Originally posted by sgdiehard:My respect to you Lionoasis, you have one of the very few threads in this forum that is worth reading, though still got involved in cross fire, ...
the real problem I have everytime I relocate is education for my children. moving from international schools really sucks, and my wife ended up the only real teacher.
However, I also want my children to have overseas experience so that they would not ended up like many people here "who have not seen how other governments function in other countries & how chaotic their social systems are, and yet they criticize our very own day in day out, putting our country & government down like they know what they are saying."
What is your opinion on a better place for children education. Thanks for your sharing.
Hi sgdiehard,
Thank you, I am relieved to have met in this forum a few rational & mature ones. I guess this is the problem with online forums, people either live in their alter ego (thus not needing to feel responsible for their actions or words - revealing their true selves), or probably - and I am making an overly general statement here - people like to use websites as their prime source of releasing their frustrations. Anyway, responsible people are rare in both the real & virtual world.
"Age" could be another determinant as majority of web surfers tend to be under 30's, thus the type of comments we see here and in other places.
Can't help you with schools as my children are still in pre-school. If you are in China, what I have been told is some elementary and senior schools have opened up foreign language teaching (with expatriate faculties) & joint certs with foreign schools. There are a few good ones in Shanghai adn Beijing; forget secondary cities as the expatriate communities have not reached critical mass - thus such "spin-off's" are not possible.
I choose to return home as our school curiculum is not that bad. What I worry is for my children to fall into the "typical" Singaporean value system, and I am not a big fan of that. You can see what challenge that is gonna be... Well we dun live in a perfect world.
Sorry could not comment much for schools... :(
I'd say there's a good chance I will migrate in the future, but only if I don't get treated as a second-class citizen or get snubbed wherever I go. But that's not going to happen. Well, not at least in the near future.
So it does look like I've got no other choice but to stay put in Singapore, but if that is going to be the case for the rest of my life, I certainly would expect more benefits to be allocated to citizens like us, rather than for the government to treat PRs and foreigners as "equals". After all, if I am not a priority in my own country, then I'd rather move to places like the US, Beijing, Moscow.. wherever, as long as I don't stay in a place which does not feel like home.
Point to the government: Make us feel at home! And it will be greatly appreciated.
swiss new zealand, czech republic, italy, japan, denmark, alot more i could think of that are WAY BETTER than singapore
TTT203 & mlmersrlosers,
You have both mentioned a number of countries... have you lived in those countries to feel SO positive about them?
Care to share with is a bit more of your experience there? Thank you in advance.
Originally posted by Lionoasis:TTT203 & mlmersrlosers,
You have both mentioned a number of countries... have you lived in those countries to feel SO positive about them?
Care to share with is a bit more of your experience there? Thank you in advance.
Originally posted by Lionoasis:TTT203 & mlmersrlosers,
You have both mentioned a number of countries... have you lived in those countries to feel SO positive about them?
Care to share with is a bit more of your experience there? Thank you in advance.
Originally posted by mlmersrlosers:who knows what in the future? maybe the PAPs are no longer in power then I might consider doing so here. But as long as THEY still pay themselves higher salaries while still telling us to take pay cuts, I will not link myself with Singapore as much as I can.
When you have decided where to go - good luck! Dun need to let me know. I will not intervene into personal issues.
The purpose of this thread is to raise awareness for fellow Singaporeans where our country stands in relation to other countries. Anyone can choose to make an INFORMED decision or let TV's/ Book's/ Newspapers/ Rumours/ Reports make the decision for them, the decision is personal.
Thanks for offering to inform me, but I really dun need to know.
Hi Lionoasis,
I really enjoy this post. It begs the question about the future for a Singaporean who is working or studying overseas. I have lived 1/3 of my life in UK now, since graduating from University I have now worked in England for about 5 years.
Most Singaporeans will find that it's difficult to migrate overseas and work. The reality of the situation is that it's really the mindset of the person on whether he/she will do whatever it takes to make a life for his/herself overseas. To me, I feel that the education system in Singapore is far superior to most countries, and when Singaporeans study overseas they tend to stand out in class and end up as top students. Singaporeans in UK spend 100% of their time studying only at University while most Brits have to work part time to supplement their lifestyle and school fees. Therefore the trend is quite obvious in most universities in UK, and that Singaporeans who do very well will find it easier to acquire jobs based their superior grades and final degree classification.
I have acquired a job for a major aircraft manufacturer in England and have worked here for a good 5 years. Based on my current job, the salary, holidays and working hours a week, it's really difficult give up for a job in Singapore. The UK goverment has also made it a requirement for companies in UK to pay for maternity leave for both men (2 weeks) and women (9 months full pay, 3 months half pay). The life in Europe is totally different from Singapore. There is the countryside to visit on the weekends and most parts of Europe are also easily accessible from England with the budget flights.
However I have reached a point where I have to question my responsibility to my parents. Both my sister (in Oz) and I are working overseas, and in very good positions and with good salaries. I feel it's part of my responsibility as a son to return to look after the folks when they retire next year (since my sis will never return). Therefore I will be looking at job opportunities in Asia next year and give up a good career in Europe.
However I would have to say that Singapore will not be on top of my list.
Is Singapore that BAD?
i know that oz pay scale is higheven for a fastfood worker but the jobs here so far ive encountered belong to the old technology era (1950-1980).i dont mean to sound rude as i do hope its just the area im in thats not developed.
but can anyone here help to clarify me on oz industries and their level of technology elsewhere?
one thing for sure...........spore is not a good place for me too when i grow old............its only meant for millionaires to retire to with the $200/day hotels,shopping malls and plenty of authentic exotic food as compared to other countries.the electrical bill is already $320/mth while other countries are only $35/mth average.plus the drinks and food from supermarket are limited and hell of a expensive in spore except shing shiong supermarket.might as well goto malaysia to retire but will we be able to retire??????????the salary sucks nowadays in spore!the air doesnt smell fresh!its hot n humid mostly!the neighbours pound n bash the walls and ceiling everyday and everynight!!
think u really need to be a millionare to retire in peace in spore.
Originally posted by klokey:Hi Lionoasis,
I really enjoy this post. It begs the question about the future for a Singaporean who is working or studying overseas. I have lived 1/3 of my life in UK now, since graduating from University I have now worked in England for about 5 years.
Most Singaporeans will find that it's difficult to migrate overseas and work. The reality of the situation is that it's really the mindset of the person on whether he/she will do whatever it takes to make a life for his/herself overseas. To me, I feel that the education system in Singapore is far superior to most countries, and when Singaporeans study overseas they tend to stand out in class and end up as top students. Singaporeans in UK spend 100% of their time studying only at University while most Brits have to work part time to supplement their lifestyle and school fees. Therefore the trend is quite obvious in most universities in UK, and that Singaporeans who do very well will find it easier to acquire jobs based their superior grades and final degree classification.
I have acquired a job for a major aircraft manufacturer in England and have worked here for a good 5 years. Based on my current job, the salary, holidays and working hours a week, it's really difficult give up for a job in Singapore. The UK goverment has also made it a requirement for companies in UK to pay for maternity leave for both men (2 weeks) and women (9 months full pay, 3 months half pay). The life in Europe is totally different from Singapore. There is the countryside to visit on the weekends and most parts of Europe are also easily accessible from England with the budget flights.
However I have reached a point where I have to question my responsibility to my parents. Both my sister (in Oz) and I are working overseas, and in very good positions and with good salaries. I feel it's part of my responsibility as a son to return to look after the folks when they retire next year (since my sis will never return). Therefore I will be looking at job opportunities in Asia next year and give up a good career in Europe.
However I would have to say that Singapore will not be on top of my list.
Hi,
15 posts in 4 years and this thread is one of the few you actually choose to post your comments - thank you.
Glad to hear that you are having a good career in England. Guess to have families - siblings - living outside Singapore makes your decision to do the same (not sighting this is the basis of your decision) easier I guess. But I am sure, you fnd life more fulfilling and the skies seem to be more opened there in England. More than 20 years ago, I had the same experience when I was living and working in the US and thought Singapore was "NOT HAPPENING" - of course the playboy channel & strip bars helped hahaha.
I live in China now and the country seems to feel very upbeat and everyone is motivated to make more money, not to mention China being a huge country; compared to Singapore's gloomy sentiment amongst most people, this again is a strong contrast.
For a driven businessman and ambitious individual like me, one wonders why Singapore? Well you mentioned one key word - MindSet, and this is what I have been advocating in my threads, or at least I try to share.
Good luck and I know you will not forget Singapore though it is not your top choice.
Originally posted by HITMAN11111111111:one thing for sure...........spore is not a good place for me too when i grow old............its only meant for millionaires to retire to with the $200/day hotels,shopping malls and plenty of authentic exotic food as compared to other countries.the electrical bill is already $320/mth while other countries are only $35/mth average.plus the drinks and food from supermarket are limited and hell of a expensive in spore except shing shiong supermarket.might as well goto malaysia to retire but will we be able to retire??????????the salary sucks nowadays in spore!the air doesnt smell fresh!its hot n humid mostly!the neighbours pound n bash the walls and ceiling everyday and everynight!!
think u really need to be a millionare to retire in peace in spore.
Yeah...the standard of living in Singapore is definitely high and it has crossed my mind as well. The heathcare expenses are gonna cost a bomb, and this is where I think most improvement is needed. I am also not impressed by the common "money face" doctors these days.
However, I told myself, if Singapore's problems are not isolated, meaning I will see the same things elsewhere, I rather tackle the issues where I am a familiar with, and where I am a native. But this is my take, not necessarily yours...
Wish some can understand this lar - standard of living and cost of living - are two different things!
Originally posted by Fugazzi:Wish some can understand this lar - standard of living and cost of living - are two different things!
In some economic books they refer to the same thing...
Of all the information being exhanged here, is the "English Term" all that caught your eye?
like what one of the minister said, people might have to retire in JB in the future. So, if you can forsee that happening, then I would say JB and Malaysisa (Sabah and sarawak) will be a great place to consider starting my new life.
Originally posted by traver:like what one of the minister said, people might have to retire in JB in the future. So, if you can forsee that happening, then I would say JB and Malaysisa (Sabah and sarawak) will be a great place to consider starting my new life.
Really? Which Minister? He must be drunk when he said that...
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan
Originally posted by Stevenson101:Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan
Thank you, this is interesting... Under what situation did he make such remark? Or was this remark taken out of context?
I find it difficult to believe that he would say something like that. I know JB is setting up some facilities to rival Singapore hospitals (apparently invested by Singaporeans), and if business takes off and it should, I can see more hospitals/ facilites being set up.
Did he mean to "live" there during treatment?
Originally posted by Lionoasis:In some economic books they refer to the same thing...
Of all the information being exhanged here, is the "English Term" all that caught your eye?
Urm they are not the same Lionoasis
Standard of living is how good a living we have
Cost of living is how costly the living we have.
They are 2 different things
High Cost of living does not equal high standard of living and vice versa.
Originally posted by Lionoasis:Thank you, this is interesting... Under what situation did he make such remark? Or was this remark taken out of context?
I find it difficult to believe that he would say something like that. I know JB is setting up some facilities to rival Singapore hospitals (apparently invested by Singaporeans), and if business takes off and it should, I can see more hospitals/ facilites being set up.
Did he mean to "live" there during treatment?
Not sure if you have read the news.
Our govt was mooting the idea of dumping all the old people into an old aged home in JB sometime back.
They received a lot of flak for it.
Originally posted by Lionoasis:Really? Which Minister? He must be drunk when he said that...
there was indeed a very big hoo-ha on it
If only the Health Minister was drunk then everyone would simply have enjoyed his sick joke in ‘the hoopla of Aged Singaporean retiring in JB’ (*1).
He began his political life as a reasonable person, but soon develop the typical disease of the "albino gorillas" that seems so infectious on all the new players recruited to dorn the "albino gorilla" costume.
They all believed themselves to be real "gorillas" - no matter if they are of the "albino" kind that have problems with the light of day.
Better the Philippines.