MOE does not recognise son's O levels from NZ
Today
March 7, 2005
Letter from Craig Mcleod
The current dialogue on setbacks for Singaporeans in their own
country ("The fading hope for a brother's return", March 2 and "Not
wanted in Singapore", March 5-6) prompts me to respond with my own
experience .
I am a New Zealander who has lived here for almost 25 years. My
wife is Singaporean and we have four sons all Singaporeans, with
the option to choose New Zealand citizenship should they so
desire.
My oldest child is almost 18 and is eligible for National Service
(NS). For the past two years, he has studied for his O and A levels
in New Zealand. I felt it was beneficial for him to gain some
international experience and contacts. It was a tremendous boost to
his self-esteem and independence.
However, I was told by the Ministry of Education (MOE) that in
order for him to continue to study there, I would have to pay a
$75,000 cash bond to the Government. As I have four sons, this
would add up to a tidy sum over the next few years.
At a recent walk-about in Boon Lay, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
made a stirring speech in which he encouraged foreign professionals
to put down roots here, marry citizens, contribute to society and
have children. He even mentioned NS.
As the only ang moh in the hall and as I was standing up, filming
the event for the People's Action Party I felt as if he was
addressing his comments to me directly and I was moved and
encouraged by them.
I applied to the Speaker of the House and even wrote to Mr Lee
directly to have the bond requirement waived, but all I received in
response was a regurgitation of the law.
In my case, I cannot see the benefit of this law.
My sons have the option of leaving Singapore forever which is in
nobody's interest or plunging their father further into debt to
fund their studies overseas.
So my 18-year-old decided to return to Singapore and give up the
New Zealand side of his education.
I was further advised by the ministry that his years in New Zealand
do not count in Singapore and that he would have to begin his O
levels again should he wish to continue his education here.
The message this policy sends out to me, and to many others like me
with children of dual nationality, appears to contradict Mr Lee's
message.
