Leong Sze Hian, with contribution by Ng E Jay
I refer to the report “Over 19,000 job seekers find work through SPUR programme” (CNA, Jul 3).
Since the number of residents approaching CDCs for help in finding jobs has increased by 100 per cent from October last year to April this year, and the number of unemployed as of March is 95,700, why is it that only 27,000 “people are still looking for work”, as the CNA report said?
If we include those who have lost their jobs since March, surely the number of “people still looking for work” must be much higher?
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said last Friday that it is likely we may observe the unemployment rate rise when the second quarter labour statistics are released later this month. He also said that “it is hard to predict if a second wave of retrenchments will come as this depends on the performance of companies beyond July and August”.
How many of the total of 124,500 workers who have signed up for SPUR since its launch last December are unsuccessful job seekers who have not been counted in the unemployment statistics?
It may not be very useful to keep hearing that more and more jobs are available at e2i — 30,000 now, 19,000 in April and 12,668 in February, that matching these jobs to the unemployed is a challenge, and that Singaporeans are choosy, etc.
What we need is a breakdown of the total jobs created into new jobs that were added this month and spillover jobs that have remained in the database, including information as to how long the jobs in the database have remained unfilled and the salary range specified, so that we may know exactly what jobs people are not taking up.
There should also be a clearer indication of what jobs are available now and paying salaries now. For example, I understand that some of the jobs at the two Integrated Resorts may only start paying full salaries when they open at the end of the year or next year.
On the e2i web site, following the link “what jobs are available” – “PMET”- leads to the web sites of 7 Government ministries and agencies.
Does this mean that there are no jobs in the private sector available for PMETs?
——
Hi (50) Charles C of DC,
“Does it mean i become employed or considered being HELPED by CDC if I attend course and also become not part of the unemployment statistics?”
Technically, PAP can tell the whole whole that they have “helped” you to improve your job search, if you accept the offer.If you reject, tey can conclude jobless Singaporeans and “choosy and proud or inflexible” that’s why they are jobless.
Hi (48) creducator,
By credible, I refer to quality, quantity and critical mass.
As you can see, at the current moment, what kind of opposition is available to Singapore? Are they the kind where there can be enough voters to vote for them and make the opposition win an election? In the parliament, there are only two opposition seats (Chiam and Low). They are good but they are only two persons. As for the other opposition like CSJ and some others who do not hld seats, I am sorry but I can only say that while there may be people voting for them, there will not be enough votes to win seats in the parliament. No offence but CSJ is not really focused on wanting to be a real opposition. Did he really do anything to help the citizens of Singapore. More than a few good men are needed if we are talking about bringing real change. The opposition needs to win more seats, if not the GE, to have significance and provide an effective alternative choice of government to Singaporeans. So far, the opposition has nothing much to offer in terms of the quality of its people. More like ‘clowns’ that turn up at a party and provide entertainment.
These are, inter alia, how I felt about the opposition. Till we get all three, I guess it’ll be very difficult to bring about change.
As you wrote, every drop counts. It’s just that not enough drops had been accumulated.
You know why there are many PMETs unemployed?
It’s because many professional jobs are going to foreigners who are cheaper to employ. Just call any call centres, look at the managers of Chomel and Coffeebean.
You don’t need more than a few good men to bring about change.
Even if there are NO oppositions at all, do you seriously think they can carry on FOREVER?
If they screw up the country bad enough, and long enough, do you think they can carry on the charade?
They are already running out of lame excuses and their propaganda medias are increasingly hard put to dish out self-glorifying proof that they are working and doing the right things.
Has Obama once commented well about them?? His silence about SIngapore is louder than anyone’s verbal opinions!
53) Lawrence on July 10th, 2009 11.33 am
The joke of what you have said is that you cannot offer constructive criticism and take a cheap shot at opposition by calling them clowns.
1 finger pointing at others, a few more pointing back at yourself.
Is your perception of CSJ based on press releases or you know him personally?
Hi (55) CJ,
You mentioned that not more than a few good men are needed to bring about change. I am not quite sure to what extent I agree with you though I like to feel and think that way. Are we being idealistic and hoping for a miracle? I think there is a need to be practical and realistic. Do you seriously feel that not more than a few good men are required? Perhaps you have a strong conviction and feel that is the case. Well, if not more than a few good men are required, I think change should already have happened as we have Chiam and Low. Do you mean to say they are not capable enough to bring about change? I am afraid I have not seen any.
Besides, change is also about sustainability. You stated that not more than a few good men are required to bring about change. Let’s dream and assume that one or two persons can bring about the real beneficial change. In the relevant context, let’s assume that the opposition manages to win the GE, how does the opposition form a cabinet and government and continue to bring about real beneficial sustainable change?
Perhaps you are saying that one particular special person can make the difference needed to bring about change. But that person still needs a team of capable people around to assist him.
You mentioned that “Even if there are NO oppositions at all, do you seriously think they can carry on FOREVER?”. My understanding from this statement is that you are not depending on the ruling government to bring about change within itself and that Singaporeans should themselves bring about change. May I know what do you mean specifically? Do you think SIngaporeans should strike and protest to overthrow the ruling government. I am sorry but I am being rational and logical. I cannot forsee the day that real significant change towards to the betterment of Singaporeans’ lives can happen unless there is a capable and credible opposition or the ruling government change within itself.
Your statement “If they screw up the country bad enough, and long enough, do you think they can carry on the charade?” is for anyone’s guess. I hope SIngaporeans can finally vote with their heart and mind instead of either one. If the ruling government screws up in its governance and yet Singaporeans do not vote wisely and continue to let the ruling government hold power, I see no reason why the useless and incapable cannot continue to be in power.
Let us not digress and talk about Obama. Whether he mentions Singapore or not is irrelevant. This is a domestic affair and certainly Singapore do not need and will not want unrelated people to participate and comment.
Hi (56) Allied,
I had mentioned how I felt change could be brought and my reasons for feeling so. I do not see why they are not constructive criticisms.
If you really did read through my posts carefully, you would notice that I am not referring to each and every individual of the opposition. Certainly, some opposition individuals had done a lot for Singapore and they truly deserve our respect.
I must admit that I do not know CSJ personally. My perception of him was based on my reading of the books he written and information about him available through the different forms of media. Regarding what I mentioned about CSJ not really doing “anything to help the citizens of Singapore”, I guess I should explained that instead of constantly holding protests (Tak Boleh Tahan) and so on, why don’t he do something more tangible? For example, he can utilise whatever campaign funds he has and donate rice to the needy people. Isn’t that more tangible and helpful? Change need not be so impactful and shake the whole world. Change can take an incremental step at a time. I feel it is more important to be effective than to be counter-productive.
I must also state that I have no intention to smear the opposition or ruling party with ill repute.
Hi (53) Lawrence,
“In the parliament, there are only two opposition seats (Chiam and Low). They are good but they are only two persons….So far, the opposition has nothing much to offer in terms of the quality of its people. More like ‘clowns’ that turn up at a party and provide entertainment…. Till we get all three, I guess it’ll be very difficult to bring about change.”
Like I have said, by lamenting on how bad the ruling party is or the oppositions are not up to standard, we will go no where but get sucked into the ‘quick sand’. So what should we? Just talk and talk?
If we want change to happen we must have action (as in Newton’s law), no matter how small our actions may be. What type of actions?, you may ask. This forum is a good start , but more need to be done. Perhaps, we can start writing to the ruling party as well as the opposition parties, both individually and as a group, if they don’t read our comments here. If they don’t response, then we will take the next step from there.
I hope we will not become like what Gopalan Nair said about Singaporeans at http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/2009/06/lee-kuan-yews-son-looking-for-niches.html
“Singaporeans now, believe it or not, are unable to think for themselves. 50 years of fear and obedience to this government has finally killed it.
And that I think is the greatest reason this island will fail. The people, even though they are by and large literate in the English language, are not part of the equation in government.”
57) Lawrence on July 11th, 2009 12.21 am
Dear Lawrence,
The problem that Singapreans face, is very much like that of harbouring a bad tooth, which is slowly decaying. Aching mildly at first, and procastinating a dental visit until a real painful and fever inducing infection sets in.
DON’T ever assume, that unrest can never happen here, or any other form of unexpected negative turn of events. It may not happen in the near future, but I can assure you, as the population gets displaced by increasingly more immigrants, these NEW foreign citizens WILL NOT be as docile.
Mark my words, as did many who have marked my words about MJ’s passing.
You may think my mention of MJ is irrelevant, but do think deeper.
Not everything in a human’s life the existence of the human race, is governed by your familiar rational & logic.
wow , singaporeans got to compete with foreigners and at the same time , many able-bodied men have to give-balls to the competitors by spending 2 years of their time.
while it is great to have the chance to serve, the fact remains about the competition (age, labor cost, cost of living, time etc) the singaporean have to face in such an environment we have ACCEPTED.
injoy more good good.
mr goh of ct scan
Hi (59) creducator,
Thanks for your comments. They are thoughtful and rational.
Hi (60) CJ,
I am not assuming that unrest can never happen. On the contrary, I believe it’s prudent to never take things for grant and allow complacency to get the better of us.
That said, I feel that there can be and there are other avenues that offer a better solution to the problem facing Singaporeans now. If those avenues can be turned to effectively, why is there a need to turn to violence and unrest. I feel that would not be in the best interests of Singaporeans. Also, I do not feel that it is absolutely necessary to go to such an extent. You mentioned about immigrants who will not be as docile compared to local ‘born and bred’ Singaporeans. Do you mean to say that the unrest mentioned by you would be caused by the new citizens? If so, why do you think so?
I am sorry, I had only recently started to post about this article, would you mind explaining to me about what you had said about MJ’s passing? I am afraid that I am unable to comment about the relevance of MJ’s passing to this issue before your explanation.
I agree that nothing is definite, rational and logical. However, I cannot understand why would someone prefer unrest and irrationality where there is clearly a better way of solving things.
63) Lawrence on July 11th, 2009 3.47 pm
Dear Lawrence,
I think, no amount of elaboration can help you better understand what I’ve said, apart from allowing time to illustrate my points.
I am not for unrests or violence, neither am I advocating it.
But what avenues are there in solving what MANY wants changed when all possible avenues have been well blocked in advance?
Those who recognized this condition have flown the coop – and many are still flying the coop.
IF singaporeans want C H A N G E,
then, I ask that all of us like minded synergise and give it a shot
rather than wait any longer. relying on pockets of people here and there like some opposition members here and there would not work. We need to form something new. Some thing that is REVOLUTIONARY. Some thing that will be regarded by all as REAL CHANGE and not just any how change But the CHANGE THAT WE WANT.
We have seen how a dis-united opposition can lead to nowhere.
We need a UNITED front to bring change that we want.
To me, its Now or never.
In the name of PATRIOTISM and PROGRESS.
Majulah! More Good Years!
Hi (64) CJ,
Thanks for your comments.
I can understand your frustration and agony. But I still feel that we should not resort to unrest and violence even when all possible avenues have been well blocked out in advance. To illustrate my point, the struggle that India went through was much worse than the situation facing Singapore now. However, Ghandi did not resort to violence or unrest in order to achieve his objective to bring change to his people.
I am afraid that I am only one person and therefore am limited in my ability to offer an effective avenue where change can be brought about. But I am sure that something can be done.
I feel it doesn’t really matter whether it is the opposition or the PAP. What matters is whether they are really doing what’s best for Singaporeans. I am not an extremist. I am being objective.
Ultimately, what we want is real change which is beneficial and sustainable to Singaporeans.
Yes, it is sad that many citizens had left Singapore due to the loss of faith and trust in the government.
Hi score point, lawrence & those who want to see changes,
Questions we have to as ourselves are:
Do I want to be a change agent?
Do I want to be part of the change team?
Do I dare to speak my mind unmasked?
If our answers are “yes”, then change can be possible. Then perhaps, someone can start to create a facebook group for the “Change Advocators”. If there is unity, there will be strength.
So Lawrence, you are not alone. :)
44) Lawrence
////It is interesting to see so many people here complaining and criticising about the Singapore government and its governance.
I am not sure if it is entirely reflective of the overall sentiments of Singaporeans as if indeed it is so, it is a puzzle how the Singapore government can be in power and claim to hold the mandate of Singaporeans.//////
I have posted this before, but I hought this may shed some light on your question of how reflective of the overall sentiments of Singaporeans are the views posted here at TOC
Allow me to share this perspective of the TOC community
Based on the TOC’s most popular post with 19,423 post
Assuming none of the 19,423 are repeat views from same people (which is unlikely)
If we can assume this number represents the TOC’s virtual population.
This number will works out to be 0.5% of the population of Singapore of 4 million people.
The reamining 99.5% are not in TOC perhaps for the following non exhaustive list of reason.
1. Those who are illiterate
2. Those who do not read/write English
3. Those who are literate in English but are IT illiterate
4. Those who are literate in English and IT literate but unaware of such on-line community sites as TOC
5. Those who are literate in English and IT literate, aware of the site, but do not wish to be part of the on-line community
6.Those who are literate in English and IT literate aware of the site, but do not wish to be part of the on-line community as the do not support the general views of TOC community
Another point is the about the number of Singaporeans who “flew the coop” if I may be allowed to borrow the terms used by a poster here. I am interested to know what is the actual numbers.
I noticed there are quiet a number of regular posters here who are the “flew the coop” category.
Quite a few poaters are currently without a job but presumbly still in SG. And these may also soon “flew the coop”
I would think it is only natural that these people will harbour opinion and sentiments of complaints and criticism that are skewed towards anti establishment, otherwise they would not have “flew the coop”.
They must have felt they got a raw deal here.
So much is this reflective of the sentiment of entire population?
0.5% ?
Wayang kings at work.
These people are smart, they know one simple theory…
“If you can’t beat them, join them!”
There is a new theory in the making for PaPee’s followers..
“Just be obedient and you will be taken care of!”
67) creducator on July 12th, 2009 5.45 pm
‘Questions we have to as ourselves are:
Do I want to be a change agent?
Do I want to be part of the change team? ‘
Many mistake that unless you take to the streets and get arrested , you are not helping the process.
To me, I feel and urge those who , due to whatever reasons like job security , retirement or career progression or business, dare not voice up do so by way of reading and or posting comments here in TOC to help clarify for people what they need to know and or debate with those with ulterior motives from which they derive their prosperity .
All can contribute to the Process. Its certainly worth the effort.
In the name of Righteousness. Justice. Equality. Progress. Transparency.
ST says recession over / solved? http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_402795.html
if now is tough, what will happens to the next generation of locals, those in Pri sh, sec sch kids, especially those border line result one, not so academic incline, what will they be working as????
slaves
It was reported in the MSM that the number of people seeking help has reduced and attributed it to the success of their program. I was wondering that with the unprecedented unemployment rate currently; if the program is effective, surely more people would come forward instead of less. I suspect it is more of a case of failure than success.
Since FT and PRs have taken my job, potential jobs, and my country…..I have come across a job opening: http://forums.vr-zone.com/newsroom/385370-hong-kong-produce-worlds-first-3d-sex-movie.html
Beware Singapore Brothers, I may be a few cm from all of you soon……
I was told some people go to the extent of cutting their pay by 50% & stil cannot land a job. Why is this so? You mean the FTs pay are really so low?
To Mr.David-
Will Singapore can survive without foreign talent, or what so ever you mention “3 World Farmer? I don’t think so. I am not saying Singaporeans are not talented but you can’t refute foreign talents as well. Singapore’ 1/3 workforce is covered or over-whelmed by foreign talents. No matter where they come from, even from the 4th world or 5th world, it doesn’t mean they don’t have talents or skills. You are degrading too much to other nations, by reading your comments, your attitude is so little standard as well as the perspective towards others nations with unfortunate political situations. Please think twice before you say filthy words or humiliating things to others.
Has anyone commented that hiring managers are age-sensitive? I have been to interviews whereby the managers ask me directly whether I would mind working with a younger manager? What does this tell you? Do these managers realised that age is something everybody will hit, and one fine day they will encounter being on the other side of the interview chair!
Once you are over 40, you are supposed to be dead, not out looking for a job. If you are looking and got retrenched, must be your fault, you are non-performer; full-stop!
Declare a operation for a torn ligament (does torn knee ligament makes you a medical risk?) and they deem you unhealthy. What about surgery for wisdom teeth? Ah-ha, everybody assumes it is part and parcel of life and did not even stop to think that wisdom teeth extraction is usually perform under surgery and deem as a surgery! How does a torn knee ligament from a bad fall/sports etc restrict your area of work if you need to sit mostly all day? Granted you cannot climb/or have difficulty climbing upstairs, but so would most people when they reach a certain age
Managers are getting younger coz of a beautiful degree and parents who can literally sent their child to some some foreign U to get some some (maybe not well-recognised degree). They then deem you a threat simply coz your resume of 20yrs of working experience is worth more than their experiences? Why do well-experienced/qualified persons had to re-start their salary just coz of economy problems? This all had to do with mind-set of employers not employees. For the same amount of work and responsibilities, the newly hire 40-overs person find himself/herself being pay in the same range of a 20-overs employee with lesser experience!
Even when you are willing to take such a “pay-cut” coz its more impt to keep bread on the table than to stare at bread in some vendor’s window, the hiring managers still may deem you “un-teacher” or may “revolt” coz you probably know all the tricks about performance review etc
Have anybody study performance review at all? I used to work in an US company with CHINESE culture. The email from HR state CLEARLY guidelines and performance being tie to increment or extra bonus. Eg if you get 70-100 then you get 10% increment, 50-69: 6% etc. Yet the director of that particular department miscalculated his budget (or used up his budget to buy new servers) than he re-adjusts this percentage. Eg I got 60/100 so I should get 6%. If my present salary is SGD3000, than my increment will be SGD180, yet the actual increment maybe “accidentally” reduced to SGD120 without any explanation whatsoever. In this sense, after 2 years of being “play-out” by this illogical deduction, I got really sicked of being in that company! How is performance being tied to increment when you have a person making illogical decisions regards the increment despite the HR guidelines? When I actually ask my manager abt it, he replied “Its a guideline, so managers can adjust this figure” Does this mean I got lousy performance or still good performance??? It makes you confused and sad to realised that since increment is a number, if that HOD makes a fool mistake of asking for budget, and he don’t like you (coz you are always asking questions that strips his colours and exposes him for the coward that he is), thus you get “reduced” increment
When I checked with the HR, they reply that the percent is fixed to the performance marks. When I took my salary slip and talked to the regional HR manager, her answer was the same and that I should get 6%. But if HOD deems that it is too high and wants to adjust, he can do so at his discretion. When I asked how is this going to reflect based on my performance, she replied that performance is not affected by increment, increment is affected by performance. So if I had 7/10 for performance I still get 7/10, whatever adjustments the HR leaves it to HOD.
SO after working for lousy 25yr, I decided to do my own stuff. I have been doing forex trading since I left the “corporate” world in Aug/2008 and I have never look back. Within 6 months (from Apr2009 to Oct20009) (ahh…I was still out looking for a new job from Aug2008-Apr2009), my initial investment of USD5000 has turned into 6-digit account of USD130,000. I also promote the free web trading platform and earns a commission from the broker
In dec 2009, I finally had the “funds” to buy a new PC, PC table (the old one was 2000/19997), a new bed+10-inches King Koil top-of-line pocketed spring mattress (my old bed+mattress was 1998).
Those interested to find out how I survive 2 years with enough money for my family, PUB, myself etc I can sent jpeg of my Live account statements and let you know more about web trading. This is NOT MLM or some cheap-skate b***-s***. It is no obligation and FREE. If you don’t sign up you don’t lose anything. If you sign up you DON’T pay anything to me!!!
Perks:
1) I have a personal manager assigned to me by UOB
2) I have no boss, no alarm clocks, no bitchy, back-stabbing colleagues
3) No need to rush for transport
4) No need to face another lousy interviewer EVER!
5) Can work till I decide when to stop. Over 40s, I am about as old as Singapore. No issues at all. At least there is no need to have a nice looking knee in order to trade
e2i is very lousy like to blacklist people one