Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by clara Hi! Great Site. First time. Some great insights. Like Kaffein who asked whether we are corporatizing Singapore Inc. Also like the comment by the DG of the FILB (sounds like a mouthful?) who questioned the economic value of training FT as NS men. Never saw it from that angle. Good point. Personally, I dont have problems with FTs> generally. I feel Malaysians are fine. Followed by Indo’s. They integrate within months, but those from PRC can be here for 10 years but they are still applying for green cards for the US Embassy. Just a quikie, but what has happened to the brotherhood? They seem to have just gone of a blink!!!!!!! My two cents Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by Aiyah, aiyoh, alamak, why like that “Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: How much do you want? Do you want three meals in a hawker centre, food court or restaurant?” For those who do not have it, just a decent job offering the much needed three meals a day (perhaps from hawker centre near the work place but not food court or restaurant) plus being able to pay off necessary basic utilities & services already dominated by GLCs having the shield of profit protection while the former do not even have the protection of minimum wage. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by opssie Maybe it is not so good to keep harping on how different or how much we have lost to them. I know a few FT’s where I work. I think they have it tough, very tough. They way they have to do all the donkey work. They cannot even complain. If they do their EP gets hacked off. It is easy to cut people off. Harder I think to understand and respect them and give them a fair run. I will do the latter any day only bc I used to be a FT in Oz for nearly 10 years. I know how tough it is. When shit happens to you. You dont even want it to happen to others. Dont even need to know them. That is how we humans are hardwired. Nothing to even do with Singapore or even Nigeria or Mongolia. That is what it means to be a human. Cutting off people on a whimp and fancy says alot abt who you are and what you stand for as a person. It reflects on you. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by patriot “At least a hooker gets paid. Yet my government gives out money to them.” Unquote. From the Above Quote, I get the impression that our government patronises hookers. But I do feel that my leaders are the seducers that pay those they(leaders) managed to get their(hookers) services. Ah; what the heck! What’s the difference? The Patrons of prostitutes are at least willing to pay for services rendered. What if they rape to satisfy themselves? The Sins would have been greater! patriot Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by Y2K Hello, May I just say this is a very thought provoking article. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the new Director General of the Free Internet Library Board (FILB) based in Primus. Please visit our site if we you have the time. http://dotseng.wordpress.com/ My take is simply this. It will be uphill to bridge “the us against them” divide, if we just cling to our preconceived notions of what constitutes a patriot. For one, I don’t really see the point of Mindef spending money, opportunity cost and resources training FT’s to fight. Not when they are over 30 and their loyalty is still very much in question. I do for example believe. Their children should serve. I also believe there should be more ways for FT’s to prove their worth and loyalty to Singapore from civil or community volunteer work – this is one area I feel needs to be looked into by our policy makers a grass root level. However, I don’t see the value of policy makers sending out cross and mixed messages about FT’s when they deploy statements like “foreigners are not…” and “we know best….” Neither do I see how it is possible for FT’s to migrate mentally to buy into the idea of belonging if all they seem to do is knot in their own communities and refashion a home away from home. My point is there is a need to strike a balance. What I believe is sorely lacking is a holistic policy that effectively integrates FT’s into our society. For that to really take off, we may need to seek out and if possible build on similarities, instead of magnifying our differences first. This regrettably is one area your excellent did not explore. Nonetheless, a most interesting article and thank you very much for sharing. Reg Y2K Comment on Comeback of the Day by Bear Bear *rubs nipples* with tongue half out. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by Kaffein When I was reading this article, the first word came to mind: Prostitute. I don’t know. Not wanting to sound crude, but don’t you think Singapore is a bit tad too desperate at getting FTs? And worse, throwing money and citizenship at them to entice them? At least a hooker gets paid. Yet my government gives out money to them. Again I want to stress: I’m all for FTs and imports. Only when the job/task cannot be filled by locals. I’m very very sure there are local athletes who want to be part of the Olympic team representing Singapore but can’t get in because Xiao Qiang was sponsored by government and brought in. Is this national pride? Does it come to a stage where the highest salary will draw the best atheletes? Isn’t it like the English Premier League? But the difference is that IS a football club with stakeholders. It’s all about money and success. However this IS a country, with common folks and citizens. The country citizenship can’t be bought (or given as in this matter) at the highest price available. Can it? So where does all this stop at? More athletes from other countries? Isn’t it running like a corporation now? It feels so cold and clinical. No wonder the atmosphere is driving her own citizens in droves to other countries. Kaffein Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by BABE Rachel Your Tom, Muthu and Xiao Qiang is so funny …..kekekeke However, I agreed with cobaltpaladin. The government need to stir interest in the sports scene. So that the parents of future local bred sport talent know that sports can be promising career. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by Xtralicious CP:Yes, America is indeed an attractive playing level for the creme de la crop. And that is the main difference between them and us. And that’s the one of the main points here - that we should value the creme de la crop. Yes, you are right, a great part of the screening process should have been done by the employers. As for the win, I still stand by the belief that the means is as important, if not more important than the end. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by cobaltpaladin My thoughts on whether winning an olympics medal important or not. Unfortunately, I think it is. Remember football? When Singapore was playing in the Malaysia Football league, so many more fans were interested in the Singapore soccer scene. Now that Singapore has its own league, the level of interest in the local soccer scene plummeted. Similarly, if Singapore does not perform well in any International sports, the interests in sports by Singaporeans will also wane. So much so that parents have not allowed the local born sports talents to pursue a sporting career. They want their children to join the paperchase instead. This was revealed by Choo Wee Khiang, the immediate past president of Singapore Table Tennis Association, in the last Sunday Times. To kick start our sports scene and renew interests and faith of the parents of local talents, we need to bring more attention to the sports. How else to do it but by winning medals? Before winning any medals, Singaporeans were unfeeling. After winning medals, at least some Singaporeans were tooting about the win. This is at least better than the previous emotion of nonchalance by all Singaporeans. At least now there is interest in sports again. Look at the local sports talents in the Singapore Sports School, they were happy, excited and enthusiastic about the win. The win is as much for them as it is as much for Singapore. It gives them hope for their sporting future. Comment on The Whole Foreign Talent Debacle by cobaltpaladin According to Thomas Friedman, in his book “The World is Flat”, he attributes America’s IT industry success to the easy immigration policy of his country. There may be some truths to it as America has the knack of attracting the world’s best talents to her shore. I’m not saying that because America does it, so should Singapore. But if America is successful in importing talents, it makes herself a case study for other countries to emulate. Similarly, in business, we also try to emulate the best practices of successful corporations. Due to globalisations, the inflow and outflow of talents works both ways. Unfortunately, we’ve been losing local talents to other countries. I’ve many friends who are working overseas now and I’ve read of blogs of Singaporeans working in other countries. Not that they emigrated or they hated Singapore, they simply went because better opportunity beckons. Singapore has been losing our own local talents, to compensate that, I guess we’ve to accept foreign talents. If we don’t accept these candidates, some other countries would and we may lose our competitive edge. Personally, I think it is the onus of the companies and employers who should scrutinise their foreign candidates. We can’t depend on the government to screen the employees for us. When local companies employs the foreign candidates, only then can the foreign candidate be able to start applying for PR or residency in Singapore. So shouldn’t the onus of accepting foreign talents fall on the employers then? Comment on Chocolate Chip Cookies and Barley Lotus Gingko Dessert by Xtralicious Gary: Free cookie with every dress purchased? Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Singapore Kopitiam For more detailed discussions on this important topic, see: http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=1149.1 Singapore Kopitiam: http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages/ Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Kent xtralicious :”I was so tempted to delete your comment.” That would be censorship, would it not? May I remind you that you are now in a public domain? Xtralicious :”my brain imploded a few times after reading your comment.” Relax, this is only a debate. No insults intended. Xtralicious:”For “coffeeshop debates”, please go to sammyboy forums.” So is yours a boutique or salon chat room for elites only? I see your goat is “towards those with average qualification and experience..” If their qualifications are so bad why would employers hire them at the expense of local-borns? Is this the garmen’s fault if the employers exercise their rights to hire and fire? Comment on Chocolate Chip Cookies and Barley Lotus Gingko Dessert by Gary i think you can open a little space in your XT shop selling cookies online liao.. *run away* Comment on The Best Durian stall in Singapore by Xtralicious Missus Glad you like it. Comment on The Best Durian stall in Singapore by Missus It’s great durians! I attest to it and uncle very nice and friendly. Free tissue and water too! Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Ed Someone should remind them that Nigeria sent their football team well into the Finals to go head-on with Argentina. That’s a good achievement they can be proud of, considering the humble training expenses they can afford compared to us. I do feel happy to see Singapore’s flag flying high with a silver, but I’m not proud of it. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by xtralicious Kent: I was so tempted to delete your comment - my brain imploded a few times after reading your comment. For “coffeeshop debates”, please go to sammyboy forums. Like I said, witty snarkiness is very much welcome here. Quality, my friend, not quantity. As for having children, I have two already, thank you very much. Again, quality.. not quantity. And this is the most exasperating part. Are you kidding me? Locals want lowly paid construction jobs? Since when, pray tell. Please!! Common sense will tell you no one is talking about blue collar jobs here! I spoke about vetting their resumes. Do construction workers and cleaners have RESUMES? Geez!!! Also, have you ever considered the long term implications of bringing in FT at a rapid influx? How about the ageing problem for one? Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Kent xtralicious says “I don’t care whether the cheap little potshots are directed towards me or the other commentors - it will not be tolerated here.” You begin to sound very much an authoritarian govt that you resent so much.That is a paradox. Relax, this is the cut and thrust of “coffee shop” debate. So long no four letter words are used it should be allowed. Even the garmen is now agreeing to allow demo in the Hong Lim sand pit! Then she claims “For us, the foreign talent are getting the jobs the locals want.” Are you kidding me? Locals want lowly paid construction jobs? Since when, pray tell. Let me say this : the reason why these so called FT are let in is that weare reproducing ourselves, despite the baby bonus. We just did not have enough people to sustain a booming economy in the last few years. The garmen had no choice. They had to take in people who can contribute to the economy like what is happening in Dubai where the FT exceeds the local born!! So instead of acting like a billy goat how about making more kids? Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Xtralicious blackfeline: That’s the govt for you. Throw money at any problem - FT, ERP, GST rebates etc. After all, what was the biggest motivator to be a minister in Singapore? My bet is on.. money. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Xtralicious Gary: Don’t you find it strange why people never used to be unhappy about Lim Kim San and Tan Howe Liang not being born and bred here - but they would get so upset about the entire tt team being FT now? Food for thought. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Xtralicious Kent: Did you ever once heard me make an issue about the coffeeshop, cleaner or labour positions being filled by foreigners? I thought not. I don’t care whether the cheap little potshots are directed towards me or the other commentors - it will not be tolerated here. However, witty snarkiness are always welcome. I repeat again - “my goat (or if you wish, my BEEF) is towards those who come with average qualification and experience, of which you can easily identify in OUR OWN LOCALS. Have you seen the resumes of these people? I have. And I am not so impressed. And therein lies the difference between us and London/ Paris/ LA - “foreign talents seeking jobs that locals are too proud even to apply for”. For us, the foreign talent are getting the jobs the locals want. If this does not bother you, we must agree to disagree, that is, if you ARE a local. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Kent Xtralicious now says “I respect genuine talented foreigners who come here and bring with them expertise and specialized knowledge and most importantly, create jobs in the process.” Bully for you. After they created the jobs tell me who are going to fill the lowly paid construction positions? Local born? Get a life! As for “I would appreciate it if it addresses the issues at hand and not make cheap personal attacks or potshots” my comment is that I did not take any pot shot at you personally. But if the hat fits by all means put it on. Take a trip to London or Paris or to Los Angles and you will see they too, like Singapore are full of foreign talents seeking jobs that locals are too proud even to apply for. So what’s your beef? Comment on This weekend by xtralicious igp 大哥 : I have emailed it to you. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Gary right from day 1, when SSC introduced this Foreign Talent policy, could you imagine how many sports were taken up by foreigners? Swimming by Tao Li, soccer with half of the first 11 is from foreigners, table tennis, shot put, discus thrower, Add in badminton also. Might as well ask the government to host the olympics, buy all the best players in the world and surely, a gold medal at last? Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Xtralicious Eaststopper: Thanks for dropping by I agree with you that the players deserve to win the Silver Medal. No one will discount their perseverance, their hard work and their determination. They did good, made good. The question is really, our Foreign Sports Talent policy. Again, I reiterate it is the policy I am questioning. But I do think your positivity is very contagious. Comment on Have we won an Olympics medal? Really? by Xtralicious Kent: I don’t know how many times I have repeat myself saying that I don’t have an issue with Foreign Talent but the policy. I have issues with the POLICY. I respect genuine talented foreigners who come here and bring with them expertise and specialized knowledge and most importantly, create jobs in the process. These are the people whom you have mentioned. My bosses are Foreign Talents too, go ponder on that. My goat is towards those who come with average qualification and experience, of which you can easily identify in OUR OWN LOCALS. I don’t need to underline the implications of that. Lastly, when you make a comment here, I would appreciate it if it addresses the issues at hand and not make cheap personal attacks or potshots. After all, it is possible to agree to disagree cordially. Comment on This weekend by igotpressure Xtralicious : can send me the recipe for cookie? Will get my missus to bake some for me and the kids…ke ke kee Comment on On a lighter note.. by KahWee Wow, these are really well done! I wonder how many lego sets are used to make all these.