S'pore's dirty secret
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Originally posted by FireIce:unsung heroes......
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The high literacy rate of the Swiss is to be commended. On the other hand, although 20% as mentioned in the article is foreign talent, it failed to specify the workscope they are in.Originally posted by crazy monkey:Switzerland sits at the crossroads of several major European cultures, which have heavily influenced the country's languages and cultural practices. Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The German spoken in the German speaking part of Switzerland is predominantly a range of Swiss dialects, but newspapers and some broadcasts use High German as used in Germany. Many Swiss speak more than one language. English is widely known, especially among professionals.
More than 75% of the population live in the central plain, which stretches between the Alps and the Jura Mountains and from Geneva in the southwest to the Rhine River and Lake Constance in the northeast. Resident foreigners and temporary foreign workers make up about 20% of the population.
Almost all Swiss are literate. Switzerland's 13 institutes of higher learning enrolled 99,600 students in the academic year of 2001-02. About 25% of the adult population hold a diploma of higher learning.
The constitution guarantees freedom of worship and the different religious communities co-exist peacefully.
Switzerland consistently ranks high on quality of life indices, including per capita income, concentration of computer and internet usage per capita, insurance coverage per individual, and health care rates. For these and many other reasons, such as the four languages, it serves as an excellent test market for businesses hoping to introduce new products into Europe.
The majority of FTs are on a strict employment pass, and the pass itself is extremely dififcult to obtain, due to the strength of the Swiss workforce. My friend just successfully applied for such a pass and is now employed in a water treatment and purification plant in Basle, despite being a Singaporean.
But the construction workers, road cleaners etc are still very much swiss to a large degree, as personally witnessed in Zurich, Interlaken, Bern and Luzern. -
With the greying population becoming a REAL problem for future Japan, it will not be surprising for an inclusive culture to finally accept that opening up their shores to foreign workers may be the only solution, especially for benign work that is considered unglamourous. Modern day Japan is still very staunchly supportive of local employment, and it will take some cajoling to convince the die-hards that FT, and lots of it, are needed.Originally posted by crazy monkey:JAPAN: Foreign Workers Wanted, Must Bear Xenophobia
By Suvendrini Kakuchi
TOKYO, Dec 15 (IPS) - Intrusive media reports on the case of a Peruvian worker, arrested a fortnight ago on suspicion of killing a seven-year-old girl, have exposed the vulnerability of foreign workers to Japan's famous xenophobia.
But, for once, activists and cross-cultural experts are stepping up pressure on the government to ease discriminatory policies against foreigners, especially poor migrant workers, and encourage better understanding of the problems newcomers face in Japanese society.
The 30-year-old Peruvian was in Japan on a three-year visa granted to people of proven Japanese descent. He worked in various auto-part factories that employ cheap foreign labour, till his arrest on Nov. 30.
Among the many human rights violations committed against the suspect were the public statements made by his court-appointed lawyers who told the media that he had confessed to the murder, point out activists................"I realised that the policy of teaching Japanese language and culture to children of migrant workers does not result in equality for foreigners. Japanese people must learn more about the other side for real cooperation and understanding," she explained. (END/2005)
The discrimination of women in Japan's male-dominated society has resulted in a steady growth of capable and talented japanese women seeking careers abroad, in MNCs and other established companies. The chances of them marrying abroad are heightened, further increasing the odds that Japan's population is now at a crossroads.
Perhaps this is also a senario our govt is wary of, considering the increasing number of overseas bond-breakers and locals plying their trade abroad, and finally settling down in foreign countries and even giving up their citizenship. -
U mean increasing bond breaker? I thought the punishement meted out to hem such as publishing their detail on the paper is a deterent?Originally posted by BillyBong:With the greying population becoming a REAL problem for future Japan, it will not be surprising for an inclusive culture to finally accept that opening up their shores to foreign workers may be the only solution, especially for benign work that is considered unglamourous. Modern day Japan is still very staunchly supportive of local employment, and it will take some cajoling to convince the die-hards that FT, and lots of it, are needed.
The discrimination of women in Japan's male-dominated society has resulted in a steady growth of capable and talented japanese women seeking careers abroad, in MNCs and other established companies. The chances of them marrying abroad are heightened, further increasing the odds that Japan's population is now at a crossroads.
Perhaps this is also a senario our govt is wary of, considering the increasing number of overseas bond-breakers and locals plying their trade abroad, and finally settling down in foreign countries and even giving up their citizenship.
800 local have left abroad n Spore need to compete with other countries for talent. -
Thais are becoming a popular FT to import no?Originally posted by crazy monkey:New Zealand launches inquiry into exploited Thai labour
Wellington- The New Zealand government is investigating claims that Thai workers are being exploited and abused in the country, a newspaper reported MondayThai nationals told the Press that they paid up to 14,000 New Zealand dollars (10,400 US dollars) to recruitment agencies in Thailand for lucrative horticulture jobs in New Zealand.
Instead, eight Thai nationals claimed, they worked 60- to 70-hour, seven-day weeks and public holidays, were paid below the minimum wage on occasion and were bullied by supervisors.
The Thai nationals' temporary work permits were revoked by New Zealand's Immigration Service after a dispute with their employer and they face being kicked out of the country.
New Zealand Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said employers had clear legal obligations toward foreign seasonal workers.
"I have a zero-tolerance policy towards worker abuse and any form of malpractice or corruption," Cunliffe told the Press.
"At the same time, it is important that the full facts of any case are known before conclusions are drawn," he said.
One Thai couple among the foreign workers, Orasa Khambut and Surachet Kannika, both 25, said they were told they could earn 2,500 New Zealand dollars a month each but instead take home 200.
The couple's claims were among several cases investigated by the Press newspaper.
A Christian agency assisting the Thais said such cases of exploitation were not uncommon.
In any case, the foreign force remains a controlled number.
With costs running high, it will not be surprising that more and more indigenous companies hire foreign workers - cheap labour to combat their rising wage costs. As in the case of Japan and Switzerland, they do not form a large proportion of NZ's workforce, not yet anyway. -
I'm not sure whether they still publish their names in the ST, assuming they pay their gratuity or get a benefactor to foot the balance of their bond.Originally posted by will4:U mean increasing bond breaker? I thought the punishement meted out to hem such as publishing their detail on the paper is a deterent?
800 local have left abroad n Spore need to compete with other countries for talent.
Even so, do you really think that will deter them if they were presented with a momentous opportunity, one that is difficult to turn down? ST is quick to publish articles and sing acolytes of select scholars who were offered oppotunities to work at barclays and merill lynch, yet graciously and honourably 'turned down' the offer to complete their govt bond. But they do not mention the others who chose the alternative.
It should be said that if the intention is honest and true, then that is all that matters. Why should it matter if the govt 'smears' your name because you joined an elite class of scholars, hand-picked from hundreds and thousands, only to 'disgrace' the hand that feeds you? It should worry the govt more, especially the selection system, if bond-breakers are on the rise. It means the countless interviews and technical assessments are next to useless when it comes to gauging whether a candidate will honour his/her bond?
Why are there so many doctors deserting the govt sector, despite being painstakingly selected from thousands of hopefuls? Doesn't it prove that the selection criteria is moot when attempting to assess the character of a candidate?
In any case, this is an ongoing trend and will become worst before it gets better. -
At least these cleaners still earn more $ than NSF($350 a month. Now increased to $400 a month)
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NSFs get free food, lodging, and healthcare. Cleaners don't.Originally posted by constancebay:At least these cleaners still earn more $ than NSF($350 a month. Now increased to $400 a month)
For goodness' sake.... I got $240 as a recruit. So stop whining already. -
What about the increase in migration among the local to other countries? It seemed the govt is quite worried about it?Originally posted by BillyBong:I'm not sure whether they still publish their names in the ST, assuming they pay their gratuity or get a benefactor to foot the balance of their bond.
Even so, do you really think that will deter them if they were presented with a momentous opportunity, one that is difficult to turn down? ST is quick to publish articles and sing acolytes of select scholars who were offered oppotunities to work at barclays and merill lynch, yet graciously and honourably 'turned down' the offer to complete their govt bond. But they do not mention the others who chose the alternative.
It should be said that if the intention is honest and true, then that is all that matters. Why should it matter if the govt 'smears' your name because you joined an elite class of scholars, hand-picked from hundreds and thousands, only to 'disgrace' the hand that feeds you? It should worry the govt more, especially the selection system, if bond-breakers are on the rise. It means the countless interviews and technical assessments are next to useless when it comes to gauging whether a candidate will honour his/her bond?
Why are there so many doctors deserting the govt sector, despite being painstakingly selected from thousands of hopefuls? Doesn't it prove that the selection criteria is moot when attempting to assess the character of a candidate?
In any case, this is an ongoing trend and will become worst before it gets better. -
But the govt is actively pursuing the matter, with 'stunning' plans. They are already handing out citizenships to FTs who respond on the same wavelength. They also have the right to terminate citizenship of anyone who has left the country for over 10 years.Originally posted by will4:What about the increase in migration among the local to other countries? It seemed the govt is quite worried about it?
Thus the equation is already being balanced. Their damage control over earlier comments by several ministers who labelled overseas stayers as 'quitters' has hit quite a nerve, with some, including Tharman and SM Goh reiterating their pleas to overseas grads to 'come home' - talent retention at its lowest ebb.
I wouldn't worry too much if people choose to leave: ultimately, respect those who make a choice and remember that the world is your oyster. -
I remember the govt organized a Spore fair in NY n sending the SAF Band to perform but it seemed the plan never worked. Also earlier this year, aOriginally posted by BillyBong:But the govt is actively pursuing the matter, with 'stunning' plans. They are already handing out citizenships to FTs who respond on the same wavelength. They also have the right to terminate citizenship of anyone who has left the country for over 10 years.
Thus the equation is already being balanced. Their damage control over earlier comments by several ministers who labelled overseas stayers as 'quitters' has hit quite a nerve, with some, including Tharman and SM Goh reiterating their pleas to overseas grads to 'come home' - talent retention at its lowest ebb.
I wouldn't worry too much if people choose to leave: ultimately, respect those who make a choice and remember that the world is your oyster.
minister is also worried about youngster chosing to leve n never come back.
I curious the reason behind some of the PR rejecting to become citizen? -
At least these cleaners do a much better job compared to the PM who is paid filthy super high pay who does not deserve the pay he gets.
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IF you are not contributing positively to this thread, you jolly well go surf your beloved PAP's website and sing your praises there. We don't need you here!!Originally posted by Mat Toro:The whole fault lies with you people. The problem can be solved if you ppl are willing to pay more for conservancy every month. YOur presence here is not welcome!! -
If you are willing to pay more, then you go migrate to those countries. Talk crap! Must you be such a pain to the people here? don't post here if you can't be objective and don't have the interest of the people of Singapore.Originally posted by Mat Toro:And how much do they pay for conservancy? Are you willing to pay more? -
he simply gets dissatisfaction in going against what people say. He is sadistic and thinks what he says is always right. Hope he will be banned one day.Originally posted by HyperFocal:If he's a troll.. why isn't he kicked out?
Kindly verify if he's a Troll or not..
i don't wanna have to end up re-registering another nick again for interacting with one...
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[quote]Originally posted by Mat Toro:
[b]
so you got no proof lah.
Hey look at yourself in the mirror rather than point fingers. Many times what you say you don't show any proof, facts and figures, so why you insist people show you proof. YOu are nothing but a troublemaker here!! -
A prisoner in changi prison also get free food, lodging and healthcare.Originally posted by fudgester:NSFs get free food, lodging, and healthcare. Cleaners don't.
For goodness' sake.... I got $240 as a recruit. So stop whining already.
You want to go? -
Thank you for associating National service with a jail term. Now that you mention it, guys servicing National service are no better than prisoners...Originally posted by constancebay:A prisoner in changi prison also get free food, lodging and healthcare.
You want to go? -
Surely the reasons behind their decisions are not at all surprising?Originally posted by will4:I remember the govt organized a Spore fair in NY n sending the SAF Band to perform but it seemed the plan never worked. Also earlier this year, a
minister is also worried about youngster chosing to leve n never come back.
I curious the reason behind some of the PR rejecting to become citizen?
With globalisation, only those with deep-seated mentality will still cling to blind beliefs that our people HAVE TO return home to serve our country.
If there is nothing left for me, why should i return? If a MNC is willing to offer me a job i cannot find or match back home, why shouldn't i accept?
It is for the government to review and analyse why people have taken this path.
Perhaps the recent bumper raise may convince younger talents to become future ministers?
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in that case, don't complain about low pay cleaners.Originally posted by qlqq9:If you are willing to pay more, then you go migrate to those countries. Talk crap! Must you be such a pain to the people here? don't post here if you can't be objective and don't have the interest of the people of Singapore. -
Why not? What? In your own words, no freedom of speech huh.Originally posted by Mat Toro:in that case, don't complain about low pay cleaners.
Under what right and reason do you have to tell us not complain about the poor treatment of workers? -
How about ask government to take over all cleaning company? then can their wages wouldn't be controlled by outsourcing and etc problems.
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u're clearly here to cause trouble yet not answering any of our questions.Originally posted by Mat Toro:in that case, don't complain about low pay cleaners.