FOREIGN TALENTS “FT” vs FOREIGN TALENTS POLICY “FTP”

Mr TAN Kin Lian

I like to suggest that you create a LABEL on “Foreign Talents” and “Foreign Talents Policy” in your website. I discover that there are a lot of mis-communications on “Foreign Talents” and “Foreign Talents Policy”.

FOREIGN TALENTS “FT” vs FOREIGN TALENTS POLICY “FTP”

With the discussion and reaction of some Singaporeans, it may seem that Singaporeans are not welcoming foreigners. I think this is a wrong description of Singaporeans.

Many of us, including myself, used to work overseas one time or another. We were foreign talents, once upon a time. We also have a lot of foreigners’ friends. I think Singaporeans are warm people. As a Singaporean, I am looking forward to Singapore Government to make a clear statement of what is their FTP. For example, what category of talents we are attracting and why. For example, what are the level of influx Singapore can absorb. The possibility lack of clear deliberation of FTP could result in Singaporeans calling for explanation. This is understandable because they are many foreigners living among our midst and doing the same job we used to do.

Some may have over-reacted, but many could be just striving understand what is FT and FTP. Unfortunately, calling for explanation and rationale could be seen as unwelcoming FT. This is sadly not the case for Singaporeans.

Maybe, MR TAN could help to elaborate what is Government’s FTP; alternatively, you can help Singaporeans to raise intelligent questions for the Government to answer them. I really hope that local breed and bred Singaporeans to live in harmony with FT in our midst. Even if Singaporeans do not agree with Government’s FTP, we cannot conclude that Singaporeans do not live alongside FT. Singaporeans want to welcome foreigners, but at the same time they need a FTP that fit the need of social and economics objectives of Singapore.

Demographics is an important fabrics of the society, and I think FTP should be deliberated clearly and convincingly to Singaporeans at large. This is the best way to cultivate sense of belonging to this little land we are living in, and the best way to welcome and integrate FT among our midst. I like to conclude that it is good to have FT coming to our country. Singaporeans at large just want to know who are these FT and in what level of influx Singapore can absorb – socially and economically.

Once again, I think you could be the person who has sufficient depth of knowledge and grace for this subject matter. Thank you.

CASHEW NUT