Mon, Aug 11, 2008
my paper
Singaporeans are like salmon
A RECENT forum discussion headed by the People's Association Youth Movement zoomed in on the perennial problem of brain drain in Singapore.
In many cases, it starts when Singaporean youths go abroad to study.
Instead of behaving like salmon that swim back to their natal stream, many Singaporeans emulate birds who leave their nests, never to return.
Although many of my friends have left Singapore to pursue overseas studies, many more have stayed behind for a local education, which they thoroughly enjoy.
I've found, from talking to my friends, that the brain drain isn't happening just because Singaporeans find greener pastures abroad.
Rather, it's because different individuals want to experience different things in life.
Those who went overseas aren't queuing up for residential status at their respective countries of study, and my locally-educated friends aren't rushing to transfer to foreign schools.
Instead, both groups relish their immensely different environments.
A friend studying in the United States appreciates the change in scenery and the wide variety of activities and classes - limited only by his imagination - that are readily available.
His classes range from astrophysics to an orchestral conducting course, and he has already signed up for evolutionary biology and literary criticism in the next semester.
He slots in frisbee-throwing sessions and lazing around fields between and after classes as well.
He tells me about regular weekend frat parties and spontaneous ski trips too.
Other friends studying in Britain and Australia also appreciate the chance to be more vocal in class.
Over there, it is normal to express opinions that are contrary to what is being taught. Students are encouraged to engage professors in back-and-forth banter.
Meanwhile, those studying at home also provide positive feedback.
They fully appreciate the rigorous syllabus, which is on par with those offered at many renowned foreign universities.
They do not hold the notion that a local degree is inferior to a foreign one, and they confirm that local universities also provide a high quality of education.
More importantly, many friends cite their familiarity with the local environment as the main reason for choosing to continue their education here.
They prefer to focus on their studies without having to worry about fitting into another culture or speaking an unfamiliar language.
Many have also found it hard to leave their family and circle of friends, who form a crucial part of their support system.
In the end, both groups of friends agree on one thing: They want to stay with their loved ones in Singapore.
Give them some time, and I'm sure that Singaporeans abroad will realise that they're more like salmon than flighty birds.
my paper
Singaporeans are like salmon
A RECENT forum discussion headed by the People's Association Youth Movement zoomed in on the perennial problem of brain drain in Singapore.
In many cases, it starts when Singaporean youths go abroad to study.
Instead of behaving like salmon that swim back to their natal stream, many Singaporeans emulate birds who leave their nests, never to return.
Although many of my friends have left Singapore to pursue overseas studies, many more have stayed behind for a local education, which they thoroughly enjoy.
I've found, from talking to my friends, that the brain drain isn't happening just because Singaporeans find greener pastures abroad.
Rather, it's because different individuals want to experience different things in life.
Those who went overseas aren't queuing up for residential status at their respective countries of study, and my locally-educated friends aren't rushing to transfer to foreign schools.
Instead, both groups relish their immensely different environments.
A friend studying in the United States appreciates the change in scenery and the wide variety of activities and classes - limited only by his imagination - that are readily available.
His classes range from astrophysics to an orchestral conducting course, and he has already signed up for evolutionary biology and literary criticism in the next semester.
He slots in frisbee-throwing sessions and lazing around fields between and after classes as well.
He tells me about regular weekend frat parties and spontaneous ski trips too.
Other friends studying in Britain and Australia also appreciate the chance to be more vocal in class.
Over there, it is normal to express opinions that are contrary to what is being taught. Students are encouraged to engage professors in back-and-forth banter.
Meanwhile, those studying at home also provide positive feedback.
They fully appreciate the rigorous syllabus, which is on par with those offered at many renowned foreign universities.
They do not hold the notion that a local degree is inferior to a foreign one, and they confirm that local universities also provide a high quality of education.
More importantly, many friends cite their familiarity with the local environment as the main reason for choosing to continue their education here.
They prefer to focus on their studies without having to worry about fitting into another culture or speaking an unfamiliar language.
Many have also found it hard to leave their family and circle of friends, who form a crucial part of their support system.
In the end, both groups of friends agree on one thing: They want to stay with their loved ones in Singapore.
Give them some time, and I'm sure that Singaporeans abroad will realise that they're more like salmon than flighty birds.
