T

oday, in the process of globalisation, talent plays an essential part in the development of every country which wants to raise their position and play an active role in the world. Foreign talent, as Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew put it, will be the critical ingredient that determines whether the economy in Singapore remains competitive in the long term. For us, the newcomers to Singapore, it is quite natural to wonder why the Singapore government chooses to adopt the open door policy.

A Historical Perspective

From 1960 to 1965, when Singapore was still a state of Malaysia Federation, it was the education center of not only the Federation of Malaya but also Southeast Asia.

In 1965, Singapore was separated from Malaysia Federation and became an independent country. As it was previously, the government continued to adopt the policy to attract foreign talents. Because of the decision to adopt a meritocratic policy, at that time, talents from other states of the Federation were attracted to Singapore because of the educational opportunities available here. Consequently, many talented people who graduated from colleges and schools in Singapore stayed behind. In fact, in 1970, 75% of Singapore political leaders were not born in Singapore, and amongst the seven cabinet ministers then, only Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore-born. And on 1^st Jan 1982, Singapore had 14767 employment pass holders who are managers, engineers, bankers…. And so, when in 1990, China opened its door to the world, many researchers, students and technologists from China had found great opportunities to develop and grow in Singapore universities or companies.

reasons For the Open Door Policy

Ø External Pressure

With a workforce of less than two million, compared to the teeming million in other countries, Singapore finds it difficult to compete with more populated industrial countries. So the government focuses on attracting foreign talent to help Singapore remain competitive. In addition, SM Lee once compared foreign talent to the second rocket of space shuttle that will boost Singapore into Space. Singapore, he believes, must welcome talented people from all over the world in order to give her economy an extra boost.

The need to draw foreign talents here is also due to the Brain Drain in the 1980s and 1990s. Western countries modified the immigrant law, abandoning the policies that discriminated against Asian talents. In late 1980s and early 1990s, increasingly, highly educated young Asian talent from 20 to 30 years old went to Australia, America, Canada or other countries to study, work and live. In 1980s, nearly 2000 Singaporeans went abroad and in 1988, the number rose to 4700. Under such a serious situation, if Singapore stops drawing in more foreign talents, other countries will attract talented young people, leaving behind Singapore in the race to remain competitive.

Ø Increase Job Opportunities

To maintain Singapore’s standard of living, the government must provide plenty job opportunities to its people. However, job opportunities do not just fall from the skies. The contribution from foreign talent can help to create more job opportunities. The government believes that only with the hard work of both foreign talent and local Singaporeans, the economy can continue to go ahead. A larger pie is waiting to be shared by all who are willing to help build Singapore.

Ø The Need to Remain Competitive

Giving opportunities both for local Singaporeans and foreign talent is considered as the winning formulae of Singapore’s economy. In order to maintain the fast pace of development and to keep its position in world economy, it must continue this policy well into 21^st century. And, in the new millennium, Singapore, with open minds and big hearts, welcome all competent ones from any corner of the world to be a part of its society and to contribute to the thriving city. Moreover, Singapore will encourage those who share its dreams to be committed and to become citizens.

Nowadays, Singapore has broadened its range of searching talent. No matter what countries are you from, if you have abilities, you are welcomed to Singapore. Foreign talent, the crucial factor of the success of Singapore, will bring in the precious experience and versatile thought that could help this countries realise its dream.

(By Cindy & Wang Jun)