http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/295032/1/.html
and
“Rehiring: ‘Reference manual’ in 2 years”- Straits Times, Home, Tuesday, September 18 2007
In this piece of reflection, I shall be using two separate, but complementary articles- both addressing the issue of modifying the retirement age in our nation.
The first article, about the 2007 National Day Rally Speech made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, clearly reflects the generally concurring and supportive viewpoints of the masses with regard to the proposed governmental changes. The second provides a more factual report on how the changes will be implemented in the next decade or so, to cope with Singapore’s rapidly aging population, which will purportedly be the fourth oldest by 2050.
An increased life expectancy, without doubt, would entail the need for senior staff to work and contribute to Singapore’s blossoming economical status. Nevertheless, I believe that it is even more imperative for the government to consider the conflicting issues in light of the many benefits the advocated changes can bring about.
Are older staff members still able to retain the enthusiasm the younger generation promises in copious amounts? Or is the retaining of older workers going to bring about a major loss in productivity? These are questions the government needs to account for.
A clear reason why companies prefer employing younger workers to older ones is simply because of the cost they are able to save salary-wise. Furthermore, bright and energetic, younger workers are most certainly able to learn and adapt more quickly, and can bear the guarantee of serving the company for a longer period of time.
Taking all these into consideration, quite blatantly, why would a company opt to hire older employees out of free will, when it can hire one at a similar, if not lower salary demand? Contemplating the long-term effects, it could possibly deter foreign companies from starting businesses in Singapore, since this motion could very possibly pose unwelcome restrictions.
Another interesting point to cogitate would be how Singapore’s economic landscape would look like with the influx of foreign talents. The cosmopolitan landscape is undergoing massive transformation, and I doubt, in a decade or two’s time, it will look anything like the one at present.
As such, with the speculated population to hit 6 million people by 2010, and the extension of retirement age, job opportunities would be in even greater demand. Modifying the retirement age would, in my opinion, still come to naught if there were to be a dearth of career opportunities. In other words, while making adequate plans to deal with the aging population, creating jobs should be of similar priority.
Personally, a work-force comprising the young and old, junior and senior, is most certainly viable. The biggest problem I foresee is very much one of conflicting egos. For me, both parties are valuable to Singapore’s economic growth. And there should be no shame in having older employees draw from the capabilities of the younger ones. Vice versa, it is crucial that the hubris of the young workers are kept in check, while tapping into the valuable experience accumulated by the previous generation.
On the government’s part, better communication could be urged to clear “coffeeshop rumours”. Cogent reasons should be put forth, as to how new initiatives implemented are going to be effective. For without having the hearts of the citizens put into the effort, it is almost a sure-to-fail exploit.
All in all, I am heartened. These new moves made by the government show coherent and far-sighted planning for the future; not just the near future, but many years ahead. It is impossible for one to have a cake and eat it too- conflicts are unavoidable. On this count, it is really up to our government to ultimately make the best decision after weighing and evaluating the various options, in the best interests of our nation.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Singapore's culture
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=881&id=299668
Contrary to the previous four pieces I had reflected on, this one is unique, in that it is not directly reflective of the original article procured; rather, a “link” to it which I find worth discussing.
Having crossed the S$3 million mark at the box office, “881” by Royston Tan has become the “highest grossing Asian film in Singapore for 2007.”
“881 tells the story of two childhood friends who grow up mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of ‘Getai’ and dream of one day performing on the ‘Getai’ stage. After being blessed by the Goddess of ‘Getai’, they fulfill their dreams and become the most sought-after pair of ‘Getai’ singers ever.
Unbeknownst to them, rival sister group the Durian Sisters have become intensely jealous of the Papayas' success, and are determined to trip them up by messing up their schedule. With the help of their gangster Godfather, the Durians succeed in shutting the Papayas out of many ‘Getai’ performances. The movie climaxes with a dramatic musical battle. Both sides pull out all the stops to win over the audience.”
(http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/881/881.htm)
However, amidst all the brouhaha and rave reviews about Royston Tan’s production, I was set thinking by issues that transcend beyond the film.
“Getais” (歌台), heavily featured in this film, have been an integral part of the Ghost Festival locally. With the performers conversing predominantly in Hokkien, the older generation would, in general, enjoy the boisterous performances, and even sing along to the familiar melodies from “their generation”, which are part of a typical “getai”’s repertoire.
Nevertheless, a regrettable trend has slowly started to surface. With the unveiling of younger and more attractive stars now a common occurrence, the younger and, dare I say, more fickle-minded generation would, stereotypically yet quite accurately, relate to “getais” as kitsch.
One of the many examples, “getais” have gone to show just how much our unique Singapore culture has, slowly but steadily, been eroded away over the years.
As though swallowed by a tidal wave, the various forms of culture unique to this “little red dot”, widely appreciated by those of the previous generations, have been replaced by contemporary pop artistes like Jay Chou and Eminem. Subsequently, as their appeal among the masses dwindles, their previous fame and reputation diminish to naught but dust-covered memories.
This is most lamentable. Replacing our very own culture, are foreign artistes possessing undoubtedly beguiling styles, whose scandals probably receive more coverage than that of all our local starlets combined.
And again, who are those complaining about Singapore’s supposed dearth of talent and creative juices?
I admit- I probably am being biased and exaggerative here. But a chinese musical (If There’re Seasons by The Theatre Practice) I watched with my 22-year old cousin a month back is probably a most real indication of this alarming trend.
Inspired by the popular hits of local songwriting sensation, Mr Liang Wern Fook, the many xinyaos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinyao) featured were virtually unheard of, for me at least. Contrarily, my cousin, merely seven years my senior, was humming away with the tunes. It surprised me to know that many of them were the motifs he had grown up listening to in his cradle. A mere seven years time had lapsed between our births, yet the culture I had been exposed to was radically different from his.
Indeed, I do not deny the exciting colours that foreign styles can bring to the spectrum of our local arts scene. However, if we do so at the cost of compromising what I strongly believe to be our unique identity, one which can withstand the barrage of time, to be recognised by generations after ours.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I believe many share my sentiments. Personally, it would pain me to see Singapore’s cultural scene end up as nothing more than the “replicas” of others.
In my opinion, the unique Singaporean culture, like all of Singapore’s history, has a well-deserved spot in the heritage of our nation. Skeptics may refute this claim, arguing that Singapore does not even possess her own unique culture. And that is exactly where we, as Singaporeans, should be out to prove them wrong!
From the “getais” to “xinyao”, these are all parts of our culture we should strive to preserve, not shun. For these are where our roots lie, these are what make Singapore, and these are what the future generations have the right to know about.
Contrary to the previous four pieces I had reflected on, this one is unique, in that it is not directly reflective of the original article procured; rather, a “link” to it which I find worth discussing.
Having crossed the S$3 million mark at the box office, “881” by Royston Tan has become the “highest grossing Asian film in Singapore for 2007.”
“881 tells the story of two childhood friends who grow up mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of ‘Getai’ and dream of one day performing on the ‘Getai’ stage. After being blessed by the Goddess of ‘Getai’, they fulfill their dreams and become the most sought-after pair of ‘Getai’ singers ever.
Unbeknownst to them, rival sister group the Durian Sisters have become intensely jealous of the Papayas' success, and are determined to trip them up by messing up their schedule. With the help of their gangster Godfather, the Durians succeed in shutting the Papayas out of many ‘Getai’ performances. The movie climaxes with a dramatic musical battle. Both sides pull out all the stops to win over the audience.”
(http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/881/881.htm)
However, amidst all the brouhaha and rave reviews about Royston Tan’s production, I was set thinking by issues that transcend beyond the film.
“Getais” (歌台), heavily featured in this film, have been an integral part of the Ghost Festival locally. With the performers conversing predominantly in Hokkien, the older generation would, in general, enjoy the boisterous performances, and even sing along to the familiar melodies from “their generation”, which are part of a typical “getai”’s repertoire.
Nevertheless, a regrettable trend has slowly started to surface. With the unveiling of younger and more attractive stars now a common occurrence, the younger and, dare I say, more fickle-minded generation would, stereotypically yet quite accurately, relate to “getais” as kitsch.
One of the many examples, “getais” have gone to show just how much our unique Singapore culture has, slowly but steadily, been eroded away over the years.
As though swallowed by a tidal wave, the various forms of culture unique to this “little red dot”, widely appreciated by those of the previous generations, have been replaced by contemporary pop artistes like Jay Chou and Eminem. Subsequently, as their appeal among the masses dwindles, their previous fame and reputation diminish to naught but dust-covered memories.
This is most lamentable. Replacing our very own culture, are foreign artistes possessing undoubtedly beguiling styles, whose scandals probably receive more coverage than that of all our local starlets combined.
And again, who are those complaining about Singapore’s supposed dearth of talent and creative juices?
I admit- I probably am being biased and exaggerative here. But a chinese musical (If There’re Seasons by The Theatre Practice) I watched with my 22-year old cousin a month back is probably a most real indication of this alarming trend.
Inspired by the popular hits of local songwriting sensation, Mr Liang Wern Fook, the many xinyaos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinyao) featured were virtually unheard of, for me at least. Contrarily, my cousin, merely seven years my senior, was humming away with the tunes. It surprised me to know that many of them were the motifs he had grown up listening to in his cradle. A mere seven years time had lapsed between our births, yet the culture I had been exposed to was radically different from his.
Indeed, I do not deny the exciting colours that foreign styles can bring to the spectrum of our local arts scene. However, if we do so at the cost of compromising what I strongly believe to be our unique identity, one which can withstand the barrage of time, to be recognised by generations after ours.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I believe many share my sentiments. Personally, it would pain me to see Singapore’s cultural scene end up as nothing more than the “replicas” of others.
In my opinion, the unique Singaporean culture, like all of Singapore’s history, has a well-deserved spot in the heritage of our nation. Skeptics may refute this claim, arguing that Singapore does not even possess her own unique culture. And that is exactly where we, as Singaporeans, should be out to prove them wrong!
From the “getais” to “xinyao”, these are all parts of our culture we should strive to preserve, not shun. For these are where our roots lie, these are what make Singapore, and these are what the future generations have the right to know about.
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