The Foreign Talent Dilemma (2)

Its the start of the new decade, and the foreign talent dilemma problem has continued to escalate. More and more locals are complaining about foreigners crowding them out and taking away their jobs, and if this continues, it may mean a serious backlash in the ballot polls.

As Singapore's economy is picking up speed, and low birth rate problems worsen, it is vitally necessary for the government to attract foreign talent to boost our economy. Although this has help alleviate the economy, it seems to cause more unemployment problems for the locals.

Some implications of rising foreigners:

• More unemployment for locals since many foreigners are much more capable
• Property prices would rise because of the increase of rich foreigners
• Dilution of local culture and national identity

In my opinion, although there would be some disadvantage to the weaker locals, the "correct" things the government should actually do is to give equal opportunities and fair chance for all to prosper.

The government, I think, should not be biased to the locals and give them special rights, since we state in our pledge that we are democratic country. In a democratic country, those who are capable survive and prosper, and those who are not falls.

If the government looks at the "smaller picture" of winning local votes by appeasing the public, and neglect the bigger picture of maintaining democracy, it is a selfish government.

Maybe some other small special rights can be given to the locals to encourage citizenship, but if the government controls the number of foreigners too tightly in order to provide jobs for locals, then the locals would further depend on the government in future.