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Why bold the Running Dog Cheong's letter instead of the 1st one?
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Feb 18, 2009
INDONESIAN SHUTTLER'S NO TO CITIZENSHIP
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>Focus on local talent
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to yesterday's report, 'Promising shuttler quits after getting ultimatum'. Shuttler Riky Widianto's return home to Indonesia throws into question the wisdom of a country like Singapore, with a very small population base, aspiring to soar to Olympian heights in many sporting arenas.
We should abandon the schemes to raise our sporting prowess in many fields to Olympic levels. We have the best airport, the best port, an efficient and safe country, so why excel in sports too?
If we do not excel in sports, will it detract from our reputation as one of the best-run countries? Will a mediocre performance in sports in any way reduce our contributions in science, research and education?
Millions of dollars go into hiring, housing, training, sponsoring and rewarding foreign sports talent. Perhaps, Singapore can channel the money into more beneficial areas - like training our own sports talent or nurturing a healthier and better citizenry.
Our trials with foreign sports talent have not been fruitful, except in table tennis. Past excursions into women's hockey, basketball and some athletics events also failed to reap benefits.
We should work on our strengths and not rely on imported talent in areas where we are not naturally good. We have a limited talent pool and should not stretch ourselves so thin.
At the same time, hosting sports events like the Formula One and Volvo Sea Race may be more beneficial financially and would also promote wider interest in the areas, as well as create awareness of Singapore as an attractive place to work and sink roots in.
It may also be more viable to hire coaches in sporting fields which we are likely to excel in.
Murali Sharma
<HR width="50%" SIZE=1>
'It is important that Singapore attracts and grooms foreign talent but we have to allow them time to adapt.' ACE KINDRED CHEONG: 'After reading yesterday's report, 'Promising shuttler quits after getting ultimatum', I am sad and disappointed that the Singapore Badminton Association did not allow Riky Widianto enough time to decide on becoming a Singapore citizen. The shuttler did not say that he did not wish to be a citizen, but only requested another year or two to consider the proposal. Furthermore, he has said before that it is his dream to represent Singapore. It is important that Singapore attracts and grooms foreign talent, but we have to allow them time to adapt because giving up one's citizenship for a new one is not something anyone can do without a lot of serious thought.'
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Feb 18, 2009
INDONESIAN SHUTTLER'S NO TO CITIZENSHIP
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>Focus on local talent
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to yesterday's report, 'Promising shuttler quits after getting ultimatum'. Shuttler Riky Widianto's return home to Indonesia throws into question the wisdom of a country like Singapore, with a very small population base, aspiring to soar to Olympian heights in many sporting arenas.
We should abandon the schemes to raise our sporting prowess in many fields to Olympic levels. We have the best airport, the best port, an efficient and safe country, so why excel in sports too?
If we do not excel in sports, will it detract from our reputation as one of the best-run countries? Will a mediocre performance in sports in any way reduce our contributions in science, research and education?
Millions of dollars go into hiring, housing, training, sponsoring and rewarding foreign sports talent. Perhaps, Singapore can channel the money into more beneficial areas - like training our own sports talent or nurturing a healthier and better citizenry.
Our trials with foreign sports talent have not been fruitful, except in table tennis. Past excursions into women's hockey, basketball and some athletics events also failed to reap benefits.
We should work on our strengths and not rely on imported talent in areas where we are not naturally good. We have a limited talent pool and should not stretch ourselves so thin.
At the same time, hosting sports events like the Formula One and Volvo Sea Race may be more beneficial financially and would also promote wider interest in the areas, as well as create awareness of Singapore as an attractive place to work and sink roots in.
It may also be more viable to hire coaches in sporting fields which we are likely to excel in.
Murali Sharma
<HR width="50%" SIZE=1>
'It is important that Singapore attracts and grooms foreign talent but we have to allow them time to adapt.' ACE KINDRED CHEONG: 'After reading yesterday's report, 'Promising shuttler quits after getting ultimatum', I am sad and disappointed that the Singapore Badminton Association did not allow Riky Widianto enough time to decide on becoming a Singapore citizen. The shuttler did not say that he did not wish to be a citizen, but only requested another year or two to consider the proposal. Furthermore, he has said before that it is his dream to represent Singapore. It is important that Singapore attracts and grooms foreign talent, but we have to allow them time to adapt because giving up one's citizenship for a new one is not something anyone can do without a lot of serious thought.'
