It was nearly 26 years ago, that Singapore emabarked on a policy of value add and began the closure of textile factories in Jurong where many Singaporeans were employed. It was a logical move that paid dividends and allowed Singaporeans to take up skilled work.
Eventually labour sectors began to be identified by nationality, an interesting phenomenon. Foreign Indians and Thai became the bedrock of the construction industry. Filipinas became maids, Malaysians from across the border made up the bulk of factory workers. Singaporeans began to move in large numbers into PMET.
Stereotypes began to form and both the employer and employee ended up following these stereotypes even when pay was attractive enough. A case in point is the vocation of tower crane operator.
Some where along the line, the government and the people lost track of the basic rule of governance - employment for its citizens.
This maybe the opportune time to effect a paradigm shift and go back to first principles of good governance.
Maybe, high growth is too much to ask. Maybe, nationhood should be back on the agenda. Maybe, the Emmigration policy to allow for brain drain and to counter bellow par replacement birth rate needs to be relooked, Maybe, its time to recognise foreigners for their commitment in terms and years in a more transparent way.
And maybe, hiding behind the pink curtain might not be the answer.
Eventually labour sectors began to be identified by nationality, an interesting phenomenon. Foreign Indians and Thai became the bedrock of the construction industry. Filipinas became maids, Malaysians from across the border made up the bulk of factory workers. Singaporeans began to move in large numbers into PMET.
Stereotypes began to form and both the employer and employee ended up following these stereotypes even when pay was attractive enough. A case in point is the vocation of tower crane operator.
Some where along the line, the government and the people lost track of the basic rule of governance - employment for its citizens.
This maybe the opportune time to effect a paradigm shift and go back to first principles of good governance.
Maybe, high growth is too much to ask. Maybe, nationhood should be back on the agenda. Maybe, the Emmigration policy to allow for brain drain and to counter bellow par replacement birth rate needs to be relooked, Maybe, its time to recognise foreigners for their commitment in terms and years in a more transparent way.
And maybe, hiding behind the pink curtain might not be the answer.
:p
