Dharmendra Yadav / Guest Writer
Get a good education, work hard, save money, get married, own homes, make babies, retire and enjoy the fruits of your labour – this was once the Singapore Dream.
In the last 5 years, I know of several friends who have left Singapore because that Singapore Dream, which was once achievable, is now more distant.
A majority of these friends who have left are married.
To some, the decision was very clear and no-brainer. There was a better quality of life waiting for them beyond the Singapore shores even though it came at the expense of higher taxes.
Some thought long and hard before making this decision. At least one of them even purchased a property in Singapore and was thinking of having children here. But the more they contemplated, the more they got sucked into the rat race and realised that this was a life they did not wish to lead.
Life, to them, is not about stashing away more and more money in their bank accounts but about leading a contented life. And, since they left, they have not regretted making that decision.
Another group of these friends are single and homosexual. They feel strongly, for various reasons, that they cannot live a life of dignity in Singapore. Legislation such as Section 377A of the Penal Code also impedes them from being themselves.
They are now happily settled elsewhere, either still single or attached by civil partnerships to other males. Most enjoy a standard of living higher than they would have in Singapore. One friend has even adopted a new identity in the interest of his family, who remain in Singapore.
Of course, there are another group of friends who have left simply because they can make more money elsewhere. To them, a personal priority is to save as much as they can early in life so that, later in life, they can retire blissfully.
Some years ago, at a Singapore International Foundation event for foreign undergraduates, I asked the then Minister for Law & Foreign Affairs, Professor S Jayakumar, about this trend.
He basically made statements to the following effect. There is nothing or little the Government can do to change the minds of those leaving Singapore, and that Singapore should continue to focus its efforts on attracting foreign talent.
This was at a time when the Singapore Government was dishing out scholarships to foreign students and citizenships to foreign sportsmen. We would only realise much later that some of these sportsmen would flee the country as soon as they had accumulated their bounty!
Thankfully, S Jayakumar‘s view has not been a view shared by the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who has set up the Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) in the Prime Minister’s Office and made it the direct agenda of his office to reconnect Singapore with Singaporeans who have left.
How well the OSU will do remains unclear, especially in light of more developments, which are encouraging or enabling more Singaporeans to leave Singapore.
Since stepping down as Prime Minister, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has gone on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East to promote Singapore and Singaporean talent.
This has created new opportunities for some, like an uncle of mine, who after reaching their mid-40s, faced great difficulty finding jobs here. These experienced persons are now being talent-spotted for work in the Middle East in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
Another Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lim Boon Heng, is pushing for more people to work beyond the retirement age and lobbied very hard for legislation to make employers offer re-employment to those above 62 years old.
My folks and I do not buy this idea that one has to work for life or beyond the retirement age. There is so much more to do in life after retirement.
Like some of those who have left, they are thinking of liquidating some of their assets to purchase a retirement home in Thailand or India where the cost of living is comparatively cheaper.
I also know of many older friends who have purchased homes in Penang and Malacca in Malaysia or moved to Australia or New Zealand, because that is where they wish to eventually retire.
Today, the Singapore Dream has changed: get a good education, work hard, save money, get married, own homes, make babies, retire and then keep on working.
As a result, many more find themselves abandoning the Singapore Dream and fleeing this city of possibilities.
*The writer is training to be a trial lawyer. He blogs at www.thinkhappiness.blogspot.com
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I dreamt that future children suffer more than current generation who already are very stressed.
I really do not want my children to suffer in an extremely globalised competitive environment. Life if more than $ and Cents , numbers on a piece of paper.
Life is to be enjoyed.
Childhood is to be enjoyed.
Poor thing. Pathetic souls.
There is no chance of change foreseen but for more intense stress and competition and more influx coming in everyday.
“As in the case of great cities, people go and come. Some like the hustle and bustle, some prefer the tranquility and slow pace of the countryside. So much for the proverbial one man’s meat being another poison.”
In the context of our country, you may calibrate to have a population of 2million so that we have the more freer physical & social space to have an easy & tranquil lifestyle. Of course, certain high standard of education with the right faculty mix + entrepreneurship spirit must also be there for value addition work to happen.
This will lead to lesser people to compete for whatever resources within the country spreading the benefits to wider sector of the population if regulated properly.
Of you may delibrately cramp the country with 6million or 8million people or 10millions people competing fiercefully for whatever limited resources there are in a small country. Imagine the potential absolute number of those who cannot make it.
I agree with Kennedy and I think the proposition of a congested city is a scary one.
Singapore is a unique proposition facing unprecedented challenges. I dont envy policymakers. It is a concrete edifice that has to keep going because the other route means certain ignominy in the hands of our neighbours.
All we can do is to shrug and plod on. And yes, the only solution for this place to keep buzzing is to attract foreign talent. We Singaporeans can hardly be counted to stay if we had a choice. Its quite straightfoward really.
why should i migrate? the people running this government should. ASAP.
even though my family belongs to the legion of millionaires in singapore..
and we can enjoy our desired lifestyle without problem in singapore…
but I would not hesitate to pack up and leave this place for Taiwan or Australia.
The problem is my folks (in their 60s) are more attached to this country as they have grown up here all their lives and have grown accustom to living here.
But for me, there was no turning back when I went overseas for my studies and subsequently went for long trips overseas. My desire now is to have another country’s PR and buy a home and stay there……Singapore to me now is a place to transit… to enjoy short stays..
Sadly, I cannot bear to uproot as I feel I have duty and obligation to spend time with my folks here since they are getting old. The only luxury is that I try to go on 1-2wks holidays every few months… to places I liked and half of it with my parents.
I hope my next generation will enjoy a more fulfilled life than me.
57) legion of millionaires on September 27th, 2008 2.13 am
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Even though about 1 thousand singapore citizens terminate their citizenship willingly, I think these are the rare few out of those who have considered migrating who could make up this decision. Many have paper qualfications and work experience and credentials that qualify them as new citizens of say Australia or USA or Canada or TW. But of all these, I think only a handful is strong enough mentally to actually make the decision. Look at our lovely new citizens, they also made the tough decision to live in a place that appears nicer than their motherland.
Thus, please let us remind ourselves that more want to migrate than those who actually made it.
Hop Pinkie, the kangaroo
Migration involves great sacrifices – monetary, family, friends, uprooting.
Weigh the costs and benefits : is it worthwhile? To many it may be just a dream. The bar for entry to most developed countries is being raised every year. For those who are able and have made up their minds after doing the due diligence, then by all means, chase your dreams. The world is your oyster.
Is it the system?
Due to the system, I see that some/alot of us are not able to choose the right MP to represent us in the parliament. Rather, I see these MPs as being “assigned” to represent us. How on earth are they going to be our loud hailer then?
It has been awhile since I last wrote a comment in TOC. After all these discussions on the overpopulated red dot, the reaction from our G had been rather clear. How about the bus / mrt fare hike after a long week of campaign? Is thing getting worse?
For example, on the streets, these days, there are more and more buses equipped with disabled facilities. This is good but on the other hand I feel that I am standing more often. This is even true even though the bus is not full. What angered me most is when during peak hour. I couldn’t imagine half of the people in the bus are standing. Does this show a dip in the service to the people? Are the resources distributed appropriately? I really hope that the providers are not using the disable people as a shield to make money.
Is there any reaction from our G? Are they listening?
So, is single party system benefiting the people?
Seriously, if there is no solution to the current system, to immigrate or migrate is a clear good option to vote the party out. (hehe, with my family, we would not flee but to leave or walk out with pride, if opportunity arises)
I think those who migrate out of singapore are actually supporting a particular party as in their anti votes can no longer be used.
about a thousand of these votes are gone each year.
Time to lobby abroad then. If they are still citizens, it is a huge voting pool to be tapped.
Living or even just staying for a short time in a foreign country, can often result in severe cases of ‘culture shock’. As a person that has been living out of their ‘cultural comfort zone’ for a number of years, I am not immune. However, it does not matter whether I agree or disagree with a particular country’s policies, laws, sentences or customs. The onus is on me, as the foreigner, to respect and adhere to the country’s way of life, regardless of the driving forces – religion, race, tradition or any others.
geovani
social marketing
As someone who has lived overseas for more than a decade, I can say that right
now, I wish I can come back to work in Singapore.
The grass are taller in some areas of the other side, the space bigger; but so is that nagging feeling that you don’t belong there. Its not likeI encounter violence everyday because I speak from somewhere else and have a different skin color from somewhere else. But can I call it the glass ceiling? The best are saved for their own, foreign countries need migrants as Singapore needs migrants, workers that is.
Forget patriotism, I find sustenance in my kin who are mainly in Singapore, I retrace my sense of belonging in old flats and shophouses. Of course, I wouldnt mind living in a condominium but I can’t afford it yet. Just as I can’t settle on the wage I can expect working in Singapore. Maybe my attitude will change.
People migrate, but sometimes they come back.
reality bites,
which place are you staying in ?
geovani,
which place are you staying in ?
> My folks and I do not buy this idea that one has to work for life or beyond the
> retirement age. There is so much more to do in life after retirement.
This is exactly what the state is using to justify itself to be a nanny, the emphasis on economic growth, the influx of foreign workers, and the political landlock we see.
Agree with almost all, esp on inability to seek justice from the courts.
The problem is that those of no use to the ruling clique are treated like dirt & source to pay for their exorbitant salaries for failed policies – re Temasek & GIC’s massive losses; SARS etc.
It’s a plunder and suppress policy.
Leave while u can.
Guys, I believe everyone has the right to choose. Living in any country is just as difficult. I think you should be more proactive in your approaches and do more for yourself. Singapore is a hard place to live in if you are poor and without skills. But I guess it is the same anywhere in the work. no doubt you get social security in other countries, many end up paying more taxes than in Singapore.
What we should do is to le our voice be heard before the next election. Did anyone try to tell the government about our plight. If you have tried, we as citizens has the duty to tell them and propose something feasible there will substain in the long round. This will give our government the confidence that his” children” has finally grown up and able to make decisions on their own.
One way to let yourself be hear . Everyone please blog more and write more to the forum page. Althought it may not get publish, We can publish online. Make sure that each time we complains about something, we share with the government what we want and why our ideas and plans are better and more feasible than their. For those of you who are overseas, please tell the government that other countries have better systems and we need to improvise our system. Tell them what makes the other countries better.
Reality bites, I am afraid your memories of classic old flats & nolstalgic shophouses are becoming just memories over here. There’s construction work island-wide. The lovely scenary with the fountain & comforting shops at Clementi MRT station is no more. The whole place is being reconstructed. The whole scene here now is as though you started a Command & Conquer game with lotsa credits, & you build & construct buildings like there’s no tomorrow.
Public transport is now crowded even during off-peak hours. You won’t wanna see what it’s like during peak hours.
Almost everywhere in Singapore is overrun with throngs of less-than-welcome, unsanitary species of foreign workers too.
(47)Patriot
I agree with your comments. I have been residing in California for many years. My visits are on transit to see my old folks at home. You will be surprise to see so many Singaporean kids are studying all over the States, some are planning to stay for good. Why the Ministers are sending their children overseas to study instead?
During my visits, I feel like I am in a foreign country, not like Singapore anymore. Everywhere I travel I see so many foreigners around e.g MRT, buses, shopping malls, coffee shops…..etc. and the public places are mostly crowded. The cost of living is getting higher each time when I return for a visit. I enjoy travelling in Malaysia.
I can afford to travel extensively all over the States, even to Canada. This call exposure.
Dear Oversea Singaporean(CA);
it is comforting that You share my observation and posted here, in/to support, thank You !
I am self sufficient and do not require much in life from here on, as one near sixty year old, like those born in the 20s and 30s, I have had a life of plenties, plenty of space, plenty of camaraderies/loves, plenty of foods (land/marine produces- fruits/vegetables, poultries, pork, mutton, chicken/ducks, fishes, shells, squids etc etc; too many to list all). Much were fresh local harvests everyday)
The Colonial British Ruler then was efficient and most importantly humane resulted in people in China, India and elsewhere risking their live to seek fortunes here. My father, liked many others stayed and made Singapore his home, in fact he did not even return to China for any visit after that.
Singaporeans born after the 70s missed the opportunity to sample what real human relationship was liked. From the 80s onward, Public Relation replaced natural social and human relations, public relation practices became the tool of businessmen, commercial houses and the Rulers. People relationships became cordial, pleasant, diplomatic; everything nice except sincere. The niceties were all for exchanges of business(read money), power, fame and adulation. Today in Singapore, most things are artificial, including smiles.
It is very true that today, Singaporeans are not starved to death due to poverty, on the contrary, many Singaporeans suffer health problems due to too much consumption. Junk foods, health foods(health supplements), frozen foods, alcohols and sex(teenage indulgence/nationwide availability of sex operators) do not make the people healthier and happier. Instead, they caused overcrowding at hospitals, clinics and drive up their fees.
VEry soon, VERy soon, VERY SOon, VERY SOON we will be out of spaces in housing, hospitals, food centres, public transports, running short of time and frus(trated) to death over livings in SIN.
“When you have an efficient government, you have a dictatorship.” — Harry Truman
“A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” — Edward Abbey
These two quotes sums up exactly what is happening and what is lacking in Singapore.
The only way to change things now is for the people to rise up and take back this country. The government’s purpose is to serve the best interest of the people….not the other way around!!
We need a revolution. They can throw one man in prison but they can’t do that to 10,000.
Agreed. If only Singaporeans are willing to stand up and fight…then the PAP would be scared.
Audrey, Aye Aye!
Our opposition cannot make it.
Have to repeat my point again…
If they can’t even show leadership for micro-level issues (like Lehman minibonds saga), how on earth do you expect them to lead at the macro-level.
OPPOSITION.. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS:-
ASK NOT FOR US TO VOTE YOU IN TO SHOW RESULTS..
INSTEAD..SHOW RESULTS AND ASKED FOR US TO VOTE YOU IN
62) Loyola on September 28th, 2008 1.05 am
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74) rebel peasant on September 29th, 2008 3.43 pm
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Those who migrated chose to let the rest continue with the dream….z …z ..z…z
Tp be bluntly honest, while Opposition has the ambition to provide alternative voice, they are effectively not as effective as what I expect an opposition party to be. Compare any other democracies the way their opposition operates and you will see how unique singapore opposition really is – An Activist group that is non-politically registered is able to voice more for the people faster and more effective.
I wonder why people decide to leave. Moving house is tough. Moving to another country is 10 times tougher. Yet …
77) Pragmatism Extremist on September 29th, 2008 6.40 pm
“Compare any other democracies the way their opposition operates and you will see how unique singapore opposition really is”
What are you trying to suggest. Everyone here knows all too well that there is some fine line to take. I feel that a lot of us are just waiting patiently buying for time.
“An Activist group that is non-politically registered is able to voice more for the people faster and more effective. ”
While this is good to nudge people into certain direction. Ultimately, this must be converted into parliamentary points (being elected in for the opposition) so that it may result in real policy changes.
Of else, the incumbent will play their famous layang with you. Let go a little bit when the situation dictates and pull back more when you let go a little of your sight. To them, it has become an art because we have allowed them to pratise it so often all these donkey years.
“Today in Singapore, most things are artificial, including smiles.”
patriot, you captured the ground sentiments rather well. :)
corporate rule has white washed relationships. we have plenty , but the superficial nature of relationship will not hold the people together. the result is a new generation with feeble attachment to their mother land or to each other. well, there will always be some exceptions to the rule, but in general, i don’t see how this ‘high standard of living’ imposed on all of us will gel society.
to each his own unless, i am paid like my leaders than i will serve with a smile :)
75) isa on September 29th, 2008 4.56 pm Audrey, Aye Aye!
OPPOSITION.. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS:-
ASK NOT FOR US TO VOTE YOU IN TO SHOW RESULTS..
INSTEAD..SHOW RESULTS AND ASKED FOR US TO VOTE YOU IN
When we decide to vote for oppositions is not whether they are better than the ruling party, just to have additional voices to make sure that the governing system is in proper order. Whether the oppositions can proof their worth, only time will tell. At the present situation, do you think a chef can produce a list of good receipes when all their cooking utencils are taken away from their kitchen? Think!
Pragmatist Extremist (76)
“I wonder why people decide to leave. Moving house is tough. Moving to another country is 10 times tougher. Yet …”
Why do people leave? Because they can. Because they can pursue their dreams elsewhere.
Because they are Singaporean, and ironically have the cosmopolitan skillset to live abroad. It’s not that hard to fit in abroad if you are still young, and not a victim of a fixed mindset.
Hi sotongball;
thanks for the complement.
Indeed the implications You mentioned are very real and cutely, Public Relations is an ‘educational/professional’ study at tertiary level ?
patriot
Patriot,
Yes, under Communication Studies.
Hi Loyola;
How are You?
Thank You very much for enlightening me, much appreciated.
The Subject(Public Relation), must and should be taught with great emphases on conscience and propriety, otherwise graduates in this Discipline will practise it with false fronts without sincerities in their relationships with others.
Professionalism is only honourable and respectable when practise with sincerity and integrity.
patriot
Good day! conjugated linoleic acid cla
Recently one of my friends started an obsession with the actor Nicholas Cage (mostly because their names are both Nicholas – sounds strange but he is strange and that isn’t the point). After asking around the rest of my friends he seems to be a very controversial figure.
What does the forum think? do you love the all action superhero? Or do you hate the droning voice of the man who does nothing but action shooters?
How many times you eat during a normal … every day life?
are you the type of person who eats a bit and often?
or rarely and too much?
i usually have 3 and i’m the 2nd type of person (though it’s not that healthy)
8 am breakfast
3pm lunch
9pm a snack.
i don’t really like the idea of leaving the place of my birth. Hey, it should be the system that need to be changed to suit us. There is too much rust in the old system, need to get a new one.
Low Tax. There’s been lot of talk about our Low Tax. But which tax? May be most of them refer to Income Tax. But one has to look beyond just Income Tax. For example,
Car Tax: the cost of vehicles will be subject to tax of more than 100% upon reaching our shore. Add in the COE which may hit 50% of the cost. Pay a Road Tax annually, and pay ERP which is more or less a road usage tax if you drive daily.
Retirement Tax: you get a 34% cut to your monthly pay to be deposited into your CPF accounts. But you cant touch the entirety of that accumulated amount even when you retire. Plus, you pay administrative charges when you need to use part of it, like Medisave.
Consumption Tax: When you eat, drink, entertain, shop and move about, you pay 7% GST. Even your tertiary education fees has to be taxed 7% be it paid by CPF or bank loan, and the government will not give you a loan if you cant afford it.
And on a yearly basis, there is Property Tax, even if your property is fully paid up or depreciating. Oh, and that TV Tax so that you are licensed to watch re-run of age old HK movies. Dont even think of evading this if you subscribe to Cable TV.
Hey, dont forget that Taxi Tax. I mean the various surcharges.
I shared many of the sentiments and statements made above by fellow bloggers. I voted with my feet after graduation and had no regret at all. My children had graduated from Oxford and the youngest just started uni. Life outside Sinkapore is far more superior and even better still my son do NOT have to do NS. I offen wander when I was in NS who I was supposed to defence? Even as a reservist, I had to obtain an exit permit to leave the country and each year I had to renew it. This goes on for many years and finally I decided to take up UK citizenship as it was getting troublesome when I was travelling with my childrenduring holiday. They were UK born. Sadly I made the mistake of travelling to Sinkapore using my UK passport and that was when I received a letter from the SinKapore immigration Authority to give up my UK citizenship but you guessed right which one I give up. SinKapore had lost many of its citizen because we have a ruling regime that behave as if they own us and the country. They do and take what they like with no regards for any of us. Legalised coruption and nepotism is openly prastised. If any of us dare to speak publicly, without fail we will end up in court and put away. It is a society living in fear and for our fellow blogger information especially those who may wish to travel to SinKapore to see parent & relative, there is a secret file being kept on those who had stayed outside Sinkapore for any lenght of time. There is little we could do about it but just beware. Do not make it easy for them to control us with threat of prosecution etc. PAP sees us as potential enemies to be controlled.
if Singapore has to go abroad to attract talent , then questions should be asked as to the effectiveness of the Singapore education system . Which in that case is not producing the right people for Singapore’s needs .