Most of the political leaders and top civil servants in Singapore were scholars. They were brought up in a competitive school environment and did well in their studies to earn scholarships. They were placed into top positions and saw the world from their perspective.
I thought of the word "rose tinted glasses" to reflect this situation. I found this article:
http://blogs.reuters.com/bernddebusmann/2011/10/07/occupy-wall-street-and-rose-tinted-glasses/
It seemed that the expression "rose tinted glasses" apply not only to the elites but also to many other people who are still comfortable in their financial situation. They will only realize what the world is like, when they become unemployed.
I thought of the word "rose tinted glasses" to reflect this situation. I found this article:
http://blogs.reuters.com/bernddebusmann/2011/10/07/occupy-wall-street-and-rose-tinted-glasses/
It seemed that the expression "rose tinted glasses" apply not only to the elites but also to many other people who are still comfortable in their financial situation. They will only realize what the world is like, when they become unemployed.
Dear Mr Tan
ReplyDeleteYou have many good ideas and observations.
The problem is that you are a Singaporean.
Our elites will not listen to you since they "performed" better than you academically.
In fact since the elites "outperformed" most Singaporeans academically, why would they want to listen to us.
This is the origin of the deaf frog syndrome.
Hence the need to always bring in foreign experts to help with the ponding, MRT train and etc.
Local experts are invited to sit in on these expert panels to "cover the elites' ass" in case the foreign experts are wrong.
All of us are better of emigrating.
Our elites are only capable of running a country with 1st generation immigrants. They are not able to lead and inspire a country with 3rd & forth generation immigrants.
LKY said it all, Singaporeans are daft people, so Govt have to form GLCs to do business, have to invite foreign FIs to sit on the Board of MAS, have to import FTs, many with fake qualifications, to run our Public Agencies, Institutions and Companies.
ReplyDeleteLocals are not up to the mark in comparison, except if you belong to the PAP Elites. In short, all along the PAP still have the colonial subservient type of mentality.
Bluntly, yes,we are better off emigrating, then return as a FT.
to be frank, no place is better than home. those who think about migrate, try and find out more about the country u wish to settle. no one owe us a living; those who migrate here ,may have their problems at home. my advise is that u need to know what u can do at home and what u can do in other countries. it is not as simple as to migrate and return as ft and u can be better off. there are hidden facts or reasons beyond our imagination. every country has its policy and economical problems, it is not for tom ,dick and harry to understand. be happy and be healthy and u have less headache and pain in your life time. my english is not so good , so forgive me if u cant understand. just a piece of comment, thats it. in singapore , everyone like to compare and complain , nothing new at all.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4.52 pm
ReplyDeleteOur children have been working abroad all over the world, and know what they are doing and getting into. Like what they say,
Have talent will travel
Came as immigrants, so leave just
as immigrants too.
No big deal.
Like you, only those without talent would stay, or like you, a frog in a small well, would stay. here.
as immigrants ,u may leave as immigrant . it is not very polite to say that if u are not talented ,u stay put. some are more talented and do better at home or there are other reasons for not migrating. u may work or travel the world but it doest not mean u are not " a frog in a small well". the moon looks the same brightness and shape in any place in this world. be humble and less critising of others , make us a better person. they are many talented and great people stay at their homeland to serve their people and countries ; all i want to say is that it is my birth place where i brought up my family. my sons are doing well ( one is a scholar), to me, no big deal . if they want to look for a greener pasture , i would not stop them but they choose to look after two senior citizen. take care and best of luck.
ReplyDelete