From: Zoe In Red Hot Kimono (ZiRhK) 20-May 16:34
To: ALL 2 of 55
105838.2 in reply to 105838.1
Sometime back, I rented my place to a PRC couple (decent one, mind you!) who are here on SINGAPORE scholarship. Note: SINGAPORE GOVT PAID FOR THEIR STUDIES HERE IN EXCHANGE FOR A FOUR-YEAR BOND.
Apparently, Singapore govt set up exhibitions and school visits to lure them to come to Singapore to study for free.
During their 2nd year of studies, they were OFFERED PERMANENT RESIDENCE. Yes, machiam banks offering high-rollers with their platinum cards without the need to apply. They accepted it. After they graduated with honours, they were OFFERED SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP (but the guy have to do NS). They rejected it. After studying, they will be OFFERED jobs in stat boards or GLCs - if they can find a job in a private company based in Singapore, they can go ahead. During the 4-yr bond, they will get full salary without needing to contribute to CPF.
Here's our little conversation:
Me: How long will you be staying?
Couple: One year.
Me: Why only one year? You still have a few years of bond to serve mah. Why not stay longer?
Couple: No. We are trying to save up during this one year, then we will buy a HDB flat.
Me: You are staying in Singapore? Aiya, then you should have accepted the citizenship mah...
Couple: Hell no! We will sell it after the two and a half years and go back to China.
Me: Huh? Won't you lose money that way?
Couple: We checked; flats are at all time low now, even if the economy doesn't pick up, we will definitely breakeven when we sell. The monthly instalments are way cheaper than renting your flat. *chuckle*
Me: ......
---
Male PRC: 25 years old
Female PRC: 24 years old
Before the age of 30, they would have both gotten a FREE degree, FOUR years of relevant working experience in a big organisation and if thrifty, they would have handsome sum of money to bring home to China.
Clever PRCs, Stupid Singapore...