Imports 'failed', but locals will take up baton: Athletics chief
By Cubby Leong, TODAY
Under the country's Foreign Sports Talent Scheme, Mr Loh Lin Kok recruited China-born shot put specialists Du Xianhui, Zhang Guirong and Dong Enxin.
The two women received their Singapore citizenship in October 2003, while Dong got his in May 2001.
Another shot putter, Luan Wei, and hammer thrower E Xiaoxu, touted as possible graduates of the scheme, were brought to Singapore in 1999.
But today, Mr Loh, who is president of the Singapore Athletic Association (SAA), brands his association's efforts a "failure".
Du and Zhang are back in China after disagreements over training and salary issues; Luan is currently embroiled in a court case with the SAA over unfair dismissal; E Xiaoxu dropped a similar action due to financial constraints; while Dong has failed to live up to his billing thus far.
"The foreign talent scheme has failed miserably," Mr Loh admitted in an interview with this newspaper.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/301635/1/.html