Excerpts:
At the same time, Professor Mahbubani admits that his own children
chose to study in foreign universities, and makes light of the
fact.
I'm reminded of the time when those who chose to study and
stay on to work abroad were branded 'quitters' by our leaders. I
was dismayed to read later that many children of leaders themselves
were studying and staying overseas.
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_270231.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_270233.html
And this is my favourite of the day......
More importantly, it proves that even though we are not
getting the creme de la creme of the sportsmen and women from
overseas, as was reported last Sunday, ('The man behind the
medal'), Singapore can achieve. This is surely a success of our
foreign talent scheme in sports, despite the occasional hiccup -
like when a national soccer player went Awol. After winning an
Olympic medal, maybe it is time we revive our World Cup soccer
dream of qualifying for the final rounds.
Perhaps by using the lure of a Singapore passport, we can
entice half or even the entire Brazilian football team here. We can
spot the young talents in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and groom
them. Perhaps we can win a Formula One race by applying the foreign
talent scheme to top drivers. Perhaps we can venture into new
events like cycling, skiing and baseball. But before we go too far
and high, let us hold our breath and get a grip on our
adrenalin.
Do the ends justify the means? Would any self-respecting
nation, sportsman and woman derive any pride in this
manner?
Quek York Tong
Forum note: The second
half of this letter, which first appeared on Tuesday, was wrongly
left out. The above is its full version.
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_270240.html
