5 Tips for Raising Multicultural Kids in Singapore   

By Pacific Prime Singapore

September 2023

As an expat planning a family, you’ll often ponder the question: which country is the best country to raise your children in? Chances are, your first thought is probably Singapore, and you would be right—that is one of the world's best places to bring up kids who appreciate and understand different cultures. 

In this Pacific Prime article, we examine what it means to raise a multiethnic child, why Singapore is such a great place to do so, what the benefits are, and five things you can do to help your child thrive as a result. 

Why is Singapore the Best Place to Raise Your Kids?

It’s the Most Liveable City

Singapore is unparalleled in terms of its infrastructure, safety, and the availability of basic necessities like housing, public services, transportation, education, recreation, healthcare, and consumer goods. If you and your family relocate to Singapore, you can rest assured that you will enjoy a high standard of living and that your children will be encouraged to grow as individuals.

It’s a Country Where Learners Thrive

For most parents, ensuring that their kids receive the highest quality of education is probably the highest priority, and for Singapore, education is at the top of their national strategy. Therefore, parents will be spoiled for choices, having a wide range of internationally accredited schools to choose from, such as Dover Court International School, under the Nord Anglia Education System.

A Guideline for Raising Multicultural Kids in Singapore

Due to Singapore's distinct cultural and educational environment, raising multicultural children there can be both exciting and exhausting. If you are an expat parent in Singapore, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Focus On Their Education

Given that education is highly valued in Singapore, it’s important to prioritize it as part of your child’s development. Moreover, the opportunity to expose them to different cultures will provide them with a diverse and global outlook on their future careers or what and where they wish to study in the late stages of their education. The educational ceiling for children in Singapore is extremely high, so it is important to help your kids figure out what they are truly passionate about while they are there.

2. Encourage Bilingualism

In the current day and age, knowing one language may seem sufficient, but for better opportunities, it is best to master a few. If you and your spouse are from different countries, this is also an opportunity to get your child acquainted with different languages. You can rest assured that this, in addition to the additional languages they may choose to study in school, will give them greater opportunities in the future.

3. Foster Cultural Awareness and Participation

By sending your children to school in Singapore, you will most likely get to attend parent and child events, not to mention UN Day, where parents of different cultures and nations gather around to showcase their cuisine and culture. Whether it is celebrating Deepavali, St. Patrick's Day, or Chinese New Year, expose your kid to as many diverse celebrations as possible. They will benefit professionally from the relationships they forge with kids and parents from other cultures.

4. Find a Sweet Spot Between School and Fun

In a hypercompetitive world, the last thing you want to do is lose your personal identity and passion. Make sure to encourage your children to seek out their personal hobbies, whether it’s in the form of sports or music. Little things they do now will add up to big things later on, shaping not only their academic potential but also their shared sense of self with the world.

5. Promote Respect for Others

One of the most beautiful things about raising kids in multicultural settings is that they will learn to love and respect those around them regardless of ethnicity, nation, religion, and culture. As a result, it is important to teach your children the importance of valuing and respecting people of different backgrounds and cultures. These traits will help them succeed in the workplace and become leaders who promote harmony, acceptance, and diversity.

Thinking About Relocating to Singapore?

Moving to Singapore with your family can be one of the best decisions if you want stability, security, and the best quality of life. However, it’s important to consider other aspects as well, such as access to healthcare and the cost of living.