The following terms have been used to describe the foreigners who are now working in Singapore:
foreign talent
foreign workers
foreigners
migrant workers
immigrants
Previously, the word "foreign talent" was commonly used by our political leaders, mainstream media and even by the common people. I have spoken a few times against the use of this term, as it is inappropriate and demeaning to Singaporeans.
I found that the mainstream media has started to use the term "foreigners". While this is more appropriate, I still find that it is an unnecessary distinction. If we have to use a term, perhaps "immigrant" would be more appropriate. It implies a willingness of these workers and their families to make a future in Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian
Long time ago, the phrase "foreign workers" were used to categorize foreigners who take up blue collar work in Singapore. The workers building up our 2 casinos are an example of "foreign workers".
ReplyDelete"Foreign talent" is meant for foreigners who take up WHITE collar work in Singapore. Remember Chip Goodyear who was made famous due to differences over strategic vision? That is an example of foreign talent.
REX comments as follows,
ReplyDeleteI never miss an interesting word puzzle.
"Immigrant" has a connotation of permanency. When you are an immigrant, you're here for good. So actually "immigrant" in my opinion, is not an appropriate word too.
Strangely enougth the similar sounding word "migrant workers" take on a totally different colour. "Migrant" has a connotation of something in transition. As in, migratory birds which escape the cold weather in Siberia and head south. So , strictly speaking, "migrant worker" is more accurate than "immigrant".
Originally, the best word, and the simplest is "foreign worker" "外劳" In chinese there is no problem, it has always been translated this way. The problem begain when the word "talent" was used to replace "workers". Because, for a fact, the govt brings in two classes of people, one is the lower hierachy blue collar construction workers and cleaners etc, and the other class are the professionals, the well educated. Therefore, by using the word "talent" across the board, it caused an uproar, an unnecessary social division. It was a very bad PR boo boo, and i don;t understand why the ministers with supersalaries cannot understand basic PR.
In summary, in the first place if the government used "foreign worker" "外劳" just consistently as in chinese media, this whole issue wouldn't have started. The politicians had mad a bad mistake to use "talent" across the board and it is now hard to mend the divide.
REX
Reference 9.13am.
ReplyDeleteChip Goodyear and differences in strategic vision.
Yup. Chip Goodyear had a mistaken vision that he was actually in charge.
Visions, like aspirations and jobs, are subject to change without notice.
If it can happen to someone like Chip Goodyear, do you really think your job is secure?
Heed Mr Tan Kin Lian's advice well. Prepare for redundancy.
Especially if you are over 45 years old, pregnant, chronically ill or need to take frequent leave to look after your children or aging parents.
You are redundant when you need your job more than the company needs you.
The distinction is there because a number of foreigners do not intend to settle down in Singapore long term. Perhaps they just come here to study or work for a few years, before heading back home or elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr Tan, I agree with the idea of classification and treating foreigners equally when they are in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Foreign Talent must have skills and knowledge to add value to Singapore economy and which is also lacking or there is shortage in Singapore e.g. artists,craftmen,enterpruenuers, reseachers, etc.
Whereas, there is no shortage or there is a shortage (i.e.can be performed by Singaporeans), e.g. maids, cleaners, construction workers,etc. we should called it Foreign Labour.
Both groups add value to Singapore economy but the difference is a great disparity of income and status between them.
I believe that there are Singaporeans who are prepared to do these cleaning or dirty jobs if they are better paid e.g. $1.5K to $3k or more instead of a couple of hundreds dollars which is insufficient or diffcult to meet their basic needs in Singapore.
The point that I am trying to raise to your readers or you is: "What do we mean by Foreign Talents, Foreign labour, Foreign workers, Foreigners, etc. in the Sinagpore Context first", these must be defined by you, your readers or the Govt before we can arrest the issue.
I hope to see some answers or suggestions to the point that I have raised. Thank you.
I don't think it's necessary to classify foreigners as foreign talents or foreign workers, just as we don't (or should not) classify citizens with good-paying white collar jobs as local talents and those with lower-paying jobs as local workers or local labourers.
ReplyDeleteJust call them "economic migrants" or "migrant workers" as what Rex suggests. After all, most of them are really just here for the money (economic gain).
Speaking from personal experience, my company's recruitment for the past 2 years has been about 40% PRs, most of them very recent PRs. They are in lower-to-mid level jobs like customer service, sales executives, accounts assistants etc. While I definitely have an instinctive negative emotional reaction, rationally I know that these PRs are only choosing the best option for themselves and their families by making the best use of opportunities. And companies are all too happy to accommodate such situation.
The problem is the govt's policies that support this situation and allow wages for jobs, even for average white-collar office jobs to be depressed to below $1.7K level. E.g. $1.6K for "accountant", $1.1K for customer service.