Globalisation in today's world has led to increased mobility
across geographical boundaries. Due to this interconnectedness among countries,
the issue of brain drain can be said to have accelerated. Brain drain can be
defined as “The loss of skilled intellectual and technical labor through the
movement of such labor to more favourable geographic, economic, or professional
environments.” (The Free Dictionary, 2013). As Mr Lee Kuan Yew (2008) asserts,
“Singapore is losing about 4 to 5 per cent of the top 30 per cent of its
population every year. Every year; some 1,000 people at the top end are giving
up their citizenship. And he believes the numbers are growing. (as cited in
Saha, n.d)"
There are a few causes that lead to brain
drain in Singapore (Loh, Tan, & Zou, 2012). Firstly, working abroad has a better
opportunity as compared to working in Singapore. These opportunities can range
from higher salaries earned, increase chances of career advancement and being
appreciated in their company. One example is the United States. Fresh graduates
that are employed in big information technology companies earn between $87000
to $115000, whereas investment banks and consultancies pay up to $130000. These
amounts are three to five times more than the average pay in Singapore. In
addition, the carefree working environment and the emphasis on creativity in
these companies act as a factor to attract Singaporeans. Causal attire is not
frowned upon in these countries. Recreational areas provided by these companies
provide an outlet for employees to explore their creativity as well (“Overseas
Students", 2009).
Secondly, some countries provide a better
standard of living. These countries have a slower pace of life, which appeal to
Singaporeans who feel that it is too stressful to work in Singapore. They feel
that Europe, for instance, place more emphasis on the quality of life as
compared to Singapore. (“Overseas Students",
2009).
The causes of brain drain as stated above will
result in Singapore facing severe consequences (Loh, Tan, & Zou, 2012).
Brain drain has a direct impact on the
country’s economy. Since Singapore is a small country that lacks natural
resources, it serves as a disadvantage as compared to many countries that are
rich in these resources, such as Saudi Arabia that is rich in oil. It relies
heavily on the only resource that it has, which is the human capital to drive
its economy. With a shortage of human capital, it may affect the operations of
some companies. This may result in Singapore lagging behind
countries in terms of economic competitiveness.
The government's first step to minimize the
effects of brain drain in Singapore is to implement initiatives to attract
Singaporeans abroad to return to Singapore. These initiatives that are
currently in place includes Singapore Day held in various countries for
Singaporeans as well as updating them with the latest news through a website
known as Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) (Yeoh & Lin, 2012).
OSU is a website which caters to the needs of
Singaporeans abroad. The website features tips on preparation for going abroad,
staying abroad and when they return to Singapore. It also provides up to date
information on the latest happenings in Singapore. OCU organise events such as Singapore
Day with the aim for Singaporeans abroad to feel closer to home and to create a
strong sense of identity. This event feature Singapore’s iconic dishes such as
Nasi Lemak and Satay as well as various exhibitions on Singapore’s heritage and
culture (Isaman, 2013).
Through the implementation of these
initiatives by the government, their aim is to maintain a strong sense of
identity to Singapore despite residing and working in a foreign land. It serves
as a reminder that Singapore is their homeland and hope that they will return
to Singapore.
These initiatives can be effective in
attracting these Singaporeans back to their homeland. At the same time, the government
should implement other initiatives to prevent our local talents from leaving
Singapore. By increasing the productivity of workers through skills upgrading
workshops, the workforce can stay competitive and enhance the employability of
these workers, leading to economic growth of the country (Sng, 2012).
Isaman, N. I., (2013, October 7). Nasi Lemak on the menu at this
year’s Singapore Day event in Sydney. Channel NewsAsia.
Loh, Y. X., Tan, W. L., Zou, Z. Y., (2012). A close look into the risks
of brain drain (Risk Management Society, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore). Retrieved from
Overseas Singaporean Unit.
(2013). Retrieved from
Overseas students don’t want to
work in Singapore. (2009, July 28).
AsiaOne.
Saha, J. (n.d.). Dynamics of
global mobility and brain gain. Retrieved
from http://www.shri.org.sg/downloads/HC_APR09_article_A.pdf
Sng, E. (2012). Chapter
2: Globalisation. [PDF] [Lecture Notes].
Retrieved November 4, 2013, from
http://misssnghumanities.pbworks.com/w/file/28595842/Social%20Studies%20Revision %20Resource_Globalisation.doc
The Free Dictionary. (2013).
Retrieved from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/brain+drain
Yeoh, B. S. A., Lin, W. Q.,
(2012). Rapid growth in Singapore’s
Immigrant Population Brings Policy Challenges (Migration Policy
Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore). Retrieved
