- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
- Messages
- 593
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- 28
Tan See Leng's comments regarding foreign workers and their role in Singapore’s economy feel incredibly out of touch with the realities faced by many locals.
While he argues that without foreign workers, some companies might not even exist in Singapore, this perspective glosses over the deeper issues of job displacement, wage suppression, and the long-term sustainability of our workforce.
It’s easy to dismiss concerns about foreign workers "stealing jobs" when you’re speaking from an ivory tower, but for the average Singaporean struggling to compete in an increasingly crowded job market, the situation is far more complex.
The minister’s argument seems to suggest that we should be grateful for foreign workers because they keep companies here. But what about the Singaporeans who are being sidelined or overlooked for these jobs?
If these companies are so dependent on foreign labor, why aren’t they investing more in training and upskilling locals? The truth is, an over-reliance on foreign workers discourages companies from developing local talent, creating a vicious cycle where Singaporeans are left behind.
Moreover, the removal of the maximum employment period and age limit for Work Permit holders sends a worrying message. It suggests that the government is prioritizing the needs of businesses over the well-being of local workers.
While foreign workers play a role in our economy, policies should be designed to ensure that locals are not unfairly disadvantaged. The current approach risks creating a two-tiered system where foreign workers are seen as a cheaper, more flexible alternative to hiring locals, which can lead to wage stagnation and reduced opportunities for Singaporeans.
The minister’s comments also ignore the social impact of these policies. When locals feel that they are losing out to foreign workers, it breeds resentment and undermines social cohesion.
Instead of dismissing these concerns, the government should be addressing them head-on by ensuring that local workers are given priority and that companies are held accountable for fair hiring practices.
In conclusion, while foreign workers contribute to our economy, the government’s approach seems to favor businesses at the expense of local workers. It’s time to move beyond simplistic arguments and focus on creating a balanced system that supports both economic growth and the well-being of Singaporeans.
The minister’s ivory tower perspective does little to address the real challenges faced by ordinary citizens, and it’s high time for policies that truly put Singaporeans first.
While he argues that without foreign workers, some companies might not even exist in Singapore, this perspective glosses over the deeper issues of job displacement, wage suppression, and the long-term sustainability of our workforce.
It’s easy to dismiss concerns about foreign workers "stealing jobs" when you’re speaking from an ivory tower, but for the average Singaporean struggling to compete in an increasingly crowded job market, the situation is far more complex.
The minister’s argument seems to suggest that we should be grateful for foreign workers because they keep companies here. But what about the Singaporeans who are being sidelined or overlooked for these jobs?
If these companies are so dependent on foreign labor, why aren’t they investing more in training and upskilling locals? The truth is, an over-reliance on foreign workers discourages companies from developing local talent, creating a vicious cycle where Singaporeans are left behind.
Moreover, the removal of the maximum employment period and age limit for Work Permit holders sends a worrying message. It suggests that the government is prioritizing the needs of businesses over the well-being of local workers.
While foreign workers play a role in our economy, policies should be designed to ensure that locals are not unfairly disadvantaged. The current approach risks creating a two-tiered system where foreign workers are seen as a cheaper, more flexible alternative to hiring locals, which can lead to wage stagnation and reduced opportunities for Singaporeans.
The minister’s comments also ignore the social impact of these policies. When locals feel that they are losing out to foreign workers, it breeds resentment and undermines social cohesion.
Instead of dismissing these concerns, the government should be addressing them head-on by ensuring that local workers are given priority and that companies are held accountable for fair hiring practices.
In conclusion, while foreign workers contribute to our economy, the government’s approach seems to favor businesses at the expense of local workers. It’s time to move beyond simplistic arguments and focus on creating a balanced system that supports both economic growth and the well-being of Singaporeans.
The minister’s ivory tower perspective does little to address the real challenges faced by ordinary citizens, and it’s high time for policies that truly put Singaporeans first.
