- Joined
- Nov 14, 2024
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As an educator, employer and board member on several international academic bodies, I have been asked from time to time if Singaporeans are motivated enough to compete aggressively in a globalised job market.
In the eyes of the world community, this is usually a rhetorical question as Singapore is often held up as a shining example of a no-nonsense, ultra-competitive society that is not only hungry for success, but also has a clear vision of what success means.
But within Singapore this narrative has blown up after a legal recruiter here sparked online debate by claiming that companies are hiring foreign workers who are “hungrier” than locals.
From Stomp to Reddit to news publications, posters and experts have hit back at the notion.
For me though, it’s ironic. Singaporeans are known for our singular obsession with educational excellence, hard work and economic perseverance, reflecting the uncompromising work ethic we inherited since the founding of modern-day Singapore.
For more than half a century, this formula has elevated our standard of living, and helped pivot Singapore as a regional business hub. So there is no doubt that Singaporeans — younger generations included - have the iron in them.
The debate, however, misses a fundamental point. It is not whether “Singaporeans are hungry”, but rather, what do we hunger for and if that is relevant in today’s disrupted world of artificial intelligence, geopolitical rivalry and a diminished rule-based international system.
More at https://www.domainofexperts.com/2015/05/singapore-education-news-updates.html
In the eyes of the world community, this is usually a rhetorical question as Singapore is often held up as a shining example of a no-nonsense, ultra-competitive society that is not only hungry for success, but also has a clear vision of what success means.
But within Singapore this narrative has blown up after a legal recruiter here sparked online debate by claiming that companies are hiring foreign workers who are “hungrier” than locals.
From Stomp to Reddit to news publications, posters and experts have hit back at the notion.
For me though, it’s ironic. Singaporeans are known for our singular obsession with educational excellence, hard work and economic perseverance, reflecting the uncompromising work ethic we inherited since the founding of modern-day Singapore.
For more than half a century, this formula has elevated our standard of living, and helped pivot Singapore as a regional business hub. So there is no doubt that Singaporeans — younger generations included - have the iron in them.
The debate, however, misses a fundamental point. It is not whether “Singaporeans are hungry”, but rather, what do we hunger for and if that is relevant in today’s disrupted world of artificial intelligence, geopolitical rivalry and a diminished rule-based international system.
More at https://www.domainofexperts.com/2015/05/singapore-education-news-updates.html


