GAIN experience abroad, but come back to Singapore and be part
of the adventure that is Asia's growth.
In making the call to 400 Singaporeans studying overseas, Manpower
Minister Ng Eng Hen told them that an exciting decade lay ahead for
the country and region.
A diversified economy and strong growth presented ample
opportunities and jobs that 'we need able people to fill', he said
at a dialogue organised by Singaporean students and graduates
studying overseas.
The Government paid particular attention to views from those who
worked and travelled widely as these helped 'us keep our edge', he
said to the 400-strong audience.
He told students their generation would witness a 'reinvigorated
and renewed Singapore' - the result of domestic policies and
regional growth powered by the likes of China and India.
So while they should gain experience and 'stretch (their)
boundaries' abroad, he urged them to eventually return home.
His remarks at the dialogue, held as part of Confluence 2007, a
career networking event at The Shangri-La hotel, reflected an
ongoing effort by the Government to keep Singaporeans abroad
connected with developments here.
What Dr Ng was particularly pleased about was that the event - held
for the second year - continued to be organised by Singapore
students abroad. It was, he said, a ground-up initiative which
showed their desire to remain plugged in to national issues and
learn about challenges facing the country.
Organising committee chairman Moses Lin Weiwen, 26, a University
College London law graduate, said Dr Ng's overview about prospects
here tied in with the aims of Confluence 2007.
It sought to raise participants' awareness of job opportunities
here as well as keep them connected emotionally to Singapore, he
said. 'We need people to feel for home, to miss home and to want to
contribute to Singapore. If we don't, no one else will.'
Which is why participants like Imperial College student Cumarran
Kaliyaperumal, 21, feel that the Government's pitch to those abroad
should emphasise the emotional aspects of their connection to
Singapore.
'Career opportunities and economic growth can draw someone
anywhere. But what's going to bring me back here is the feeling
that this is home and that family and friends are here,' the
aeronautical engineering undergraduate said.
Echoing the sentiments, Dr Ng said: 'Home is what you feel; not
what I say.'
He noted that of the 150,000 Singaporeans living, working and
studying abroad, 40 per cent are in their 20s.
These young, bright Singaporeans are highly mobile, versatile and
adaptable - and in demand among top companies worldwide.
The Government was creating more platforms for those abroad to keep
in touch with home.
Among these is a revamped website for Contact Singapore, a network
set up by the Manpower Ministry to highlight job opportunities
here.
The issue of attracting Singaporeans back was one of several during
the hour-long dialogue. Participants also expressed their views on
matters such as foreign policy and political apathy.
Dr Ng said he found the exchange stimulating: 'Even though they
have been away for some time, they are still very much interested
in what Singapore is.'
Additional reporting by Cassandra Chew
Zakir Hussain, [email protected] - Sun, Jul 22, 2007,The Straits
Times
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Laughable! Painting picture!
