Singapore and its foreigners
Went to the National University of Singapore (NUS) today to visit my friend from China. He is an NUS student and had been on exchange in Stanford last year, and I thought I’d use the opportunity to get to know my local university as well.
I admit visiting NUS was like being a resident tourist, a Singaporean being led on a tour of his own local university by a student from China. I noted the large number of foreign students in NUS (almost 30%, compared to Stanford’s 7%). The importance of these foreigners was only realized when I visited an incubator on campus- about two-thirds were foreigners working (or starting) different start-ups. Few Singaporeans, apparently, wanted to work in start ups.
Picture from Wikipedia.org
Foreigners in Singapore
Foreigners in Singapore remain a touchy subject to many, especially in a recession climate. The opposition to foreign talent stems from numerous quarters- much of it in the job market, where it is perceived that there are more privileges awarded a foreigner than a Singaporean like a blogger writes here. With no national service liaibility (40 days), no CPF and no “resign” privileges, foreigners are indeed a ‘good deal’ to employers in Singapore. Moreover, there is discontent that education scholarships and places go to foreigners, as described here. Many proposals have come up, including one that proposes that new citizens be made to learn English and undergo a modified National Service, though others have argued it is not practical. Another proposal suggests new citizens do community service.
In a way Singapore is not the only one struggling with foreigners in its societies (Silicon Valley itself does too, as this article illustrates). Singapore’s 1st wave of foreigners came with Raffles’ free-immigration policy; perhaps we are now witnessing the 2nd wave of foreigners. Four key questions remain: to what extent we should open our gates, how we can integrate them as Singaporeans, and how we can get Singaporean society to accept them- all while balancing the last question of how Singapore can remain competitive in the race for global talent.
The first and last questions are ones that are beyond me. I admit I do not know how to answer the question of whether “should a government treat its citizens better than immigrants”, as it is a tenuous balance between the need to remain competitive and the natural wants of the country’s citizens. Is it too much? Is it just right? I don’t know. But perhaps there are other ways to make it less painful.
Another Way?
Perhaps there is a way both foreigners and Singaporeans can benefit. I went to an elementary school built by the Hokkien Huay Kuan, an organization founded by the immigrant forefathers of Singapore. Its earliest goals were to look after the welfare of the new immigrants, and later expanded to donating and contributing to Singapore as time went on (building schools, etc). Its role can be seen today in organizations such as New Citizens in the UK, which seeks the “active involvement” of new citizens in UK civic life.
I have asked many foreigners in Singapore whether they feel unwelcome in Singapore, and many do to some extent. But perhaps they are the only ones who can change that perception. Like the Hokkien Huay Kuan of years ago, perhaps they could come together to help each other ease into this country, and also do a little something for Singapore. It could be to help the poor in Singapore, or any other act of goodwill towards the Singaporean peoples. The root problem it might not solve, but at least it would make it less painful. Then again, the devil is always in the details- but only if!
(Would love to hear your comments or feedback!)
One source of resentment by Singaporeans towards people like your China scholar friend is that the latter are often treated better than Singaporeans of similar capabilities. That kind of resentment is perfectly understandable.
Imagine this scenario: Your education in Stanford is fully paid for by the California state government. Many of your American classmates, who are no less capable than you, have to make do with grants, loans and part-time work to pay for the school. They will graduate from school with debt while you essentially have a free ride.
How, do you think, the Americans will feel towards you?
Fox,
Sorry for the late reply. I saw this post only after visiting it again today.
I get your point- however in the US the system is quite different. Financial aid is given for all/most students, and those who are not well off pay little, while those who are well off pay the full tuition. There are quite a few foreign students here who are fully paid for (scholarships/bursaries) but the numbers are not high. Americans are generally accepting of foreigners, if you can contribute, give back, and make the effort to integrate into society.
[...] post: Singapore and its foreigners Share and [...]
Daniel your blog is very inspiring!
[...] I recall visiting friends in NUS and SMU over the summer break, and the general reaction to me telling them I was now an engineer was one of “what?!” Many of them were studying business (or some combination thereof), and a great many harbored ambitions of going to work in a finance or banking outfit. The remaining lot either wanted to be doctors or lawyers, and some perceived engineering subjects as somewhat of a “dumping ground”. The few technology startups I saw were staffed by mostly foreign students. [...]
[...] to be so for Singapore- when I visited the incubators in NUS last year, I found that more than 2/3 of the entrepreneurs were foreigners. Arguably, they will be the key creators on jobs in the not-too-distant and distant future, as [...]
Singaporeans are very kiasi, not risk takers. They want to go to top universities and then work for top companies to receive good salaries.
When I tried starting up a company in Singapore, I approached many friends to join me and they all gave me cold shoulders. They are very worried to lose their jobs.
MIT, Harvard are not only famous for their academics and scholars. They are famous for their entrepreneurs and millionaires. The Forbes list has many Harvard alumni and they give generously to the unis.
Singaporeans went to MIT/Harvard just to land in top jobs, hopefully those 7 mil p.a. jobs or govt jobs. MIT/Harvard grads in US started many businesses.
Something very strange. Many of these MIT/Harvard Singaporeans come back Singapore, do not achieve much. Just collect fat salaries and wait for retirement.
Where are our Faraday, Newton, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs? No movers and shakers despite of their good education. Why?
Would love to talk to you more about this- have been talking to quite a few entrepreneurs in Singapore and in the valley (out of interest). The email you listed bounces, could you email me at danieleio@gmail.com?