Essay Draft 1

Thesis Statement

The government's first step to minimise the effects of brain drain in Singapore is to implement initiatives to attract Singaporeans abroad to return to Singapore.

• Description of Situation

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 favorable 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, 2009, p. 56).

• Identification of Problem

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 Don’t Want To Work In Singapore, 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 Don’t Want To Work In Singapore, 2009).  

The causes of brain drain 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.

•  Description of Solution

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 in various countries for Singaporeans as well as updating them with the latest news through a website known as Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) (Migration Information Source, 2012)

Singapore Day is an occasion that is held in various countries each year with the aim for Singaporeans abroad to feel closer to home and to create a strong sense of identity. This event organized by OCU feature Singapore’s famous dishes such as Nasi Lemak and Satay as well as various exhibitions on Singapore’s heritage and culture (Isaman, 2013).

In addition, 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.

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.  The government wants to remind them that Singapore is their homeland and hope that these initiatives will attract them to return to Singapore.

References

1. http://clubs.ntu.edu.sg/rms/researchreports/TheRisksofBrainDrain.pdf
2. http://www.migrationinformation.org/feature/print.cfm?ID=887
3. http://www.rsis.edu.sg/publications/Perspective/RSIS1462012.pdf
4. http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/userfiles/blog/files/20120416_TodayOnline_4,900%20celebrate%20all%20things%20Singaporean%20in%20New%20York.pdf
5. http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/
6. http://www.shri.org.sg/downloads/HC_APR09_article_A.pdf
7. http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090728-157641.html
8. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/brain+drain
9. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nasi-lemak-on-the-menu-at/839508.html