I do not know what the Singapore Government means by foreign
"talent". Do we need more foreigners to do the jobs that
Singaporeans can do? Or do we need foreigners that can do the jobs
that Singaporeans cannot do? By the latter, I mean jobs
that require so specialized knowledge that right now not many
Singaporeans can fill. Example, as researchers in the biomedical
sciences trying to discover wonder drugs for terrible
diseases.
I used to work for a Singapore company in Changi South Street 1 (it
starts with an 'E' and rhymes with 'Esso', spelling is only
different by the second last letter) where almost 90% of the staffs
is made up of foreigners, as accountants, engineers, purchasers,
sales marketeers, graphic designers,...,etc. You get the picture -
they are doing jobs that Singaporeans can do and are willing to do.
But as you know, as in any business, they objective is to profit.
So, the company hires more foreigners 'cos they are
cheaper at the expense of Singaporeans. It's sad.
Why can't the Government tell companies operating in Singapore to
at least place a limit on the number of foreigners they can hire?
Maybe, 1% the most. I find it very sad that as a Singaporean with
all the promise of studying hard, I can find a job easily. I have a
Bachelors degree (with honours) in Electrical & Electronics
Engineering. I still find it difficult to compete with foreigners
who are willing to work for less. Foreigners are under-cutting us
and to a boss, money saved is money earned.
