I was told the following over the years;
1. If you cannot make it Singapore, you go to OZ
2. If you cannot cope with the educational standards you go to OZ
3. If you cannot find a job here go to OZ
I was also told that ;
1. You will be a 2nd class citizen in OZ
2. There is a glass ceiling for asian migrants
3. Its a boring place
4. Taxes are high
What I was not told
1. It is one of the richest country in terms of resources, space and eco systems
2. They have more nobel prize across the board on a per capita basis
3. You have meet certain standards and qualifications befor you can migrate
4. It has a comprehensive health and welfare service
5. You will exercise your vote without fail.
I was told similar things about the US, Canada, NZ and UK.
In the same year that Singapore's PM son sat for the inaugural IB exams in ACS, 1 migrant kid and one overseas based Singaporean kid sat for the same IB exams in OZ. They hit a perfect score. The PM's son missed it by one mark. Anyone who knows what IB is will understand.
You go to first world countries because you and your kids want to push the envelope, seek out wider opportunities and to test one's fortitude and mettle. It is not for the faint hearted, the weak and those who hide behind a range of silly excuses such as " cannot make it in Singapore".