Monday, 21 September 2009, 3:19 pm | 1,662 views
Gilbert Goh
It must be tough for the authorities to figure out a sustainable manpower deployment strategy when it comes to the complex issue of aiding local businesses to make profits through the hiring of foreign workers.
Not only is this a time bomb for social cohesion but also a serious political issue in view of the coming General Election. The government has failed to convince the nation that having so many foreign workers in our midst has really “added spices” positively.
Without empathy for jobless and desperate citizens, it would be very difficult to understand why foreigners are seen more as job snatcher than anything else.
In 2008, foreign non-residents (non-PR, non-Singaporean) account for 1.2M people of the entire population. These foreigners snatch popular jobs such as clerks, receptionists, administrators and salesmen. Their actions only affirm the perception that foreign labour in Singapore is hardly foreign talent.
Employers also prefer to hire foreigners, as they are cheaper and more willing to put in extra hours without grumbling. To a foreigner from a third world country, living and working in Singapore is almost a Godsend.
Many foreigners also found work in the coffee shops and factories. Surprisingly, these workers are also given Permanent Resident (PR) status after a while. A S-Pass worker can apply for PR status after one year and normally it will be granted within month of the application. After two years, he will offered a Singapore citizenship.
R-Pass holders earn below $1,800 a month and are not eligible for PR status. R-Pass holders include construction workers, domestic workers, shipyard workers and many who work in the conservancy and landscaping sector. Due to quota on R-Pass workers, some errant employers may “pass off” a R-Pass-qualified worker as a S-Pass one without paying the minimum $1800/month salary.
As many as 200,000 able-Singaporeans have left the country in recent years and not many are considering to return in the near future. A recent survey suggested that 79% of overseas Singaporean students prefer to work abroad than to return to Singapore. More are expected to leave the country in the near future.
To balance out the population exodus, the Government allows companies to import foreigners from neighbouring countries such as China and India without upsetting the racial proportion.
Singaporeans find it difficult to comprehend the Government’s lax foreign labour policy. Some have eventually migrated to other countries in anger that they were replaced by foreign substitutes. They further question whether their loyalty for their country is ever reciprocated at all when there is no protection whatever on their livelihood.
It is hardly surprising that economics is the motivation behind Singaporean workers to shun many opportunities in the service sector. Such jobs pay close to S$1000 a month and after CPF deduction, take home pay is reduced to a puny sum of S$800 a month.
If the worker is the sole breadwinner of a family of four, the sum remains insufficient even if top-up from the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WISS) is included. WISS tops up a low-wage worker’s salary to the tune of $1,200 a year. To qualify, the Singaporean worker must be at least 35-year-old and earns a montly salary less than $1,500.
On the other hand, employers in labour intensive industries need to re-evaluate if it is still feasible to hire cheap labour. In recent times, many small cleaning companies mushroomed all over Singapore that bidding for cleaning projects has dropped so low that these companies cannot afford to pay their employees a decent salary without suffering a loss.
The authorities may need to re-look into their policy on government contractual bidding for cleaning projects to impact this particular industry sector. Moreover, dependence on labour intensive industries also works contrary against Singapore’s high-falutin aspiration to be a highly industrialised and knowledge-based economy.
In Australia, many blue-collared jobs offered a chance for many locals to earn a decent wage.
For example, the construction sector mostly hires local Aussies and very often, even an apprentice is paid a salary of S$3000 a month before taxes. The implementation of minimum wage policy and skills training courses have allow local workers to be adequately compensated for the menial work performed.
Blue collared workers can command as much salaries as any white collared ones due to the niche skills that such jobs required and also many Aussies shun these jobs due to its harsh working environment. Unlike Singapore, there is no easy back door to hiring undervalued foreign workers in Australia.
Local employers should increasingly look at semi-automating their work flow to lessen their dependence on undervalued foreign labour. I have seen how a team of twenty Indian foreign workers line the road during road works in our country with half practically standing around doing nothing.
This is not the best way to deploy manpower even if they come cheaply. In Australia, even the driver of the garbage collection vehicle assists in the daily garbage collection task. And there are 2 additional person in labour team. It is all very professionally done with minimal human efforts.
Singapore cannot afford to contnue its dependence on undervalued labour to advance the economy. More can be done to streamline our operations in order to boost our efficiency.
Local workers can then be better compensated when they take on better-valued jobs.
Productivity is also raised in the process.
The current dependence on foreign labour will not bear fruit if we want to advance our economy . Not only will it bring forth social unrest but it will seriously jeopardise the employment opportunities of the local work force.
Ok Ok, i ask them to stop, next year you will see the changes, happy>???
I am wondering if the PAP will lose quite a lot of vote cos of this dissatisfaction on the over reliance of foreign labour. that said, its not going to be enough to vote them out of office.
By voting out the PAP government, there will be jobs for everyone when the new government will chase away all the FOERIGN workers and talents ?
Companies and businesses will employ back all the unemployed workers at their previous salaries plus all the missed out annual increments ?
Originally posted by Angel7030a:By voting out the PAP government, there will be jobs for everyone when the new government will chase away all the FOERIGN workers and talents ?
Companies and businesses will employ back all the unemployed workers at their previous salaries plus all the missed out annual increments ?
If all current foreign workers and talents is to go back home, we are finish. My take is over dependency on foreigners is a risk. There are 3 catergories in foreigners intake here,
1. Foreigners workers helping us in Marine, construction and other physical jobs is ok, we really need them like we need foreign maids.
2. Those PR types, these are like sandwich group, most are useless and hoping to work as professional in Singapore, but usually they cannot match up to Singaporeans hard and long hours way of working, these are the committed group, they would had brought houses and other assets in Singapore. Some of their certificates are bought from their homeland, and our MOM or immigration are still foolish to take them in.
3. Business expatriates, these dun consitute alots, but we need them too, the rich class, they invest here, create jobs for us, they had been around since industrialisation.
I am not saying that foreigners is no good, in a way, they really helps us in our physical strength, economy and population. But we need to get the right ones, that is the most important, we need to be able to screen and trim, so that we can get the cream de cream and not someone coming here just because their country is so poor and they just want to be here. The govt should start to get good foreigners in and repariate those who are not contributing and performing or unlawful back to their homeland, be it if they are PRs or Citizenships holders. But at present, govt is doing nothing, tom and dick, dogs and cats also can come in, that is sad.
Originally posted by angel7030:
If all current foreign workers and talents is to go back home, we are finish. My take is over dependency on foreigners is a risk. There are 3 catergories in foreigners intake here,
Is it not obvious for a Taiwanese 'hum' when asked to return to Taiwan - that you will be finished in Singapore ?
It has always been a risk to be over dependent on foreigners - why should locals get addicted to Taiwanese 'hum' which will later jack-up their self-worth at the expense of the locals developing a taste and having to pay an artificially high price to get back the Taiwan 'hum' ?
1. Foreigners workers helping us in Marine, construction and other physical jobs is ok, we really need them like we need foreign maids.
Obviously, the Taiwanese 'hum' will want those cheaper labor working in the Marine, Construction and other physical jobs, as all these are the ones to boost the Taiwan 'hum' Bar business.
Is it any surprise that the Taiwan 'hum' will also appreciate the foreign maids - as they provide the part-time lady GRO services on their off-days at the Taiwan 'hum' Bar ?
2. Those PR types, these are like sandwich group, most are useless and hoping to work as professional in Singapore, but usually they cannot match up to Singaporeans hard and long hours way of working, these are the committed group, they would had brought houses and other assets in Singapore. Some of their certificates are bought from their homeland, and our MOM or immigration are still foolish to take them in.
The difference between a PR Taiwan 'hum' and a sandwich is just the base material - where the 'hum' has a hard shell, while the sandwich has a soft bread - and both open up one side only.
Is the PR Taiwan 'hum' admitting to be useless even as it attempt to be a Pro in SG ?
Which Singaporeans have bought their certificates, or is the Taiwan 'hum' admitting that it is a common practise to purchase certificates in Taiwan ?
3. Business expatriates, these dun consitute alots, but we need them too, the rich class, they invest here, create jobs for us, they had been around since industrialisation.
How many business expatriates do you know are in Singapore to be so confident in your claim that they "dun constitute alots" ?
How many of these "business expatriate are rich class and invest here" ?
If you are here only to regurgitate statements that are drummed into your brain, you are simply wasting your time here.
Does anyone need a Taiwan 'hum' to remind Singaporeans of our own nightmare ?
I am not saying that foreigners is no good, in a way, they really helps us in our physical strength, economy and population. But we need to get the right ones, that is the most important, we need to be able to screen and trim, so that we can get the cream de cream and not someone coming here just because their country is so poor and they just want to be here. The govt should start to get good foreigners in and repariate those who are not contributing and performing or unlawful back to their homeland, be it if they are PRs or Citizenships holders. But at present, govt is doing nothing, tom and dick, dogs and cats also can come in, that is sad.
The Taiwan 'hum' may need the foreign "physical strength" - what does it know about Singapore's physical strength ?
Economy wise, it will be better for these expatriates - with a colonial mentality - to go.
Population wise - it will be a relief when all the foreingers do finally go, as they are already inflating the numbers and the costs of living.
Is Taiwan poorer than Singapore - that led the Taiwan 'hum' to migrate over too ?
It is pathecticall obvious that the 'hum' from Taiwan will advocate for more "toms and dicks to come into Singapore
Easy way out only, look at those big countries with strong economies, how do they substain and keep their economy strong? By hiring foreign trash? I don't think so.
Doesn't matter anyway, no intention to stay in Singapore as long as I can get out.
Originally posted by Atobe:
Is it not obvious for a Taiwanese 'hum' when asked to return to Taiwan - that you will be finished in Singapore ?
It has always been a risk to be over dependent on foreigners - why should locals get addicted to Taiwanese 'hum' which will later jack-up their self-worth at the expense of the locals developing a taste and having to pay an artificially high price to get back the Taiwan 'hum' ?
Obviously, the Taiwanese 'hum' will want those cheaper labor working in the Marine, Construction and other physical jobs, as all these are the ones to boost the Taiwan 'hum' Bar business.
Is it any surprise that the Taiwan 'hum' will also appreciate the foreign maids - as they provide the part-time lady GRO services on their off-days at the Taiwan 'hum' Bar ?
The difference between a PR Taiwan 'hum' and a sandwich is just the base material - where the 'hum' has a hard shell, while the sandwich has a soft bread - and both open up one side only.
Is the PR Taiwan 'hum' admitting to be useless even as it attempt to be a Pro in SG ?
Which Singaporeans have bought their certificates, or is the Taiwan 'hum' admitting that it is a common practise to purchase certificates in Taiwan ?
How many business expatriates do you know are in Singapore to be so confident in your claim that they "dun constitute alots" ?
How many of these "business expatriate are rich class and invest here" ?
If you are here only to regurgitate statements that are drummed into your brain, you are simply wasting your time here.
Does anyone need a Taiwan 'hum' to remind Singaporeans of our own nightmare ?
The Taiwan 'hum' may need the foreign "physical strength" - what does it know about Singapore's physical strength ?
Economy wise, it will be better for these expatriates - with a colonial mentality - to go.
Population wise - it will be a relief when all the foreingers do finally go, as they are already inflating the numbers and the costs of living.
Is Taiwan poorer than Singapore - that led the Taiwan 'hum' to migrate over too ?
It is pathecticall obvious that the 'hum' from Taiwan will advocate for more "toms and dicks to come into Singapore
Uncle tubby, you reply carries no substance, usually you give good comments, but this time, all hums and rubbish...haiz,....any problem down in southern thailand??
Originally posted by Agenda:Easy way out only, look at those big countries with strong economies, how do they substain and keep their economy strong? By hiring foreign trash? I don't think so.
Doesn't matter anyway, no intention to stay in Singapore as long as I can get out.
other countries got 500millions to 1.3 billions peoples, we only got 3 to 4 millions with half of it as students, ah longs, housewives, lazy bums, worn out oppostion politicians, ah peks, ah ma, ah kua...etc etc..., do you think they can construct building and service ships??
Originally posted by angel7030:
other countries got 500millions to 1.3 billions peoples, we only got 3 to 4 millions with half of it as students, ah longs, housewives, lazy bums, worn out oppostion politicians, ah peks, ah ma, ah kua...etc etc..., do you think they can construct building and service ships??
Job A - Hard Labour $1,000/month.
No one wants to work, construction firm authorised to hire from China/India. Accepted.
Job B - Regular Sales Job, $1,500/month
Singaporean A asks for $1,400 but isn't hired because company hired someone from China/India for $1,000/month with a lousy degree.
Would you accept this? Don't tell me make do with it, if you were Singaporean A, let's say fresh Dip/ITE/A graduate with no where else to go, Would you take $1,000/month and you need to pay for your own bills and stuff?
Let's say you still bum out staying with your parents so you don't need to worry about rents, hmm let's see..
Transportation - 6 days about $4 per day comes up to $24, 4 weeks come to $96
Food - $12 per day if you eat cheaply, 30 days about $360
That's already $456 gone means you have left with $544, unless you're a real bum I don't think you want to stay with your parents the rest of your life?
Savings $200 gone, down to $344.
If you're a big ungrateful unfillial child, would you not give your parents any allowance? Considering your low paying job, $200 for both might be just nice. $144 left.
Unless you are a zombie with no life, I don't think $144 for entertainment can be sufficient. Don't tell me it's sufficient or live within your means when reality, you wouldn't
it is a fact that foreigner is snatching away local job.
I just went for a job interview recently in a public service, out of so many applicants, they have chosen 3 PRC and 3 Singaporeans (including me). That is 50% chances of a Singaporean getting a job. If all of them are equally good, I would make a rational choice of choosing a PRC, male, because he does not need to go for reservist, apply maternity leave and cheaper. It is a fact that we have become a second class citizen in our own country.
Originally posted by Lokey:it is a fact that foreigner is snatching away local job.
I just went for a job interview recently in a public service, out of so many applicants, they have chosen 3 PRC and 3 Singaporeans (including me). That is 50% chances of a Singaporean getting a job. If all of them are equally good, I would make a rational choice of choosing a PRC, male, because he does not need to go for reservist, apply maternity leave and cheaper. It is a fact that we have become a second class citizen in our own country.
How many times does a Singaporean woman ACTUALLY giveS birth in her life time?
How often does a reservist serve in camp in his career?? I've collegues who dont even get call back after 7 to 8 years after his NSF, only for IPPT test on sat afternoons each year! And if critical units, how many critical units are there in SAF???
I have no liking to be the one to say the truth, for it hurts, but we must face up to reality if we are to survive. No point in living in delusion whining or pity.
For simplicity instead of using grad jobs which some may not be familiar with the terms, and so that more may understand, lets say there are 2 citizens applying for a mechanic job.
One who had no interest for the job, but graduated based on prac and theo results. The other love cars and knows about all kinds of cars and grad with the same results.
Who will be hired? Of course the other guy who had the interest and capability. On the consumer side, who would you trust to look after or repair your car? of course the better guy.
Similarly, a foreign talent is not cheap. Some cost $5000 a month, 100 times their salary at home. Yet why are they selected over citizens?
Ask yourself and look beyond the sour grape. They are capable. We are in a new world now, globalised and consumers/employers are looking for the best.
We have to be the best to compete. If the PRC can be good, why cant we be better? Where is our failure? Are we too pampered? Can we no onger take pressure? We must ask ourselves these, even when we become consumers, why do we prefer to eat at Mcdonalds instead of buying our home made buns.
Originally posted by xtreyier:
How many times does a Singaporean woman ACTUALLY giveS birth in her life time?
Is the X-rated Fraud capable enough to second guess a Singaporean woman's decision in giving birth in her life time ?
How often does a reservist serve in camp in his career?? I've collegues who dont even get call back after 7 to 8 years after his NSF, only for IPPT test on sat afternoons each year! And if critical units, how many critical units are there in SAF???
Should the "collegues" of a X-rated Fraud not being called back for Reservist Training be taken as a general indication that all NSF are similarly having the same privilege ?
Why will the X-rated Fraud enquire for the number of critical units to be published in a public forum that will undermine Singapore's security ?
Obviously the X-rated Fraud has not the slightest intelligence to be circumspect in anything.
I have no liking to be the one to say the truth, for it hurts, but we must face up to reality if we are to survive. No point in living in delusion whining or pity.
Can a X-rated Fraud have any ability to tell the truth - when it has the ability to look at truths as half-truths ?
What does a X-rated Fraud know aboout truth when it will even cheat its government on a 50 cent parking coupon and will only admit when caught ?
Can a two-face X-rated Fraud be trusted when it will cheat its government whom it will defend publicly with so much hypocritical vigor ?
For simplicity instead of using grad jobs which some may not be familiar with the terms, and so that more may understand, lets say there are 2 citizens applying for a mechanic job.
One who had no interest for the job, but graduated based on prac and theo results. The other love cars and knows about all kinds of cars and grad with the same results.
Who will be hired? Of course the other guy who had the interest and capability. On the consumer side, who would you trust to look after or repair your car? of course the better guy.
It takes the pseudo-intellect of a X-rated Fraud to make it simple for its own intelligence to cope with a dumb example.
Only the stupidity of a pseudo-intellect will employ the grad - who only "love cars and knows about all kinds of cars" - even without knowing the "prac and theo" about cars.
Similarly, a foreign talent is not cheap. Some cost $5000 a month, 100 times their salary at home. Yet why are they selected over citizens?
A foreign talent cost $5000 a month in Singapore - which is 100 times their salary at home ?
This must certainly prove that the X-rated Fraud is surely stupendous to admire the foreign talent is not cheap when the Dumb Ass is prepared to pay the foreign talent 100 times their salary at home.
How much would that foreign talent be paid in its home country when it is paid 100 times more in Singapore ?
Is that foreign talent worth the $5000 in Singapore ?
The wider audience of the X-rated Fraud should celebrate the brilliant intelligence of the X-rated Fraud, who is willing to pay $5000 to the Foreign Talent when it is paid only $50 in its home country.
Ask yourself and look beyond the sour grape. They are capable. We are in a new world now, globalised and consumers/employers are looking for the best.
Only the Dumb Ass with the pseudo-intellect with fraudulent skills will not be a sour grape when it sees the dumb PAP forcing Singaporeans to pay $5000 to the Foreign Talent - when it is paid only $50 in its home country.
How capable can a foreign talent be when its salary in its home country is only $50 a month ?
With the self-inflated values of a hypocritical X-rated Fraud, we can surely depend on more of its political verbiage in spouting grand visions of a New World distorted by its own pseudo-intelligence.
We have to be the best to compete. If the PRC can be good, why cant we be better? Where is our failure? Are we too pampered? Can we no onger take pressure? We must ask ourselves these, even when we become consumers, why do we prefer to eat at Mcdonalds instead of buying our home made buns.
Can anyone be better when one is as determined as a X-rated Fraud to be dishonest even with itself, and in its hypocritical relationship with the Government ?
Amazing that the X-rated Fraud will ask "where is our failure ?" - when it is even deluded to go against its own reasoning to complement China's productivity, and will now compete against China to best them with its pseudo-intelligence.
The X-rated Fraud must be deluded with its own relevance to think that Mcdonalds buns are not home made buns - does it believe its own intelligence to have these buns baked in the USA and brought to SG - to be sold at a set meak of $7.90 +/- ?
The pseudo-intelligence of the X-rated Rat is stupendous beyond belief, how else can it reach its Double-XX Star ratings ?
wonder wat happen to fantagf?
if u need a walking stick u wana throw away..............get another walking stick immediately b4 u throw old walkin stick away.alternately just throw old walkin stick away ,stop walkin .....sit down n stagnate a while under a shade and wait for new good walking stick u ordered.....