By Lawrence Pek
As I am writing this article on my way from Shen Zhen (where I am based now) to Shanghai, my heart is heavy. Too much has transpired in the last 18 to 24 months. Almost every conversation that I have with my family, my friends is about where this country is going and how things have changed. Besides the usual rant on immigration policies, what troubles me is not how and why the PAP has formulated these slew of policies with considerations but without deliberations with their electorate. Rather what we can do about it with these “given conditions”.
My thoughts turn to what we can do about the current scenarios. In the short run, we are faced with pro-foreigner policies and in the long run, how we can change ourselves, to be better to be more value added. My thoughts are about what we can do ourselves, take actions ourselves rather than wait for more policies, rather than continuing to believe that we will be taken care of.
If you are 25 to 40
I would like to take this opportunity to propose a radical idea – If you are between 25 and 45 (male or female), just leave Singapore and make your careers, your money and livelihood outside of Singapore. Yes, if an opportunity exists, just take it and leave – if there is a biz opportunity and it makes sense to you, just seize the day and take the plunge. If your employer offers an opportunity to work overseas, just go (may it be in Dubai, Shanghai, London or Chicago), may it be a Local or Expat package.
My reasoning is simple – with the current economic climate (internally and externally) – I will make the following assumption – My value, your value, our value is higher overseas than staying back in Singapore. With the huge influx of cheap and cheerful labor force, we need to consider where and how to maximize our value. Given Singapore’s limitations of size and natural resources, given that local jobs are getting cheaper and cheaper (hence so many cheap and cheerful foreigners), staying back and sighing over a cup of tea-c is hardly productive, for yourself, your family or for your country.
For the Local Born and Bred Students
If your sons and daughters are entering or finishing college, please do consider to send them overseas to further their education. Having lived in China for so many years, I am clear that besides the language barrier, the local Chinese lacks the single most important element – Exposure. You cannot read this in any tertiary institution, you cannot buy this off the shelves; you need to be mentally and emotionally be ready to invest in your children’s future. They will learn to interact, to speak a different language; they will see the world and hence react differently.
I never liked the local tertiary institutions for 2 reasons. Firstly, their curriculum does not foster cutting edge technology R&D nor Creative Arts and Design talents. 2ndly, upon graduation, these graduates will be herded “factory like” into the Singapore local workforce and be instilled with local paradigms and culture. The funny reference to “kiasu and kiasi” – these may be funny reference to local mentalities, but it is not funny after a while, if you need to compete globally.
Yes, I am sensitive to several issues that my idea will encounter, working parents will need to bear with temporary separations, and the all important family unit will be temporarily disrupted. Spouses will pine for each other and parent will miss their children. Even though there will be tears and pain but there will also be joyous reunions every holidays and family visits.
However, please consider the long term value add to our people and our country (above and beyond the ruling PAP). We will have seen, experienced and become more exposed to the world beyond Changi Airport. With our opened eyes, we will know what is right and wrong, what should and what should not be.
My vision is to see locals returning to Singapore not just with value added global exposure, which will propel our economy forward. Furthermore, they will be more willing, able and capable to take their destinies into their own hands. To decide what the issues are, what the policies should be, who they want to see as administrators for their neighborhoods, their districts and their country.
My conclusion is a simple summary, if you can go, please go. If your kids want to go, let them, There will be risks, there will be pain and tears. However, by doing this, we evolve and we will better take charge of ourselves, we will be better equipped to vision and administer ourselves.
The Winds of Change are Blowing….Singapore for Singaporeans!
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It’s time we should vote out this regime who don’t care or hear us and staying in their ivory office drinking their high-tea and saying “Peanuts” of NKF CEO who they claim as their kind.
Their policies of allowing to many Foreign Trashes and claim that it’s a right policies then we Sporeans all should wake up and give vote them out don’t hesitate anymore as they don’t care and listen (will only pretend to listen when elections comes only). So we better all united and vote them out !!!!!!!!!!!
Spore for Sporeans and not draft…. !!!!!!!
What an idiot point of view. Without Mr. Lee Kwan Yew and his PAP’s leadership, you and your probably are still collecting trashes for a living. Because of them, Singapore is a much better place now, with living standard that is comparable to the first world standard. Singapore used to be a poor country, but with the foreigners(your family is one of them)and good leadership that have transformed this country. Stop being a jealous, racist idiot and accept what good for the country. At least, show some gratitude toward your government. Don’t piss on your eating bowl…
Wow.. another “elite” self…
it’s pretty clear that Johan has been “fed” very well by the govt.
Johan, so you think our progress is only because
of LKY and PAP?? What about the hard working
citizens?? Look at similar countries, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and S. Korea they most certainly do not have
LKY nor PAP and have advance and progressed
even more economicaly. And more, as they now
enjoy much more freedom with their Liberal govt. Wake
up from your slumber as you have obviously been
brain washed by PAP and have swallowed their poison
hook, line and sinker
Johan, you sound like LKY and PAP are the old who built the roads, housing and infrastructure. let me say this again, it is the older generation of singaporeans who toiled under the big hot sun with miserable wages building all these up. now, the pap took credit of everything and force them to live in jb.
know what?? in the end, without them, we still wont be the Singapore we r now. pap gave the ideas and the people just toiled hard in the sun to carry the ideas out. without the ideas, i don’t even think that the people of past Singapore would have thought of such brilliant ideas like pap.
From 1965 the PAP’s policies coincided with the aspirations of Singaporeans. Leaders like Toh Chin Chye, Hon Siew Sen, Goh Keng Swee, Rajaratnam and Lee Kuan Yew understood the people’s needs. Till 1980 it was held true. Slowly PAP began to celebrate LKY as the father of this nation. Slowly those who were perceived to be against within the PAP were removed or made to retire. A cult started forming. His son was inducted into the PAP cadre. Any perceived obstacles were removed from his Political Pathway.
An Elitist movement started. Children were separated from intelligent to not so intelligent. Gifted Programs created children who were good rote learners. So today we ended with PAPies who does not know what is happening to the poor. Civil servants and grass roots started feeding information which they would like to hear. Statistics and Accounts were presented to what they would like to hear. Media was used to propagate their views and policies.
Therefore a new leaders who can think afresh and provide transparency and real accountability is urgently needed.
Agreed that LKY & his team has led Singapore for decades, but without the citizens, how does one arrive to this point? a leader without followers is just a guy.
Trust an Ang Moh to tell the Locals what to do……….. Dont know where you come from….I am sure you will want MORE choices in Life, ability to speak / write indepently without fear of being punished / sued etc…ALL Western countries allow freedom of speech / demo . Since you think Spore is SO GOOD , take up Citizenship n Die there ( no place to even bury you !! ) Dont ever return to where you come from..
From what history has taught us, The Foreigners invaded us and The Next Foreigners who made a colony out of us then abandoned left us in the lurch when we were at rock bottom, u moron!
I agree with the writer Lawrence Pek – a great sensible piece of writing from the bottom of his heart… and exactly how I feel too.
And I agree with Ong Meng Seng that our govt does not care about our sufferings. The fact that they keep importing foreigners to the present 36% of our population is way ridiculous ! I don’t see why I need to support our govt anymore.
i totally agree with the writer wholeheartly, as I had done what he suggested
I felt singaporeans are systematically displaced to ensure the survival of PAP. PAP knows it doesnt enjoy support with the younger singaporean, so to ensure it survival PAP hoodwinked singaporean that we need foreigners to create jobs, we dont need foreigners, PAP give them free entry and of course they will vote PAP. this is the ruse, using the same technique Dr. Mahathir of Malaysia uses in Sabah,allowing muslim filipinoes into Sabah by millions, so much so the true sabahan today are in the minority
He uses that to ensure that UMNO survives because the muslim filipones will vote for the ruling party
It is treacherous for PAP to betray our country like what Mahatthir did to Malaysia, opening the flood gates
wake up singaporean
@marktwain, if you think about it, the government machinery is a vast one, and reaches far and wide throughout this island state. When my brother-in-law and I saw the various union leaders and members appearing at Toa Payoh Stadium to cheer Dr. Tony Tan, the PAP-endorsed candidate, he asked a question, “Sometimes I wonder if the unions here are meant to protect the interests of us Singaporeans, or the interests of the PAP government?” Needless to say, we know the answers a long time ago. If the unions are truly meant to safeguard our interests as citizens, then they would have been independent of the PAP.
No one owes Lee Kwan Yew anything. Sure, the man has done good for the country in the PAST. But he’s also amassed great wealth for himself (under unreasonable and possibly illegal circumstances) and he’s facilitated the same for members for his family and extended families. LKY will not be there for anyone who’s stupid enough to wait around for government handouts or a change of fortune.
LKY has been looking after himself and his family ever since he caused his two sons to be promoted army generals while still in their juvenile early 30′s. There’s nothing anyone (except LKY’s children and relatives) need to be grateful for.
The best advice I can give to everyone is to emigrate while you can. As long as the Lee dynasty remains in power, nothing drastic gonna change.
A true blooded Singaporean will remain and make the changes. Not to scoot away in fear. I shall remain to make the changes.
Frankly speaking, I quite agree with the writer below. TR’s writters nothing but a bunch of bigots, racist loosers, who are afraid to compete with foreigners….
Go and get a life LOOSERS!!!
Temasek Review, made up of PAP whipping boys, are a disgrace to Singapore.
Everyday kpkb about foreigner, when singaporeans are actually migrants and friendly people. We have a strong multicultural character, great for foreigners. The way they write about foreigners make it seem like Singaporeans cannot compete and are so unfriendly and ungracious. No. 1 bigots and racists.
They are not funny like TalkingC**k and not serious like Business Times. They are a marriage between the two but in a bad way – seriously talking c**k which is seriously wuliao and boring.
They are a disgrace to serious opposition like Low, Syliva and Chiam, who put forward thoughtful comments; TR make the opposition lose credibility. They make opposing voices look like idiots. Here, we have people like Sylvia giving a real challenge and Chiam hanging on, there you have these jokers with a sex video.
TR claim to be the alternative voice for Singaporeans but actually they represent just a group of maybe 2-3 idiots talking nonsense among themselves. They attack PAP, opposition members, all this while claiming that they speak for SGreans.
They have a super ugly website. That’s one reason already we need foreigners if this is really the so-called alternative voice. Our alternative voice so bad cannot even put up a proper website.
They tell Singaporeans don’t scared and speak up but they themselves scared s**tless. TNP ask them drink coffee also scared. So scared don’t write lah.
They say TNP no journalist standards but is nothing compared to the trash that they write.
I look forward to TR closing. Talking C**k please come back leh! Holiday what? If TR is really Singapore’s alternative voice, I won’t blame FT for laughing at us, we are seriously doomed.
I agree totally with what Johan Anderson had said. Most of the people here in TR complaining are just venting their own incompetence. Remember this is a global world, you will have to compete with foreigner regardless if they are here or outside Singapore.
I am a Singaporean too with a poor background, I toil and transformed my life, I met sour grapes and I must say Singapore is producing more and more sour grapes, those that blame everything on government except themselves.
This is a globalised world, I have travelled extensively for many years for work ( not holiday ) to know how fortunate Singaporeans are. I do not agree with all policies our government make too but we should be constructive and not just rant about it soooo negatively, yes this is very disgraceful for the so called graceful Singaporean.
Destiny is in our own hands, how many people made money in HDB, now scold Mah Bow Tan ? ungrateful. There will always be people complaining. Those make money laugh, those lose money cry. This is economics. The smart one survive, lazy one gets ousted. Cruel but true.
Let’s stop bickering and ask what else you could have done better instead of government owing you everything
Johan Anderson, really a dog from PAP.
Hi Guys,
Lets keep the comments civil if possible.
Thanks all.
haha..
dare the Singaporeans for ‘strong’ reaction and to stand up for democracy and freedom, only to choose migration.
LOL………
Above was a comment I wanted to post at another site, but forgot my password.
Hi Lawrence,
I came and started living in Shanghai 3 years ago (I was 28 then) and I cannot agree with you more. Singapore has came great lengths and no doubt it was a great country where I sang “Stand Up for Singapore” with tears rolling in my eyes getting emotional each time.
The government has forgotten the mandate for its people with its pro-foreign policy for its short term GDP growth in order to pay itself unchallenged and exorbidant million dollar packages. Many people are left behind with huge debt in housing and expected to work till 65 only to find insufficient retirement funds and eroded savings.
However, I won’t leave Singapore as it belongs to me, not the government. I’m staying in China for the moment where the REAL competiton takes place. Despite the harsh conditions here, I had learnt and grew real knowledge not taught in NTU or my previous job in Singapore. I believe I have a better chance to be successful with the resources available here and being treated as a foreign talent gave me some lead. It is going to take a while…but I’ll be back.
I share your vision. Since you’re stationed in China, maybe we could catch tea-c here =) I’m based in Shanghai, but I travel around China very frequently.
Interesting blog, not like the others!
this subject is a very interesting subject to learn about!
It is the real losers who stayed back in Singapore wallowing in all the filth and puke thrown out by their masters who pampered and smoothered their lapping doggies like this Johan fellow.
Overseas Singaporeans are the real pioneers and venturers that we are losing to others….
I disagree with the idea of asking Singaporeans to leave their country. They should stay.
Rules are made by men, so can be changed by man.
Hey Chris, I think that Singaporeans still have the right to choose what they want, whether they love to admit it or not. Even if it is just an occasion of voting once every 5 years, we decide whom we want to be in parliament to speak for us or against us. I agree with you on that count, but of course, if a person has a call to a good job or opportunity overseas, it is not that bad a chance to leave. Things are generally with their pros and cons on every side, but Singapore still will belong to Singaporeans, if we make our stand clear to the government about our dissatisfactions(even if it is at the polls). Until this right to even vote is taken away from us, it is our right to decide how we want this country to be run.
What a great article.
First and foremost, I am a 25 year old Singaporean. After poly, I took the plunge and left to Europe for the first time ever and live and work there when i was 20. That was the best experience ever no school can teach me. I learned a lot about working with people from all over the world, my interpersonal skills got better and not ‘ku-ku’.
I did not realised how singaporean (colonial) mentality I am until I left. It was hard and not easy to transit close-minded to a society so open beyond what I knew of. I therefore too encourage Singaporeans to step out of their comfort and experience the real world if you can. I have a feeling that the SG govt does not want Singaporeans to get out of the island- working holiday is limited- so you really have to find other means to get out there.
I came back to Singapore feel like I stand and have a better edge than my friends but Singapore is not the same anymore.
Presently I am in Canada for almost a year now and gonna give Singapore one last shot this summer. Lets see how that goes
Ryce says:
April 17, 2011 at 9:37 am
I came back to Singapore feel like I stand and have a better edge than my friends but Singapore is not the same anymore.
Presently I am in Canada for almost a year now and gonna give Singapore one last shot this summer. Lets see how that goes
=========================================================
Hi Ryce,
My Personal advise is: Don’t come back anymore if you can settle down in Canada. Is not long the same Singapore we used to know and call it our home.
By the way, mind asking how you able to settle in Canada? Any tips or advises? I would also like to go there and settle down. Pm me pl if you like to, i will let you know my email address after you have reply. Thank.
Great article.
Let me share with you my story. in year 2000. The Sg govt releases its vision in a ‘Singapore 21: every singaporean matters’ see http://www.singapore21.org.sg/menu_menu_5keys.html
i was a 30 year old and indealistic, full of hope and fervor. I am the kind that will go to NDP and paint my face and shout ‘singapore i love you…..woooooohooooo!!’
But in 2005, my son was born premature. Fortunately for singapore’s ‘world class medical system’, he survived. But was diagnosed with autism and various developmental delays. we were refered to some govt child developmental centre through the subsidized system. The centre told us that my son was eligible for 12-20 sessions of Occupational therapy, speech therapy and ABA therapy. so its once a week 3 hrs for say 20 weeks. But what about the rest of the time my son’s at home. He can’t go to child care as he is not interacting. He can’t stay at home as its a wasted time not doing early intervention. So my wife had quick thinking ‘Send my son for private therapy’ as the govt system only 3 hrs a week. So in the end, we ended up spending around 2.5k – 3k a month on his therapy (inclusive of OT,ST and ABA) and another 800 amonth for his normal kindergarden he goes to for him to mix with normal kids. And a host of other therapy he can’t and won’t be getting if he goes to the public help system. I do not have any help from the public health care system except for the months at the child development unit and 1 year at Austism Associtions Child centre. and on top of that i have drained my savings.
Now can you tell me…..if really EVERY SINGAPOREAN COUNTS ? I cannot put an honest ‘yes’ to this vision. maybe it should read: ” EVERY SINGAPOREAN COUNTS: (but some are more COUNTED ON more than others “.
I love my country but am saddened by the allocation of resources esp. for those with special needs, poor and the old.
I just got my canadian PR and i will leave soon. I did some research, the canadian govt will allow me to claim up to 12000CAD for my son’s therapy as he is shown to be mildly autistic. Also education is Free. So i do not pay for his kindergarden all the way to start of his uni. Morever, there are cash given for family for young kids every week. Why should i not go ? here my wife have to go back to work after 2 years helping my son fulltime in his autism. After she started working, i have to hire a maid as my parents are frail to takecare of my son and daughter. Then my maid recently have blangladesh Boyfriend and days off they have their ‘hotel sessions’. MOM tells me, if she pregnant, its your fault and your 5k$ deposit i confiscate. But MOM force me to give her off every week. But puts the blame on me but i can’t monitor my maid on day off!
in the end, my wife and i evaluated and its still better to leave singapore as over in canada, we can save more money and even can have a better life for me and my son especially that he is mildly autistic.
I have more to share but too much to write.
good luck to you n family……….I think you made the RIGHT choice…probably MORE for your child Spore is NO place for the handicapped, ordinary , weak, old people… The govt only wants Smart, clever, rich people.. the rest, please migrate… How can anyone have LOVE for a Country like that ?? Only the TOP 15 % will find Spore a GREAT place to live…. the other 85% should fare better in a REAL 1st World Country ( and Spore is NOT 1st World !!! ) the young people should live n work o/ seas…then they could make comparisions….
every Country has its good n bad points… My opinion…. Spore has nothing good to offer for the ‘ ordinary 85% ‘ If you have $$$ anywhere in the world is good !!
Hi Nigel, I can understand that reason for leaving. Singapore’s medical facilities might not be bad, but they just do not really care as much for people with learning disabilities. The fact that this particular overseas speaker sometime back was barred from giving a talk at some lecture on entrepreneurship by the MOE because she was visually impaired does speak volumes about the way our society views disability. It’s not the disability that counts against a person, but how a person lives in spite of his or her disability that matters.
Canada is not technically a perfect land, but having lived there, if I had my means to go back there years from now, I would go back there and live and work there for a while. That kind of liberal and encouraging, even positive, environment where you are encouraged to go on ahead against all odds and against all adversities to strive for your own dreams and success, even amidst failures, is something that Canadians are more ready to accept. I think that they are actually awesome in that aspect of social mindset other than their highly developed medical and social welfare infrastructures.
Hi Kev. J.
i don’t believe its 100% perfect in canada, but at least there is a route for my son as an autistic child. He will be accepted and given the opportunity to developed to his fullest given the resources allocated there. Here, i cant imagine if he reaches 16 yo and coming out of Pathlight school, where can he go ? i read in a recent article in ST that there aren’t much places for autistic adults to find places to get help or finding jobs. so its like a dead end for my son.
As parents, we felt the injustice felt by many parents of special needs kids. But what to do ? as parents we sacrifice and move for our kids.
Oh…correct me if i am wrong. My banker friend told me that he prefer pappy govt to win and be in total control. As global investors and hedge fund managers and bankers like ‘predictability in singapore’s political system. Any comments in that ?
From the viewpoint of someone who has lived in Canada for years, I suspect that Canadians choose to value the predictability of government in Singapore, and even if it is purportedly “dictatorial” to them(some Canadians actually use that term there in Vancouver to describe our government from their liberal perspective…haha…Vancouverites, just love them), they do not seem to actually react to it with the same degree of criticism that the USA applies to us. But that said, I would believe generally foreigners choose to see the good things in Singapore, and ignore the bad or unfair things which plague us as locals. For example, an American friend watched a home improvement episode on American TV about Orchard Drive housing and assumed it was UNIVERSAL to Singapore housing, and refusing to believe all the things about our higher costs of living, he even went as far as making uninformed statements that Singapore is MUCH NEARER to China than the USA and cannot be that much more expensive! Serious misinformation up there……
I do realize this aspect of a romantic pre-conception of Singapore even amongst foreigners working and living here, maybe because they do not pay CPF, and also can even get reimbursements of GST if they are smart enough to get it done via family who visit. They actually tell me it is very EASY for them to get a job compared to their own countries, which seriously is disturbing, and that they can live very comfortably(sometimes even more so than in their own country). And alongside what you said about our society’s views of mental or learning disability, it does add up and I can understand why you want to leave for Canada. That said, I hope your life in Canada is good for your child. I want to go back there too, but have to wait a while till I gather enough relevant experience in my field to leave.
I am also leaving singaporea for another country next month. I used to be apathy but now with two young kids, I cannot afford to be so. I do not want my kids to grow up in an environment whereby every basic thing (including freedom) is compromised. My parents are uneducated and do not have a choice but to continue to stay here.
Hi5, if you have weigh your options and felt it’s best to go, then go. Nigel have left. I don’t know you guys, but I too have left with my family 10yrs ago.
Over a 100yrs ago, our fore-fathers left China (for many, their families as well) with the hope of seeking a better life in South East Asia for their families. Those days, there is no aeroplane, telephone, mobile phone or internet. Isn’t it far more difficult then? If not for their brave move, we all would be living in China. Nothing venture, nothing gain, and as parents, we do it for the sake of our children.
Correct, there is no perfect place on earth. We move to where suits us best. You may only have one chance.
Just a little word of caution (in case you are unaware), if you have left or are leaving with sons under the age of 9 and do not intent for them to serve NS, you must NOT renew their passports and apply for Sgp IC, otherwise they will be liable for NS.
Wish you guys and family well.
I reached my retirement age but felt too much pressure being a Singaporean. In SEA our currency is consider high but the cost of decent living becoming stiff where retiree cannot stop working – continue to work as cleaner in foodcourt just for end meet. – common saying can die but cannot be sick – medication will cost you a bomb. What’s your recommendation at this age where migration seem tough or should we consider retiring at neigbouring country?
there is still room for change. i also will leave singapore this summer if PAP is voted out (i came from good schools, graduated from university and cant find a decent paying job here). I am really pissed because no one seems to care about how screwed up the economy is, which marginalises the 25-40 year old working singles group. I will definitely cast the vote in the direction of freedom this election and if people want to play safe by voting the PAP, i say shame on them as that is the most dangerous route. this government is ignorant, prescriptive and greedy. even a 14-year old can see that.
Please rally all the Singaporeans in your circle to vote for the opposition. This is the only chance we have for change. If we allow the PAP to continue this fiasco, the floodgates will be open to one million more. We need to stand together to fight this battle.
My family and I have thought about leaving for a loooong time but our parents are here, our siblings are all here and all of us are against the pap policies and have voted against them at every election, but….
It’s sad to have to give up our birthrights because of what the government is doing to us. We have to stand together to fight this battle. Rally your friends while you still can, VOTE PAP OUT!
Thomas Jefferson wrote: When the governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
Do what you have to do, but do not forsake hope for this land. We have the birthright to this place, lets claim it back!
May I add that we are not claiming Singapore back just for us. Generations of Singaporeans are at stake! When your home is being robbed, you fight and fight with your life if you have to, not because you will certainly win, but because it’s WORTH fighting for!
Mr Johan Anderson , show me your singapore citizenship and then i will pause and think of what you said..else, get the fxxk out and go back to where u belong
The article was definitely a quality read & I appreciate not crappy articles out there considering a large amount is unoriginal. I understand that when your talking about content it’s for the most part King for the matter of making a webpage ranked and what not (probably the reason I saw this). I’ve done a few websites back when and am working on an online mini gigs marketplace type deal made for people to logon and buy and sell services to one another. So I need to spend some time on getting some article content and what not on the web site and what not. Anyway take care and keep putting out good posts.
The piece is very true and very right in his views. However it may not be for everyone. Sgp still needs the complainers, the johans and the typical brainwashed pap fed citizens to progress. Else who is there to cook our hawker fare and drive our taxis? Leaving home is definitely advantageous as i have been away for most of my secondary and tertiary education.
Singapore needs foreigners, much like china needs singaporeans with the exposure, views and determination to add value to their system. I return to sgp everytime feeling a sense of “one up-ness” compared to most locally bred citizens. Its a good thing for those that dare to take the plunge, pity for those that dont.
Actually, in some grain of commonsense, migration is not everyone’s cup of tea. But then again, being a “foreign talent” in a Third World country is not as bad as it appears, if you can distinguish yourself well over there. I find it surprising during the course of some months back here after returning from overseas studies, and rushing to interviews or meetings with people, while having taken the taxi on a few occasions, that the taxi drivers who are locals actually tell me about how they were either retrenched from their former jobs, or if not, worked overseas in some business but came back to Singapore but find it hard to get jobs here. If this is true that locals experience a degree of difficulty getting jobs here, and that they themselves at the same time get discriminated against in another country such as a western country, the field seems to be somewhat tilted against them sadly. Then again, life is not a bed of roses, so I would say, make the best out of whatever the situation is.
Lawrence I support you 100% . Locals are simply getting screwed here. 60% may enjoy it, I don’t know why. We’ll use the favourite Singapore Inc model then, if the boss is lousy, people will simply look for work elsewhere. And Nigel, I really am saddened and angered by your story. 2.5-3k per month is simply ridiculous. It feels as if we are being penalised for seeking help! Also the great singapore simply isn’t as experienced as the west in dealing with autism, despite the world-class bragging about our wonderfully expensive healthcare. Anyway I wish you well. Do post from time to time, let us know what life is like
And Gilbert, there must be house rules. Foul mouthed semi-humans with rabies like Johan will spoil this place if they are left unchecked. Most civiliised people here are not like that, tr is becoming more and more like alfresco everyday. I certainly do not want that kind of crowd here
Spore is just a city state.The prospects here are pretty dim.It is increasingly difficult to earn a living here ,esp when the gov. Is pro-foreigners.Singaporeans are treated like second class citizens.As an example the government gives scholarships to foreign students with no bond while local students will be bonded for 8yrs when they take up a scholarship.
The irony is that these students after graduating from our local U decide to seek a job in their own country.The money for these scholarships come from taxpayers money.
Foreigners who took up PR or citizens buy HDB flats but after working here for a few years, they sell their HDB flats making a profit and then migrate to US,Australia,Canada etc.They only
Use Spore as a stepping stone to emigrate.This was pointed out by a former permanent secretary that we are suckers to think that foreigners will stay here for good.
As neighboring countries like Thailand,Vietnam,China,India etc are giving Spore a tough time in attracting MNC.
We are so desperate that we have to have two casinos to help to increase our GDP.
I support Lawrence recommendations to vote with your feet as there are still 60 percent of the population who still support the PAP.Furthermore,there is no opposition party in the near future that can offer Spore an alternative government should things gets worse day to day.
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Spore is just a city state.The prospects here are pretty dim.It is increasingly difficult to earn a living here ,esp when the gov. Is pro-foreigners.Singaporeans are treated like second class citizens.As an example the government gives scholarships to foreign students with no bond while local students will be bonded for 8yrs when they take up a scholarship.
The irony is that these students after graduating from our local U decide to seek a job in their own country.The money for these scholarships come from taxpayers money.
Foreigners who took up PR or citizens buy HDB flats but after working here for a few years, they sell their HDB flats making a profit and then migrate to US,Australia,Canada etc.They only
Use Spore as a stepping stone to emigrate.This was pointed out by a former permanent secretary that we are suckers to think that foreigners will stay here for good.
As neighboring countries like Thailand,Vietnam,China,India etc are giving Spore a tough time in attracting MNC.
We are so desperate that we have to have two casinos to help to increase our GDP.
I support Lawrence recommendations to vote with your feet as there are still 60 percent of the population who still support the PAP.Furthermore,there is no opposition party in the near future that can offer Spore an alternative government should things gets worse day to day.
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Hi Senior citizen, I agree with you about the prospects being bleak partially because of the way the system goes. It is best for Singaporeans born and bred here to start realizing that they should have alternatives outside of Singapore, and if not, at least have enough to stave off in any case of contingencies. I am not so sure that the opposition is as bad off as you imagine it though, considering that over the last few years, scholars and talents have been refusing to join the incumbent PAP and have opted to join the opposition parties. The real problem is that singaporeans have already chosen to believe that they are deadlocked and won’t improve even with the opposition, the same way that it was suggested by someone(well, we know who….) that we will end up becoming maids and slaves in another country if we vote in the opposition…..If life does get from bad to worse day to day, then it is up to us to improve our situation as Singaporeans no matter what, until the day we leave this place and country.
Johan is a troll. Ignore this elite
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Lawrence,
I agree with you. If the FTs can come and do anything they like in Singapore, we can return them the “favour” by going to their homeland and do the same. We can have better exposure and at the same time, be a FT in their homeland.
However, Singaporeans do not unite overseas, this is something i hope all overseas Singaporeans can change. With that strength, we can take care of each other and achieve more. I like you have been away from Singapore for more than 3 years, based in Shenzhen too.
To be truthful, i am the only child in my family. My mum is always asking to go Singapore to find a job locally and work. Looking around with so many CHEAPER AND FASTER FTs which i told her honestly, the people in charge can keep their FTs while i become the FT somewhere else,not cheaper and faster though. I do visit my parents whenever i can and have a short vacation in Singapore.
I do feel sad for myself at times but life goes on unless changes are made and i really mean BIG MAJOR changes. Let’s meet up for coffee the next time you drop by in Shenzhen.
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My nephew just left for England coz a relative there offer him a job,the pay is much much more than in s’pore. Tis is his 1st time going overseas to work, for the 1st week he’s very lonely & miserable,coz he miss his love ones & family, worst still there is a riot upon his arrival. He will be there for about 6months,if he cannot get his work permit he will return to S’pore.in the meantime he treat it as a working holiday,not happy can always come back,don’t know why the govt keeps on recruiting foreign talent, I see so many coffee shops around my area,some got 100percent foreigners, mostly from china, malaysia,is it because of cheap labour?I think so.why don’t they employ part-timers,one western-food I.e subway employs nearly 99 per cent philipinos(near my place)last time they got a lot of student part-timers,when exam comes or schools reopens all disappear,they only like young ones,also these lot I find them quite lazy,the govt should set a quota, for every 3/4 young ones they must employ an elderly staff.also they must obtain a ‘certified service professional certificate’ or Singapore workforce skills qualification and speaks and know simple English/ mandarin. They should them to e2i for training.last month I went to NTUC in C’lmenti Mall,
The cashier did not give me the receipt,when I ask she urge with me,later she picks up frm the dirty dustbin,makes me very angry.coz NTUC rules requires receipt if you wants to change items,also the same day I given the cashier exact change for her convenient,when I ask her for a $50 note explaining I wanted to take taxi she told me she had no money to change me, very angry I told her you should ask your supervisor.she than told me to change at the other counter,at the other counter I notice she’s not very happy also.is the supervisors all sleeping or ‘eat snake’ .on 27th I went to clementi mall, intent to buy a hand puppet, at Tooni toots at 4th Level,I suddendly slipped (step)on a watermelon pulp/juice right through the store.the staff came to help, but I had diffucuty getting up, coz I fall on my bumb, I scold the staff there, they say it is not their fault, how can they say that when the juice is in front of the premises in fact I landed right into their store,which is being capture by their CCTV I believe,i ask them,they told me the cleaner went to the toilet,when the cleaner a Malay lady came with the toilet paper I scold her for not doing the jobshe says I fall it is not her bissness and not her responsibility for my fall, the staff at the store also says not their responsibility. I told the cleaner that her cart/trolly blocks the signage which she place, which I can’t see,I teach her how to place it she not happy,what makes me angry is she never apologize.when I went downstairs another cleaner mops near the escalator, what if someone slips and falls down the escalator who’s going to responsible.also at west coast plaza I saw a lady mopping the floor is quite wet, I skip but did not fall.I am appealing to all shopping centers/malls/supermarkets to ensure the safety of shoppers,a drop of water can make you skip, and fracture your bones.please make your staff also go for safety coarse,don’t tarnish the reputation of yourself.also in the new circle line when it newly open a few days at the Promagnate station I also skip on the station coz someone split a whole packet of drinks on the floor, is the people watching the CCTV sleeping or snoring.if someone planted something there I think it will be too late.same with other establishment, better place it safe than to be sorry,and don’t walk blankly,see and look at the floor
I agree with the writer. I have moved out of Singapore zone and many friends tell me that it is a brave move.
Not many people can just drop off everything and pack up and go. Many Singaporean are with debts from car and house.
Driving a car is a status in Singapore and many people want to have that status once they hit 30 or 40s. Many grads tell me that they work so hard and all the money down the drain for a COE and a metal that only can drive for 10 years.
In Australia, my Volkwagen Tiguan is just $35K compare to a Singapore price at $140K. Anybody will tell us it is ridiculous price to pay.
The material mindset slowly built into a pattern of just living each day to day without the thought of having enough cash to retire one day.
Joe, I think the mindset that is instilled into singaporeans since young is that even for things as basic as water and healthcare, there is no such thing called a free lunch and that one must even pay and pay.Of course, that acronym also applies to a particular political party’s ideology which is very explicit in the ways in which it is totally averse to state welfare. There is no shame in providing welfare if the person is really unable to work or handicapped, unlike what this current government claims, to suggest that these people did not work hard enough.
I agree with the writer. I have moved out of Singapore zone and many friends tell me that it is a brave move.
Not many people can just drop off everything and pack up and go. Many Singaporean are with debts from car and house.
Driving a car is a status in Singapore and many people want to have that status once they hit 30 or 40s. Many grads tell me that they work so hard and all the money down the drain for a COE and a metal that only can drive for 10 years.
In Australia, my Volkwagen Tiguan is just $35K compare to a Singapore price at $140K. Anybody will tell us it is ridiculous price to pay.
The material mindset slowly built into a pattern of just living each day to day without the thought of having enough cash to retire one day.
Hi Lawrence,
Great article. I am in my early 30s and have a relatively good paying job so life is fine from a financial point of view. My son is just borned a month ago and reading Nigel’s story made me rethink our cost of living and if life in SG is substainable if I lose my job.
I am worried about the future of my child due to the pro foreigner stand of our government and that my son have to grow up competing with foreigners students and having to serve two years NS. He may not be as lucky as I am in my career and life can be stressful here without a reasonable good income. My wife shares my sentiments and we are considering our options migrating for a less stressful lifestyle.
The common options are Australia or Canada but I see that you are in China and would like to explore opportunities there. Any chance we can meet up if I am in visiting or maybe exchange emails?
Sadly, most of us wants to leave our comfort zone and venture overseas. Yes, I do believe there are more opportunities if you are brave enough to step out of Singapore. However we lack the connections in sourcing for employment opportunities overseas and in times of uncertainty like these, companies might not be willing to hire fresh finance graduates like me with little work experience.
I agreed that many of us might be reluctant to pack our bags bag and try overseas. I been working in Bangkok, Canada and China I would say i quite enjoy the life overseas.
Singapore is good in the sense it is convenient, not too cold but it is getting terrible under this old and elitist govt regime. Crowded, pay are stagnated and replaced by FT, humid and hot (no four seasons).
I used to think alot of working class Singaporeans well off with a nice new car, living in condo but slowly i get to know many are indeed paying their butts off and like previous comments, people forget about keeping for retirement, and they just keep on cashing corporate ladder or just so worry to lose a job. The price of COE i can jolly well buy a very nice car in Canada/ Australia.
Working in China is a good experience but can be tough for some people.
Well, there is can be only so much we can keep talking about our overseas life, If you really want to do it, just start by doing research, contacts and experience it yourself.
If you cannot do it. sacrifice a bit now, make sure u send your kids overseas to study and that is one way , u can moved over later.
Do not wait till FT and the govt are overwhelming you, then it might be too late.
JUST DO IT !
I must ask one question. After leaving our shores for greener pastures, how many will return? Our own forefathers, after all, eventually gave up their motherlands to settle in Singapore, and their children, born and bred here, had no attachment to their parents’ land of origin.
I understand that Lawrence’s vision is to empower Singaporeans so that they will be better equipped to turn the tide of affairs here when they return, and respects him for that. The question however is how many of those who have left, are leaving or will be leaving, will return to help make things better for the island they were born in (or in the first place, how many would even return at all)? There is also the possibility that outgoing Singaporeans may come to develop a disdain for their fellows who have chose to stay here for various reasons, valid or not, and decide that since the remaining islanders have chose not to follow their lead and grab life at its fullest (whether such a PoV is justified is itself another question), they thus deserve whatever shit life in Singapore would throw at them.
Just my lowly 2cts.
I was born in Singapore, went to senior school in Perth, and my degree comes from London.
After all that time abroad, I’ve come to one conclusion: If you aren’t happy where you are now, you won’t be happy anywhere else.
Singapore stifles the creative arts, and it’s hard to make a living. I used to be a prose writing, I could actually write fiction for a living. Now I’m here in a country where a literary culture is non-existent, and I’m a corporate hack. But here’s the thing:
So what?
Take what you’ve got and fly with it. Because literary talent is so minute and rare here, I have few or no competitors. Singaporeans are disinclined to innovate. Show even a little spark of initiative or creativity, and it’s so easy to outpace or intimidate colleagues.
Learn to use the environment to your advantage. If you can’t do that, then you won’t succeed anywhere. Go abroad and you won’t face fewer problems, just different problems.
Dear All,
Having read the many comments & experiences, would also share my viewpoints.
The island nation which we are bred & born, does enjoys geographical superior location but at the same time resources strapped. Base on this understanding the viable avenue of growth as our pioneering leaders & our parents had etched out somewhat a modern miracle even till today. Hence, its people are sought after as talents for being efficient & resourceful.
Well, those years fast-paced growth had gathered much success stories & now the musical chair had halted. Situation has changed if not better but perhaps for the worse. In this ever-changing era for cost competition, blooming GDPs. Corporate structures are made out in the continuous rat-race to gather profit margins. simply put “Maximum profits, minimum costs” from famous CEOs of MNCs the fundamentals of achieving the elusive ‘success’ stories are profits, market-shares as KPIs. Days of a one-man success stories are akin to fairy tales but is always inclined to monetary gains as the point of success. As a middle mgmt team, i would sometimes rethink of the decisions that i’ve made, retrenchments, costs-cutting, mergers of depts in response to the corporate discretion for growth or new fundamentals.
Coming back to think about our topic, it is then perhaps that each & everyone of us DOES has a certain implication to our current plight. What happened to social responsibility, grace & kinship? And it is true as “UncleScrooge” aptly put: “By going abroad, you won’t face fewer problems but different problems.”
It is encouraged to travel & expose oneself to learn & perhaps adopt new thinkings (though it never is a greener pasture to state first.) but again what could one do given his/her threshold does has a limit.
The present leadership does has its flaws, even if a new leader is elected, personally would doubt that it could achieve flawlessness. However, transparency, responsibilities, accountability needs to hold true. Else, what are they elected in the first place for? To work together as a citizen or to lord over the rest?
Many to share but shall keep it short here.
Emigration is not solution
We are trying to establish new industries, but … some people are over-zealous.
You guys talk too much.
Your ideas are gold.
http://www.tremeritus.com/2012/01/03/pap-govt-allows-foreigners-in-for-overseas-investment-rights/
hm.. i did not agree with some things, nevertheless i do liked the article overall… the post was actually suggested to me by a friend at facebook and he ended up being right. rather good read! Regards.
In the past, German also imported a lot turkish workers into the country to cope with the industry needs & help push up the GDP. Later these turkish workers & their 2nd/3rd generations refused to leave German. These German-turkish always choose to support Turkey apart from Germany in various affairs. Now German gov & locals faced great pressure to deal with these turkish.
Even countries like Australia, UK, USA, Iceland, Japan etc have tried to stop great influx of foreigners from entering. China now also have policy for companies to hire its people first too.
S’pore is such a tiny island as compare to these countries. Why do we need so many foreigners to land onto this already congested land?