Singapores
Brain Drain
We only have ourselves to blame Discussion. Aaron Ng
Mar 17, 2007
SM Goh (Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong) remarked that we are losing
our best talents.
Interestingly, I was having a discussion with some undergraduate
friends earlier this week. The subject came to whether theres a
sense of rooted-ness in Singaporeans.
All of us felt that there isnt much of a sense of belonging in
Singapore.
I thought that the most striking comment from a friend was
regarding how Singapore government will not take care of
Singaporeans.
Singapore has placed a premium on individual effort since
independence. The state must avoid the welfare model of the West
like the plague.
My friends reasoning was that since the government says it will
not take care of Singaporeans, she has to take care of
herself.
And that being the case, whoever offers the best price gets her
loyalty because she has to ensure that her future is well-taken
care of.
I cant generalise, but I wont be surprised if a large number of
our best talents are leaving because of pragmatic reasons (i.e.
other countries are willing to offer better things than what
Singapore can offer).
I dont think people would disagree that Singapore IS a very
pragmatic country. And, I think that Singapore is paying the price
for being too pragmatic.
A lot of things we do in Singapore are based on economic
considerations, which is not instrinsically bad.
However, the side effect is that by living in such an environment,
we end up being pragmatic people.
And a truly pragmatic person knows not the ideas of loyalty and
allegiance. Whoever gives the best price gets the service.
So what happens is that we try and bring in foreigners to make up
the shortfall. Guess what? Foreigners that come are also pragmatic
people (see my entry on Singapore as a parking lot).
Like migratory birds, they stop in Singapore until the winter in
their homeland has passed and they will fly back again.
Admittedly, there are some that might stay, but how many such
people are there relative to the entire flock?
Of course, theres also the related question of how many of our
best and brightest who have flown away will return?
Could they be so pragmatic that theres no possibility of return
unless Singapore offers better than what they currently have?
At the end of the day, it could very be that Singapore ends up in a
lose-lose situation. If such a thing happens, we only have
ourselves to blame.
Comments:
By Elia Diodati
Who is this we, the collective pronoun? Is it the literal myself
and a few other people, or the society as a whole? To what
extent do the two wes coincide? To what extent *should* they
coincide?
By RSE
I dont think everyone, and maybe not even a majority, of
emigrating Singaporeans are leaving for pragmatic reasons.
I have no statistics, but I am not the only person I know who is
planning to leave for idealistic reasons Singapore has no room
for people who have aspirations beyond living a comfortable
material lifestyle.
Also, not that I think Im one of them, but the best and brightest
people also tend to attach greater importance to ideals than the
average person.
In short, I do think we are paying the price for being too
pragmatic, but not necessarily because people are too pragmatic to
stay in Singapore.
From what Ive encountered of life overseas, there are ample
pragmatic and idealistic reasons to leave Singapore.
By mleok
The opportunities in Singapore are lets face it: limited. The
economy is geared towards the average worker (read expendable, and
could be done cheaper type).
Talent is overrated in such an economy. Why not let it go somewhere
else to develop? Maybe, just maybe it will come back.
By aaron ng
It is my anecdotal impression that Singapore retains a somewhat
colonial attitude, with a tendency to value all things foreign, and
to either under appreciate or take for granted what Singaporeans
have to offer.
This is a tendency that was rather effectively satirised in Jack
Neos 2002 movie I Not Stupid. This is but one example of the
many things that leads me to feel like a second-class citizen in
ones own country.
What is perhaps most disheartening, is that whenever one speaks of
the brain drain in Singapore, there is never talk of how one
reverses the trend, but rather the focus is on importing foreign
talent instead.
It would take significant emotional ties to overcome the allure of
career opportunities on a global scale, particularly when the
phenomenal pace of redevelopment in Singapore means that the places
of ones youth no longer exist in a familiar form.
The over-emphasis on economic pragmatism has left our society
bereft of the cultural identity of what it means to be Singaporean,
beyond our shared love of food and shopping.
To this day, I have not been able to exercise the one right and
obligation that is to me the hallmark of citizenship, the right to
vote.
Is it any wonder then that our disenfranchised, unlamented, and
emotionally unanchored diaspora choose to pursue more attractive
opportunities abroad?
To Elia,
We refers to Singapore in general. Of course, one can well argue
that no everyone agrees with governmental policies and its not
right to use the word we, but Singaporeans elected the government
into power, so I suppose the word we is accurate enough for
use.
The brain drain issue is not new. What is new is perhaps the speed
we are losing people now?
I have no evidence for this though, but if it aint that big of an
issue, the government wouldnt be talking about it.
To RSE,
Going out for opportunities is not uncommon. China and India are
perfect examples where smart people have left their countries in
search of better opportunities.
But, these people eventually returned to their motherland. Will the
Singaporean diaspora return? I dont know.
To mleok,
Indeed, Ive always been wondering why we are not putting in as
much effort to bring back the Singaporean diaspora. Is it because
its not as cost effective? I have no answers.
I think at the end of the day, we have to look hard at ourselves
and ask what is it that makes me Singaporean and what binds me to
this place?
What am I happy about Singapore and what am I not happy about
Singapore? Or perhaps, more importantly, can I achieve what I want
in Singapore?
By Raymond
Actually is kinda sad to see Singapore keep taking in foreigners.
Instead of trying to find more ways to make people give birth more,
we are using the replacement methods.
I dont think foreigners will have much sense of belonging compare
to those who grow up in this part of Asia. I really hope that
Singaporeans with passion can stand up and build a better Singapore
instead of just keep on running away and the problem cannot be
solved.
I really hope that there will be Singaporeans who will come back
eventually to help build a better nation as this is where our
forefather have build and it will be sad to see that it get destroy
some day.
Our System (has) got to change. The only way to change is a growth
of talented people that will stand up against our current policy
and join our hands together to make a better Singapore.
By Ned Stark
Worse is if in times of war, who will defend Singapore? If I was an
expat, I dont think I want to stay aboard a sinking ship, I will
run. Thus in times of trouble it is those who are victims of the
system who will be the first ones to give their lives for the
system.
Michael Moore shows this fact in his film Fareinheight 911,
whereby those from the lower strata of society are often the ones
who join the army and head for places like Iraq in the name of
America.
By RSE
To Aaron,
I was taking a rather cynical view along the lines of: the
Singapores economy doesnt need (want?) talent (it needs and wants
expendable labour) and talent doesnt need Singapore, so who cares
if they leave? Those from China/India eventually return because
China/India needs and wants them. Plus, they feel rooted enough to
return, the money isnt that shabby, either.
As long as Singapore competes on cost alone, it will not need
talent. Economies where talent is needed compete on value, not
cost.
Economies that compete on cost however, need numbers. I suspect the
government here is more worried about numbers than actual talent.
Thats what 6.5 million was about. Thats what the foreign talent
policy is about.
Number-wise, the Singaporean diaspora offer far less than
foreigners, why go all out to bring them back?
By Bill
Not to sound blunt, but the PAP probably couldnt care less about
people who leave Singapore because Singapore does not offer enough
protection or welfare.
These are not the talented people Goh was talking about - the
talented people the PAP wants are the ones who can earn big bucks
and dont need welfare, and in fact PREFER lower personal
taxes.
I agree that.. that idealism is probably a far greater reason why
the truly talented leave.
These are not the people who leave because the Singapore government
does not give enough handouts - these are the people who leave
because they are disillusioned with the stifling system, where the
government is overly conservative, authoritarian and
pragmatic.
It is not just be the governments fault - Singaporeans in general
are a myopic, narrow-minded, uncivilised and overall unattractive
lot.
It is conceivable why the real talents wouldnt want to rub
shoulders with them.
The land size is also a major problem - Singapore is too small and
cramped, and people who want their own landed property, with their
own gardens, backyards, a stream running behind their house and
forests and mountain ranges for them to explore, would probably be
attracted to the wide open spaces and charming natural environment
in other countries (like Australia).
Kev
On a personal level, living in Canada for close to 3 years has made
me feel more Singaporean than Ive ever felt before.
So what exactly ties me to my country? Its a hard question to
answer. For sure, food and shopping!
But is that enough for me to go back? Not so much. If I do plan to
go home, itll be largely due to family commitments.
I dont know if Im ready to go back and be told by my country
(intrinsically, government) what to do, what not to do. Its hard
for me to feel like a citizen at home when my opinions cant be
heard and I cant voice my opinions without feeling afraid.
I mean Singapore, or rather, the government (since we only had one)
has disappointed me on many levels. From the education system to
minority rights to basic freedom of expression.
Of course, all our achievements are due to the efficacy of the PAP.
I cant deny that. But I really think for us to go on further and
to achieve all of the governments rhetoric of becoming a
knowledge-based economy, a global hub, a centre for excellence,
there needs to be a fundamental change in the way things are
run.
For Singapore to truly sustain itself in the next 50 years, we
cannot keep looking to the government for answers, but we should
instead seize our own initiative and decide for ourselves what we
want.
Policies shouldnt be decrees.
I am almost jealous of the way things are run in Canada, where
concerned citizens have the chance to voice their opinions on
things like having more cycling lanes, tuition fee hikes, expanding
highways, etc
It may not be the most efficient way to do things and may come in
the way of progress. But I think we have come far enough where
Singapore can afford some real space for public debate.
Its depressing when I think about it. Yes, we have a benevolent
government who has taken very good care of us, most of the time. I
am grateful and proud of what weve achieved in such a short span
of 40 years.
But isnt it about time where, perhaps, the government can chill a
little bit. And not make me feel like a criminal for having a
dissident voice.
I love Singapore for what it is, for what it will become. But Im
just frustrated that I cant play a part in it.
By Sensei Michael
Let me just put it this way. Back in Singapore, I was just any
run-of-the-mill teacher who has to churn my pupils through endless
worksheets after worksheets.
Here in an international school in China, Im a respected Foreign
Expert who can teach the way I feel children should be
taught.
My wife likes Shanghai. My children love Shanghai. Here I have
western, Malaysian, Singaporean and local friends. The pay I get
allows me to live much better than I did back in Singapore. Why
should I return?
And Im NOT even one of those six-figure earning talents.
By Kelvin
Singapore as a global city? I guess that term is has more sinister
undertones than I initially expect.
Maybe its the unique situation that Singapore has always been and
the notion of the government that only the best talents can drive
the nation forward.
It disappoints me that maybe in the near future, I might not
convicted enough to truly call this land I was born in my
home.
Is it irrational to suggest that a drizzle of xenophobia can foster
nationalism?
I really cant imagine what the future holds for me
Hmmm
By mleok
I resonate with some of the prior comments, in particular the sense
that when abroad, we are accepted for who we are: holistic
individuals with opinions, ideals, and aspirations.
We are valued for what we have to offer, and the ideals and goals
we passionately pursue, even when they dont necessarily conform to
a narrowly defined notion of economic success.
The government would like our most talented Singaporeans to stay,
but only on their terms, and contributing in a manner of their
choosing. There is nothing quite like telling our best and
brightest that the things they are passionate about are irrelevant
and unimportant if our goal is to have them leave for greener
pastures.
By guojun
So yes, Singapore is a parking lot, even for many of us locals.
And, while many leave due to pragmatic reasons - yes, so were
brought up to be pragmatic anyway and our loyalty can be bought
oh-so-easily, many also prefer to leave on idealistic
grounds.
Many who go overseas to live also face unemployment, discrimination
and maybe even lower salaries than what they could get in
Singapore. So it must be some discontentment with the State, which
sends them packing, no?
In Singapore, being alternative makes people eye you with
suspicion. The narrow-mindedness is everywhere - people have been
asking me yet again what I am going to do with an arts
degree.
In fact, being alternative goes to the extent that if we spoke up
out of concern for our community we would be eyed with suspicion by
our political leaders.
Do the phrases social unrest, Sedition Act, et cetera sound
familiar? Perhaps why people leave is that in Singapore, people
dont feel like humans anymore - just machines.
Machines to get good results, earn money, get a job, family, and
then die.
Do we want that? I dont. Singapore has long stopped being a place
I would truly call home - its only home because of my friends
and family.
Stay in Singapore because its, well, Singapore, with economic
opportunities and increasing social polarisation?
By Ned Stark
To Guojun,
The worst is if you say something which is not supportive of the
system, you are branded a trouble-maker and so on so forth.
There is this holier than thou attitude among some groups of people
that galls me. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the kids are told its a
sin to kill a mocking bird. In Singapore its a sin to raise a
concern.
To Kev,
I agree with you that a major shift in the social sphere is needed,
if Singapore wants to truly be global than the leaders have to have
the courage to open up.
But that will entail a possible loss of power. Will our leaders be
that selfless? Only time will tell
By troodon
Actually, the main reason I am not in Singapore is that its not
challenging enough. There arent really any real companies in
Singapore and most jobs in Singapore involve either rubbish SMEs
that make crap products or government backed GLCs/Research
Instituations a.k.a AStar that dont do anything of
importance.
Singaporeans who work overseas are not running away.
Running away has nothing to do with it. It has more to do with
working with really smart, brilliant people who are capable of
doing real work, not just babble about the uselessness of NS men
(Philip Yeo).
For full:
http://aaron-ng.info/blog/we-only-have-ourselves-to-blame.html
(Aaron is a final year undergraduate in CNM Programme, National
University of Singapore.)
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A personal comment here;many Singaporeans leave because ofa lack of
life here,of a lack of having some measure of personal
happiness.Similarly,they lack the ability to express themselves and
contribute to society.
Lee Kuan Yew has to go.There is no other reason.He is the biggest
gangster in Singapore,intimidating the people into voting for him
and the PAP,threatening to withhold upgrading,a scheme that every
Singaporean should have the oppportunity to decide.
The government is dishounourable,prioritising the foreigners above
the Singaporeans.While we do need immigrants,why should we go
overboard?Similarly,their policies have created a lack of
self-reliance among Singaporeans.This is simply because of
restrictive policies that do not promote free expression.
While we have had to be pragmatic to survive,this country needs
more idealistic people,simply because we need something more than
the tangible to survive.We need the intagibles such as freedom and
an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
My soul may be Singaporean,but after living overseas,my heart is
not.