SINGAPORE: It is often said Singaporeans are in demand by other
countries. And if figures from a pilot project by Immigration New
Zealand (INZ) are anything to go by, Singaporeans are just as
interested.
INZ’s pilot project, launched on January 15, seeks to attract
specifically working Singaporean holidaymakers and students. Nearly
80 per cent of the 5,687 registrants by last week are
Singaporeans.
According to a spokesperson, INZ does not have information on
Singaporeans going to New Zealand "as a direct result of this
pilot", but the numbers will be evaluated over the next few
months.
She said Singapore was chosen because of "long—standing and
friendly" relations between the two countries, as well as "close
political and economic ties".
Research found Singaporeans a "good demographic match" for the
campaign, say, in terms of language and education levels, she
added. Singaporeans also have a "strong tradition of studying
overseas".
Sociologist Tan Ern Ser said INZ "may be attempting to attract
Singaporeans to try living and working in New Zealand first, before
considering a more long—term arrangement".
He noted that targeting holidaymakers allows for "more
flexibility" and contributes to the economy. "Local New Zealanders
may see skilled migrants as a threat to their jobs," he added.
Two weeks ago, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng told
Parliament that New Zealand and Australia are targeting
Singaporeans "because we are honest and hardworking".
Professor Tan feels that countries could be attracted to the
"Singaporean brand" because Singaporeans are thought of as
"diligent", "efficient", "well—trained" and have a good command of
English.
However, while skill shortages continue to exist within segments
of the Australian labour market, Australia’s Department of
Immigration and Citizenship in Canberra said it is "not looking to
Singapore in particular for recruits".
"Australia is open to skilled migrants but is now operating a
more tightly targeted programme," it said. Recent changes to the
skilled migration programme include giving processing priority to
employer and state sponsored migrants.
Between 2008 and 2009, 2,703 of Australia’s 171,318 immigrants
were Singaporeans.
According to the British High Commission Singapore, the United
Kingdom also has no programmes aimed at attracting specifically
Singaporeans.
The High Commission, however, noted a "relatively small but
significant" Singaporean community in the UK.
This includes fashion designer Ashley Isham and pianist Melvyn
Tan.
Last year, 3,525 Singaporean students set off to study Higher
Education courses in the UK. The "vast majority" return to
Singapore, said the High Commission.
Management trainee Geline Lim, 21, is one who intends to pursue
her postgraduate studies in New Zealand.
She said it is "less stressful" there, and there is "more
freedom and time" to pursue things outside of study. Her parents
have already migrated there because of the "more laid—back
lifestyle, better air, scenery and government welfare schemes", she
added.
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