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

Preparation Information for Essay

• Description of a 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 broadly defined as the large scale emigration of a large group of individuals with technical skills and knowledge.

• Identification of a problem

Globalisation -> Brain drain : 1) better opportunities available in other countries
                                           2) upgrade standard of living
                                           3) better education systems available in other countries

Consequences -> 1) implicates the survival of a country's economy (especially in Singapore when we rely heavily on human capital)
                       2) significant risks on a country's security (defence against external threats)
                           

• Description of a solution

Solutions to tackle the problem can be divided into two areas. 

The first area works on the prevention of local talents emigrating to other countries :

1. Maintaining a strong sense of identity among citizens
2. Nurturing the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
3. Increasing productivity of current workforce (skills upgrading)

The second area focuses on attracting foreign talents

1. Strategic open-door policy
2. Offer scholarships to students around the world
3. Encourage foreign businesses
4. Entice Singaporeans abroad to return to Singapore

• Evaluation of a solution

Reader's Response (Final Draft)

Before reading Nayan Chanda’s work on “The Double Edge of Globalisation”, I always thought that globalisation brought about many benefits to this world. From what I learnt in geography, globalisation is the process that increases world-wide exchanges of world views, products, ideas and other aspects of culture.

According to Chanda (2007), globalisation has an overwhelming negative effect on the environment. However, it could help increase world-wide exchanges through new advances in technology.

I agree with Chanda’s view on this matter. In the example given on China’s increasing demand for soybeans, the country turned to Brazil for help to meet their demand. As a result, more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest were cleared. However, traditional agricultural methods contribute to the loss of forestland too. In the recent Sumatra haze, these practices caused severe air pollution to many neighbouring countries in addition to the loss of forestland.

Through new advances in technology, the Internet enables people to be connected all around the world. I am able to communicate with my cousins in America through Skype even though we are miles apart from each other. It is through this way that we are aware of the latest happenings around the world such as natural disasters and political and economical situations in various countries.

After reading this article, I found out I was wrong. My expectations were for the author to focus more on the benefits rather than the harm that globalisation brought to this world. Now I am more aware of the current situation that the world is facing and I do hope that things will get better.

Reader's Response

Before reading Nayan Chanda’s work on “The Double Edge of Globalisation”, I always thought that globalisation brought about many benefits to this world. From what I learnt in geography, globalisation is the process that increases world-wide exchanges of world views, products, ideas and other aspects of culture.

According to Chanda (2007), globalisation has an overwhelming negative effect on the environment. However, it could help increase world-wide exchanges through new advances in technology.

I agree with Chandra’s view on this matter. In the example given on China’s increasing demand for soybeans, the country turned to Brazil for help to meet their demand. As a result, more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest were cleared. However, traditional agricultural methods contribute to the loss of forestland too. In the recent Sumatra haze, these practices caused severe air pollution to many neighbouring countries in addition to the loss of forestland.

Through new advances in technology, the Internet enables people to be connected all around the world. I am able to communicate with my cousins in America through Skype even though we are miles apart from each other. It is through this way that we are aware of the latest happenings around the world such as natural disasters and political and economical situations in various countries.

After reading this article, I found out I was wrong. My expectations were for the author to focus more on the benefits rather than the harm that globalisation brought to this world. Now I am more aware of the current situation that the world is facing and I do hope that things will get better.

Revised Summary

In “The Double Edge of Globalisation”, (Chanda, 2007), the main ideas include the global challenges that the world is currently facing due to globalisation as well as the importance of political power to help tackle these issues.

Globalisation spurred trading among countries and this led to an increase in fishing, destroying of the forests and pollution. One example is China. The use of chemicals and burning of coal to run the export machines which supply cheap goods around the world caused both air and water pollution.

Global warming is another issue of globalisation. It can threaten to shrink the global economy by 20 percent and force migrants to leave their homes in the event of a flood.

However, the benefit of globalisation can be seen through the advances in technology in an effort to connect people around the world. Everyone can have easy access to the latest happenings in the world. This helps garner the sympathy and support for the people who are suffering because of the natural disasters.

Therefore, the governments and the activists should work together to efficiently tackle these issues.

Thesis Statement on "The Double Edge of Globalisation"

According to Chanda (2007), globalisation has an overwhelming negative effect on the environment. However, it could help increase world-wide exchanges through new advances in technology.

Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalisation" (Draft Two)

In “The Double Edge of Globalisation”, (Chanda, 2007), the main ideas is on the global challenges that the world is currently facing due to globalization as well as the importance of political power to help tackle these issues.

Globalisation spurred trading among countries and this lead to an increase in fishing, destroying of the forests and pollution. In China, the use of chemicals and burning of coal to run the export machines, which supply cheap goods around the world, have caused both air and water pollution.

Global warming is another issue of globalization. It can threaten to shrink the global economy by 20 percent and force migrants to leave their homes in an event of a flood.

However, the benefit of globalization can be seen through the advances in technology in an effort to connect people around the world. 

Therefore, the governments and the activists should work together to tackle these issues efficiently.