Future of
Singapore
This is a subject of rising concern despite the media's glowing
employment figures. By Derek Wee
When
I read the Straits Times article (dated 24 Sep) on PM Lee calling
the young to be committed and make a difference to Singapore, I
have so much thought about the issue.
I am 35 years old, graduated from University and gainfully employed
in a multinational company. But I cannot help but feel insecure
over the future of Singapore. Lets face it, it's not uncommon to
hear, "when you are above 40, you are over the
hill".
The government has been stressing on re-training, skills upgrading
and re-adapt. The fact is, no matter how well qualified or
adaptable one is, once you hit the magical 40, employers will say,
"you are simply too old".
We have been focusing our resources and problem solving on low
unskilled labour. But in reality, our managerial positions and
skilled labour force are actually fast losing its
competitiveness.
I travel around the region frequently for the past 10 years. It
didn't take me long to realise how far our neighbours have come
over the past decade.
They have quality skilled workers, and are less expensive. When I
work with them, their analytical skills are equally good, if not
better than us.
It's not new anymore. Taxi drivers are fast becoming "too early to
retire, too old to work" segment of the society. I like to talk to
taxi drivers whenever I am heading for the
airport.
There was this driver. Eloquent and well read. He was an export
manager for 12 years with an MNC. Retrenched at 40 years old. He
had been searching for a job since his
retrenchment.
Although he was willing to lower his pay expectations, employers
were not willing to lower their prejudice. He was deemed too old. I
wouldn't be surprised if we have another No. 1; having the most
highly educated taxi drivers in the world.
On PM Lee calling the young to be committed and make a difference.
Look around us. How dedicated can we be to Singapore when we can
visualise what's in store for us after we turned 40? Then again,
how committed are employers to us? But we can't blame them. They
have bottom lines & shareholders' gain to answer
to.
Onus is really on the government to revamp the society. A society
that is not a pressure cooker. A society that does not mirror so
perfectly, what survival of the fittest is.
But a society, where it's people can be committed, do their best
and not having to fear whether they will still wake up employed
tomorrow. Sadly, Singapore does not offer such luxuries and
security anymore.
On the issue of babies. The government encourages us to pro-create.
The next generation is essential in sustaining our competitive
edge. Then again, the current market condition is such that our
future has become uncertain. There is no more joy in having babies
anymore; they have become more of a liability. It's really a
chicken and egg issue.
Many of my peers, bright and well educated have packed up and left.
It's what MM Goh called "quitters". It's sad but true, Singapore no
longer is a place where one can hope to work hard their lives and
retire graciously. It's really the push factor.
A future is something we sweat it out, build and call our own.
Unfortunately, people like me, mid 30's going on 40's, staying put
by choice or otherwise, we can't help but feel what lies ahead is
really a gamble.
To PM Lee and the Ministers, we are on a different platform. Until
you truly understand our insecurity, the future of Singapore to me
remains a question mark.
(SPH rejected this letter - From: LocalSin. An old article but
as ever, still relenvant today.)
http://www.littlespeck.com/informed/2006/CInformed-061012.htm