Insightist,
as the others have mentioned already, the poly route is not as bad
as some have thought it to be. I'm from a local polytechnic myself,
despite my O-Level results qualifying me for a good JC. I was
unable to get into the local Unis on the basis of my results not
being in the top 5% (not that I was that keen on local Us) and then
went on to a uni Down Under. I don't think my taking the poly route
has made me a worse person, in fact, it has given me much more in
my field of study as it has given me more hands-on knowledge as
well as getting me into my vocation in NS which has increased my
chance to get hands-on experience on what I've studied.
As for emigration, I spent 4 years in Australia, and immensely
enjoyed my life there (Melbourne). Initially my thoughts were
always with the line that Australia was a stopover, and that I'll
always return to Singapore, work, start a family and grow old.
However the more time I spent there, the more I questioned the
wisdom of that logic, as I found myself disagreeing with more
aspects of life in Singapore (social, economic and political) and
finding out that I increasingly enjoyed life Down Under. I've made
the decision to leave and will certainly apply for PR status once
my work experience is sufficient to qualify me. If anything, I've
regretted not getting a PR before returning to complete my NS, due
to misconceptions about Aussie residency requirements then.
Whether its the path for you, nobody can decide but yourself. But
from what you've typed so far, you and me seem quite alike. We have
specialised interests that do not get much mileage in Singapore,
and would prefer a less hectic, more carefree life that Singapore
neither accepts socially or permits. My advice for you is to make
the decision carefully, as obviously, life there is not suited for
everyone. IMO your best bet would be to spend some time there
(studying?) or to speak with people who have lived, or are living
there for a while. I've been to 3 different Australian cities, as
well as did research and spoke to people who've lived in others.
For me, my choice would be Melbourne, as it offers to me a slower
pace of life, yet one which is not overly slow (a common complaint
with Perth). Melbourne also has a rich cultural and historical
heritage, and is easily the events capital of Australia. In short.
its a modern cosmopolitan city, yet offers enough for people with
all kinds of interests.
My take on the pros and cons of Australia (mostly from my
experiences in Melbourne but mostly applicable elsewhere):
Pros
- Cars/Houses are cheaper
- A friendly, welcoming people (mostly)
- Slower pace of life (how much slower depending on where you
are)
- A much more carefree political and social system (and more
forgiving and tolerant - this one can cut both ways)
- Much more space and places to go on your free time
- 4 seasons (in the case of Melbourne, in one day!)
- Lots of medical and social benefits
- Driving does not significantly increase blood pressure
Cons
- Security not as good as Singapore. but not much worse
- Public transport not as efficient or cheap.
- Not as clean as Singapore (some say not as "sterile" - good or
bad? Your call)
- You're the racial minority (though rarely noticeable)
- Cost of living higher (Melbourne/Sydney especially)
Generally, as a Singaporean who speaks good English, you'll be
almost universally accepted and welcomed there. And you'll have no
trouble integrating. While I was there, I've been mistaken more
than once for a local by the Aussies I've come in contact with (and
no, not because I speak with an Aussie accent but due more to my
command of English). The "racism" issue that rears its head often
in the local press (and in the mind of many Singaporeans) here is
way overblown, the anger at immigrants is by and large directed
towards the economic refugees from the Mid-East and S Asia who
claim political asylum to get in, then refuse to integrate and
become a burden on the state's welfare system
