase,” he said.
During the same event, SINDA Chief Executive Anbarasu Rajendran shared that the organization assisted nearly 31,500 individuals in 2024 through a range of educational and community programs. These initiatives were made possible with the support of 578 partner organizations, including corporate sponsors, and over 400 volunteers.
Anbarasu added that SINDA received SGD 1.7 million in donations in 2024, a figure that reflects strong community engagement and support.
According to recent reports, Indians accounted for 7.6% of Singapore’s citizen population of nearly six million in 2024. Malays made up 15.1%, while the Chinese community represented the majority at 75.6%.
Singapore’s population growth continues to rely heavily on immigration, particularly skilled professionals who take up citizenship, as the nation grapples with a persistently low birth rate—currently below one percent.
