Dear All
First, many thanks for all your feedback and comments. I must admit that some comments are not that pleasant to view whilst others are encouraging. I guess this issue of foreign workers (PS : as opposed to some who loath the word “talent”) is a sensitive one. I shall henceforth use the phrase ‘foreign workers”.
Next, I never expect my simple post articulating my views as a foreign worker has attracted so much feedback. Some has suggested that I am a “clone”? Not sure what that means, but I assume it either means I am a fake foreign worker or a forum member faking a story here. To this, I beg to disagree. The whole reason I wrote was to give a foreign worker perspective, and nothing more or less.
And to those who expect me to sit by my computer and reply every single post – let me tell you this – I have a day job in a bank and “forum-ing” does not earn me any money to pay the high cost of rental, food and transportation in Singapore. Whilst I may come from a well-to-do family in Shanghai, that does not mean that I do not need to work. Working to earn my “keeps” makes me stronger as an individual and helps me to keep sanity (as opposed to “forum-ing”). It is one of the most important Asian values which I believe in and I am sure many of you will agree with me. Of course if I am a retiree or have sufficient income for old age like some of you, “forum-ing” can become a cheap source of entertainment where you can at the comfort of anonymity and “shoot” comments without careful consideration on how it impacts others or a society as a whole.
Having said the above, I shall address some constructive feedback. I am not being sarcastic – but seriously, some of the posts are really silly and I do not think it is worth engaging. Also, as there are voluminous posts, I may miss some comments and I hope those who expect a response from me let me know.
1. Post #7 Mojito
I do see a long term decision to stay and work here. It’s a fabulous country. Growth is important, but I feel that in terms of graciousness, Singapore is still better than Shanghai or Hong Kong which is the other two career destination choices. Next, I have no intention to start any family. I rather build my career first. I do not want to be committed to man who does not share the same direction as me. (PS : I have past relationships that failed due to mis-alignment of the path I want to take).
2. Post #9 Winniepegjets
I disagree that the locals have it tough. Whether in Shanghai, London or Hong Kong or many other countries, I hear such complaints. It has become trite.
Perhaps the PAP government has not worked hard enough to create the “buy-in” with its local residents. I do agree however that more can be done to give locals more benefits in terms of housing, health care and other social benefits. In China, people retire early and lead a more gracious old age. I must say that I am appalled to see the elderly working in food courts in Singapore. I am not sure if they work voluntarily or due to economic issues. Suffice to say, my view is that without a social safety net for the elderly, its citizens will always end up in a virtual circle – fear of living costs – fear of starting a family – lack of local births – import of more foreign workers – disharmony and problems of integration foreign workers and back one circle after another.
3. Post #10 KopiO
Completely agree that foreigners are always a target of discontent. But sometimes it is not necessary so. I think some foreigners in Singapore are not up to expectations. However, I am not sure how and what a gatekeeper like Ministry of Manpower can do to sift through the good, the bad and the ugly foreigners or foreign workers.
4. Post #20 and #42 Goondusami / Kinana
I do not agree your hyper-generic statement that Singaporeans are lazy. My local Singapore colleagues are as hardworking, or in fact more hardworking than most colleagues I have met in work assignments in US and London.
Comments like these from you also serve to stir unnecessary negative sentiments and not helpful to anyone – whether the PAP government or to those who are already showing a veering negative sentiment towards foreigners and foreign workers.
5. Post #22 and #23 Tonychat / TracyTan888
I do not agree that Australia is a better place. Whilst the quality of life may be better, it all depends on whether a person of my age who is young, ambitious and hardworking can get just enrichment on a meritocratic basis. I shall ignore your other emotive comments as it does not value-add to this discussion.
6. Post #26 Batman
It is the same too with other cities in the world – New York, Shanghai, London where foreign workers go to maximize benefits to themselves. Singapore, a global red dot on the map is no different and it is up to all of us - locals, residents, foreign workers to make it a better place where we want to stay and remain. On your belief that PAP is out to squeeze its locals, it is for the locals to take to the ballot boxes if they believe so. And I do support the locals as these are all bits to making a better place for all. When locals fight for their rights, it shows that they treat this place as home.
7. Post #36 Ash007
Of all the posts, this is the one I am most annoyed with. I DO HAVE A JOB! I NEED TO WORK. If I respond to every single post – some of which are nonsensical, I will not do justice to anyone but to create unnecessary forum spam.
8. Post #45 Zeddy
I disagree. Singapore is a relative safe place for a female foreign worker compared to many other cities in this world.
9. Post #47 SoIsee
I do live in the heartlands and do enjoy my local interaction with the locals. I am also learning to appreciate local food whether it be Chinese (eg. Mee-kia dry), Malay (eg. Mee rebus) or Indian (eg. Indian Rojak).
While some local food may not suit my palatte, I am sure it is the same for a Singaporean who lives in Thailand, Vietnam or Korea, etc. I believe it is important that for any foreign worker to assimilate – it is in the heart that must have a propensity to adapt to other cultures. However, not every foreign worker will have the same belief as me.
I know it is a long reply. As I said, I do not have the time to “sit” in this forum day in day out. As and when I am free (ie., not working, not shopping
) I will be here.
Love to All
Jane
