Population woes

[zarahsmom]

3Boys:

zarahsmom:

[quote=\"3Boys\"]Here is an article for context --> http://www.npr.org/2011/06/09/137081954/union-workers-cry-foul-over-new-s-c-boeing-plant


Not only are countries fighting each other for industry, even states within the US fight each other for corporations. The (more) rigid labour conditions in Washington State drove Boeing to set up a plant in South Carolina. Boeing has strong historical links to Seattle, but if labour gets too tough, off they go. It's that simple.

totally agree with this.. in all of the companies I worked for, I have to constantly \"defend\" in my own way the talent pool in Singapore (against talent pools in China and India)... if I can prove that the competencies/skills in Singapore is higher (and thus worth the higher premium).. then we dont have to outsource IT helpdesks/network teams to India/China service providers)..

but everyone seems to be too busy to upskill or attend productivity programmes.. so really.. how to defend Singapore if we are all too focused on racial differences (who is getting more of what?)...

Exactly, I am constantly fighting a rear-guard to defend our business in Singapore to the head-honchos in corporate, and we can only do our business drawing on a mix of Singaporean core partnered with top foreign talent to keep it going.

But people seem very blase about that. Put up the barriers they say, and those that live, live, those that die, die.

As if we can be so choosy, and to what purpose? They really feel it would result in a better outcome for the Singaporean PMET?[/quote]
hi yah, this is the one that I believe Singapore talents (locals/foreigners) alike, have to focus on.. how can we keep Singapore as an interesting business proposition for companies to move back their HQ to Singapore or even just to keep their HQ in Singapore.. a nation divided is a nation headed for ruin.. just my few cents worth...

[WeiHan]

Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

[Coolkidsrock2]

We have to be careful of what we ask for, every policy will cut both ways and some will benefit while others will be disadvantaged. Do not think we will be better off if the MNCs decide to pull out of Singapore because of concerns over FT bashing. For some, this is not an issue as they have transferable skills that are valued globally and more so in the emerging markets. For others, they have not have much options.

[zarahsmom]

WeiHan:

Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

uh-oh i also echo the previous posters comment, be careful what you wish for.. though a lot of people prefer work-life balance over more high falutting jobs, some still prefer the high falutting jobs,

i guess what I am trying to say is for each individual to make up their minds.. if you prefer work-life balance, then be prepared to lose the high falutting jobs to foreigners in your shore.. or workers off-shore..

also have to be cognizant that nations like India are now also facing the social issues you faced decades ago... losing focus on family..and getting too urbanised and stressed...and maybe a few more decades in the future India would also be a favorable place for foreign talents (though as of today, I know most of the regional workers in Singapore who were given short-term assignments in India-- really didnt find it comfortable to settle in India, specially those with kids).. they say it is easier to be a foreigner in Singapore, than become a foreigner in say India, Chine or Philippines (my home country).. so I guess Singapore and Hong Kong, will continue to be an attractive place for foreign workers...

on the other side of the coin Australia and Canada government promoted family first policies.. (Australia offices are closed by 4pm, shopping malls closed by 5 pm)...and you already know what happened to most global companies operating in Australia, they have moved to Singapore.. if Singapore is ready for that transition.. then.. I guess we all just have to be ready for the changes.. and be happy with what ever comes..

[3Boys]

WeiHan:

Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

Right, lets all be Greece......

This is the most preposterous post in this thread yet. Guess what happens to the young unemployed persons in low-growth countries?

Hint: It involves buying a plane ticket. I'm sure more people prefer that.

[3Boys]

After we spend all out effort and energy to educate our young, then we tell them, forget about competing for high value jobs, here in Singapore, we only want the easy lifestyle.

[WeiHan]

3Boys:

WeiHan:

Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

Right, lets all be Greece......

This is the most preposterous post in this thread yet. Guess what happens to the young unemployed persons in low-growth countries?

Hint: It involves buying a plane ticket. I'm sure more people prefer that.

Greece's problem is very different. Theirs is due to over spending through budget deficit on social program. Ours is fighting to be the top few but in the process sacrificing on quality of living and a markedly higher stress level.

[3Boys]

WeiHan:

3Boys:

[quote=\"WeiHan\"]Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

Right, lets all be Greece......

This is the most preposterous post in this thread yet. Guess what happens to the young unemployed persons in low-growth countries?

Hint: It involves buying a plane ticket. I'm sure more people prefer that.

Greece's problem is very different. Theirs is due to over spending through budget deficit on social program. Ours is fighting to be the top few but in the process sacrificing on quality of living and a markedly higher stress level.[/quote]
And how do you easily avoid deficit spending if you don't have a competitive economy that brings revenue to the coffers? Greece has a rigid economic system and labour laws, exactly what some people are proposing we adopt.

[3Boys]

WeiHan:

3Boys:

[quote=\"WeiHan\"]Is the government going to give a choice to the citizens?


i.e. More people prefer a less stressful lifestyle but settle with lesser value added jobs. Never mind we lose higher value jobs to Shanghai.

Right, lets all be Greece......

This is the most preposterous post in this thread yet. Guess what happens to the young unemployed persons in low-growth countries?

Hint: It involves buying a plane ticket. I'm sure more people prefer that.

Greece's problem is very different. Theirs is due to over spending through budget deficit on social program. Ours is fighting to be the top few but in the process sacrificing on quality of living and a markedly higher stress level.[/quote]
And how do you easily avoid deficit spending if you don't have a competitive economy that brings revenue to the coffers? Greece has a rigid economic system and labour laws, exactly what some people are proposing we adopt.

[mamago]

Over spending = Budget deficit


Easy life style = people with lesser income (= Pay lesser taxes) = but increasingly rely on social program = gov struggle to manage the budget deficit = Snowball = Another-Greece-in-making

(…every choice has it’s price… all it takes is 15 to 20 years!!)