Monday, January 18, 2010

sigghh...Non-Singaporeans do not get it.

Spoke to someone from China today about opportunities in Singapore. The person was a former PRC and now a PR doctor in the US. I was asked why I didn't want to go back to Singapore since he knew a lot of friends who were happy in Singapore. This is not the first time, outsiders ask me why I don't return.

Another incident that happened last month. An American who used to work at wall street told me that there were many job opportunities in Singapore and asked me why I didn't seek them there. He too did not know that the opportunities were for foreigners and not for Singaporeans. If an outsider goes to Singapore, he will be treated like a king. If I go back, I will have to do my reservist and will be treated like shit.

I have spoken to many people who were contemplating moving to Singapore for job opportunities. I tell them the truth about the system and let them decide. If it is an MNC, I wish them well. If it is a government link stat board , I tell them about the horror stories/anecdotes that I have 'collected' over the years about organisations like A*Star , EDB etc...

Most of all if they choose to go, I tell them to earn their living and get out. Because unless they are going to achieve an upper middle class existence on the island, their children will suffer greatly should they choose to stay.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

PAP Minister is bragging for the wrong reasons.

What is there to brag about? Singaporeans are coming back because they can't find jobs overseas not because Singapore is so good. Look at Ms Teo Hui Sin, she only decided to come back after she got rejected for several jobs in the US so Singapore is not her second or third choice but her 8th choice. What is there to brag about? If the economy was better and she was offered a job in the US, do you think she would return to Singapore?

As for Mr Chia Wee Boon, I wonder whether if he was given the same position at HP, he would choose to stay in the US.
If you look at the reasons for these returning Singaporeans, you notice that there are two main reason- economic and family ties. They don't return because Singapore has the 'best' government in the world or is even the best country in the world. They are returning because they have no visa restrictions to work in Singapore.

I am stressing that I am not attacking these returning Singaporeans. The world economy sucks and it is human nature to want to seek a better life. Under normal circumstances, some of these people would get jobs overseas. What I find annoying is that we have a Minister bragging about Singapore being an 8th place choice. Singaporeans are not returning because the country suddenly got better but because the opportunities overseas got worse. Yet Gan Kim Yong is still bragging about it. Where is the pride?

Anyway to returning Singaporeans, please look at this post on the work culture shock you are going to encounter.
Straits Times: More S'poreans returning
BESIDES a growing pool of foreign talent, more overseas Singaporeans are also returning, attracted by the opportunities back home. There are about 180,000 Singaporeans living abroad currently. Many are making enquiries about jobs back home as well as in the region as some have found it difficult to get a job overseas. 'The global downturn has further accentuated the attractiveness of Asia. We should capitalise on this to make Singapore an even more attractive Home for Talent - both local and global,' said Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday. The Overseas Singapore Unit (OSU), set up in 2006 to engage overseas Singaporeans, has been reaching out to them through initiatives such as online portals and clubs, as well as outreach events like Singapore Day and the Distinguished Business Leaders Series, which enables overseas Singaporeans to stay abreast of developments in Singapore. Contact Singapore and the OSU also regularly hold dialogues and career sessions overseas to reach out to Singaporeans. Speaking at the official opening of the Employment Pass Services Centre at the Riverwalk, Mr Gan said: 'Regardless of where these Singaporeans have relocated, we need to continue to engage and remind them of the ties that bind them to their home country.' Mr Gan said Singapore has established a strong reputation as a great place to do business due to its successful strategy on talent. 'Besides local talent, overseas investors are attracted to Singapore as they know we have a strong pool of global talent which further enhances Singapore's competitive edge,' he added, pointing out that there are now about 100,000 foreign professionals working and living in Singapore.

Why 2 overseas S'poreans returned
MANPOWER Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday cited examples of two overseas Singaporeans who have decided to return home and work here.

- Ms Teo Hui Sin, a Harvard-educated Singaporean, applied for several jobs in the US but had difficulty in getting one there. This eventually accelerated her return home. She has since accepted a position at the Ministry of Finance.

- Mr Chia Wee Boon returned home from the US to be the Chief Operating Officer at NCS as he wanted to help the company succeed in the global arena. He was previously with Hewlett Packard's US office.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How to spot the PRC tourist.

'Interesting' article I found on the people's daily online.

People's Daily Online: 10 "silly" questions often asked by Chinese traveling abroad

Over the past decade, a growing number of Chinese citizens have visited developed countries for leisure or business. It is understandable that Chinese citizens have some questions when they stay in foreign countries.

However, a question that seems casual may reveal a "cultural difference." Although there are a lot of different questions, they may simply be summarized as following 10 questions.

1: Is there boiled water? (The most asked question)

Having checked into a hotel, a Chinese citizen tends to first ask whether there is a kettle in the guest room. However, the fact is that kettles are seldom available in foreign hotels other than one or two large international hotel chains. Westerners love drinking cool water except for coffee and even like to drink iced mineral water that is also served at breakfast.

2: Are there non-China made products?

Chinese people usually buy something for relatives and friends when they go abroad. Unfortunately, China-made products excluding foods such as meat, eggs and milk are seen here and there in foreign countries, and even famous-brand products are marked with "Made in China." It seems shameful to buy Chinese made products from abroad. This neglects two points. Firstly, the quality of brand products is the same wherever they are made. Secondly, what is wrong with "made in China?" Even if foreigners look down upon China-made products, they are still consuming them, right? Why do Chinese people look down upon themselves? When the "made-in-China" brand becomes popular, it would be unnecessary for Chinese people to buy products abroad.

3: "Why is the hotel so shabby?" (This can be easily misunderstood)

In fact, this is a big misunderstanding. In developed countries, a big gap exists between ordinary and luxury hotels and luxurious 5-star hotels are rare and expensive. For the average wage earner, a clean and comfortable hotel is ok, and that’s all. Furthermore, the majority of hotels in developed countries were built in line with very low standards before the Second World War (except in Germany). On the other hand however, most hotels in China are constructed in accordance with the latest international standards during the past 20 to 30 years. Therefore, 4-star hotels in foreign countries are not as good as China’s 3-star hotels and 3-star hotels in foreign countries are not as good as China's hostels.

4: "Will we be discriminated against?"(This will not happen)

When clients are required to have breakfast in different zones, hotels provide different foods to different clients, and unfair arrangement for seats in trains and airplanes exist, clients intend to raise such doubts.

We cannot say that there is no discrimination in developed countries. However, it is very difficult to spot any discrimination. You are lucky if you have been discriminated against in a foreign country because you can file and win a lawsuit and get compensation if you have irrefutable evidence. Some hotels provide different breakfasts to individual clients and group clients just because of the different breakfast fee standards, and you do not need to make a fuss about it. When buying a train ticket or getting a boarding pass, you can directly request what seats you are interested in. Generally speaking, your demands can be satisfied (if you are fluent in foreign languages). On the contrary, if you judge everything from an angle of "class struggle" and make a fuss about it, you will make a foolish mistake. A tourist group once complained to a Chinese embassy that all of them were arranged to sit together with blacks in a train, dumbfounding relevant diplomats.

5: "Is this genuine or fake?" (The biggest doubt when shopping)

Such a question may seem common in China, but there is no need to propose it in developed countries. There are fake goods in Europe and the U.S., but they are mainly sold in street stalls. Most often, fake products are usually sold by illegal immigrants and are mainly made in China. The western police seem not as capable as Chinese urban management officers. When they show up "slowly," vendors selling fake goods have already run away “unhurriedly,” resulting in endless fake goods. It is impossible to find fake goods in stores selling brand products.

6: "Can it be sold cheaper?" (This is a habit of Chinese)

Many foreign shop owners are very "dull" and usually seem not to understand this question.

From the perspective of honesty and integrity, a fixed price represents a symbol of business integrity. When shop owners treat all customers alike, they will cheat no one, neither the old nor the young. The rule of no bargaining can help solve this problem.

What is funny is that now many stores near foreign tourist attractions have been "trained" by Chinese citizens to adapt to bargaining. Chinese tourists can try to bargain with shop owners, but should stop before going too far. Otherwise, the shop owners may have no choice but say, "Sorry, I'm going on my lunch break."

7: "Do we need to buy tickets to enter parks?"

Probably only the people who do not understand the concept of "park" will ask such a question.

Originally, "parks" meant free gardens for the public. Since they are free gardens, of course no tickets are needed. Since domestic or local people can enter them without a ticket, so can foreigners. Therefore, all the national mountain parks or national lake parks (including churches) in foreign countries are cost-free (except a few specific ones).

8: "What if we get sick?" (It is what you should worry about least)

What should we do if we get sick in a foreign country? Go to the hospital of course! Are the medical expenses too high for us since we do not have too much dollars or euros? This is an ultimately a problem about money.

But if you know that developed countries brought forward the word "humanitarianism" first, the problem will not be a problem anymore. If you suddenly get sick or an accident suddenly occurs, you only need to dial a number. Then, an ambulance will come and you will receive treatment. When you are finished with the treatments, just leave the hospital. No one will stop you (People with medical insurance should sign an insurance bill.)

Once, a Chinese official working in India dropped a brick. Before leaving hospital, he asked a question, "Where should I pay my medical expenses?" The medical staff answered, "You do not need to pay. Our compatriot said, "I am a Chinese!" They answered, “All the people of the earth can be treated here for free." Fortunately, the conversation ended before becoming more embarrassing. The medical treatments are free even in India which is a country poorer than China. So, we can imagine the medical conditions in developed countries.

9: "Do I need to pay a deposit?" (All Chinese citizens have asked this when they check in)

After Chinese citizens get their room cards, they always ask the above-mentioned question. The receptionists at hotels have to shake heads or answer them with hands spread. If any hotel charges guests a deposit, does it not mean that the hotel speculates that the guest will not pay the bill or damage the items in the room without paying compensation?

Of course, individual hotels in some countries are not so generous, and ask guests to pay when they check in. In fact, what guests pay is the price of the room (or leave credit card numbers) rather than the deposit, because hotels show their trust in you first as an expression of their respect.

10: "It is our leader, can you offer a priority?"(There is also a similar question: Do we also need to wait in a line?)

Foreigners always respond slowly to such questions, and the more you explain, the more bewildered they will become! After they spend much time and finally know what you mean, they still answer the question by shaking heads or spread hands with bewilderment.

Luckily, such questions are becoming rarer!

-Netizen "Make Zhongguo" contributes to this article.

The PAP still doesn't get it.

The government still doesn't get it. No matter how much they try to get new citizens to integrate. They are not treating the cause of Singaporean unhappiness but the symptoms. It is more than just the integration of foreigners but more importantly the rate in which they are coming in.

So how did we get into this mess where we see an influx of foreigners into our shores? Let's start with our liberal foreign talent policy. What is the justification for that? The low birth rate of native Singaporeans.

Instead of addressing the root cause of low birth rate, our highly paid government resorted to simple minded solutions that try to fix the symptoms rather than the cause. Low birth rate? Give them a small government subsidy and boost the number of foreigners.

Now a more intelligent team of Ministers would study the reason for the low birth rate. Namely, the high of cost living (particularly housing) and our depressed wages. It is too stressful to raise children in Singapore but do they address the true source of this problem? No. Rather than improve the living conditions of Singapore, they made it worse by bring in more foreigners who depress our wages and jack up the price of housing.

The best analogy to think about all this is a bucket with a hole at the bottom. You want to keep it full of water but rather than plug the leak, you keep pouring more water into it. But the problem is that as you pour more water inside, the rate in which the water leaks out increases as well so you end up in a futile cycle of pouring water and having it leaked out.

That is a PAP for you. A bunch of highly paid simpletons who only know how to treat the symptoms and not the cause of our nation's problems.

And now they are spending money to help new citizens. They fail to realise that unless they help native born Singaporeans, the descendants of these new citizens would likely leave as well (or should they stay, choose not to reproduce); perpetuating the vicious cycle of continuously replacing citizens in the country.

Look at this woman, do you think the PAP cares about her?


No they rather spend money on 'new' citizens. This is life in Singapore. Do you think it is sustainable to live in a country that makes life harder for you. Remember that if the Island collapse, our PAP politicians and their descendants have the financial resources to run away and start a new life overseas. But how about you when all your 'wealth' is trapped in a 99 year rental property?

My advice to the young is to leave while you still can. Leave before you get chained into the system.
Straits Times: Helping Citizens to be
FROM March, prospective citizens in Tanjong Pagar, West Coast and Sembawang GRCs will take part in a pilot programme to help them assimilate into Singapore society. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan announced this on Tuesday night, in an update on the various initiatives introduced by the National Integration Council (NIC). The NIC, which he chairs, was set up in April last year to promote interaction between new immigrants and locals. The update was given prior to a closed-door dialogue he held with 120 people who are members of the NIC and its working groups, as well as officials from such key stakeholders as community organisations and unions. In his address, Dr Balakrishnan spoke of the need for a more structured 'naturalisation journey' to 'connect the dots' between a rational decision to become a citizen and an emotional bond to Singapore. Currently, all prospective citizens have to go through the People's Association's (PA) half-day National Education Experience Programme before they obtain citizenship.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

New Laws for contempt.

Since when did our judges show 'great' restraint? Even wearing a T-shirt gets you thrown in court. You should read the court transcript of Chee v.s. Lee defamation case as an example to see how much 'restraint' our judges have shown in using contempt as a form of punishment.

Contempt of court is just another means to prevent freedom of expression. That is why the courts of Singapore will never earn my respect. When will the courts learn that they can never enforce respect? Fear yes, respect no.
Straits Times: New laws for contempt
THE Penal Code spells out clearly, in many situations, what constitutes an offence and the likely punishment, but one anomaly stands out: contempt of the courts. New laws will be put in place so that ordinary people will know the penalties faced for such offences. The move follows a call by Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong on Saturday for such laws to replace the current discretion given to judges who deal with such cases. At present, no statute lists out what makes for contempt of the courts and the punishments, unlike other criminal offences which are spelt out in the Penal Code. 'The law of contempt in Singapore is an anomaly in our criminal justice system, as all our laws are statute-based,'said CJ Chan. Lawyers say statutes make for certainty in the law and consistency in punishments. But due to the anomaly, punishments for contempt of court are unlimited and at the discretion of judges who have shown great restraint in the past, said the CJ.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Hate Crime in Malaysia

It sucks to be a non-muslim in Malaysia. Muslim fanaticss in Malaysia can do whatever they want (oppress other religion) and then when people ask them why they are intolerant they say you are not sensitive to their rights.
M'sian church fire-bombed
KUALA LUMPUR - A CHURCH in Malaysia has been fire-bombed in an attack that gutted its ground floor, church officials said on Friday, escalating a dispute over the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims. A fire department official said all stations were on alert for more blazes at religious buildings, ahead of planned nationwide protests on Friday by Muslim groups angry over the use of the word as a translation for the Christian 'God.' The three-storey Metro Tabernacle church in suburban Kuala Lumpur was set ablaze in the attack which took place around midnight, said church leader Peter Yeow, 62. There were no casualties in the attack on the church, which occupies the corner lot of a row of shop houses. Anuar Harun, who headed the fire department operation, said that forensic experts were working with the police and a canine unit to probe the blaze. 'We are investigating the cause of fire. We cannot provide any more details,' he said when asked if it was a case of arson. 'We have asked all our fire stations to be on alert for such fires on religious premises.' -- AFP