The Morning Edition The 'helpers' of Singapore – raising expat children, while never seeing their own
Nov 19, 2025
Zach Hope, a South-East Asia correspondent known for his insights on regional social issues, shines a light on the lives of Singapore's 300,000 migrant domestic helpers. He delves into the emotional toll of separation from their families, the ethical dilemmas of relying on such workers, and the stark housing conditions some endure. Zach raises questions about societal responsibilities, the commodification of helpers, and reflects on his own parenting choices amidst this complex system. A thought-provoking discussion on sacrifice and care in the expat world!
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Helpers Are A Large, Long-Term Workforce
- Singapore hosts about 300,000 migrant domestic workers who live with employer families and perform cooking, cleaning and childcare.
- This workforce is a long-term employment category, not a short-stay au pair arrangement.
Helpers Underpin Singapore's Economy
- The domestic-help system underpins Singapore's economy by enabling parents to work and easing pressure on childcare.
- Removing helpers would seriously disrupt daily life and labour dynamics in the city-state.
Helper Quarters Shown As Storage Rooms
- Zach describes real estate viewings that showed windowless 'storage' rooms labelled as helper quarters.
- Those tiny, cupboard-like rooms reveal the cramped living conditions many helpers face.