A recent casual chat with a friend turned to emigration, that old chestnut of an issue.
She is a 24-year-old law student, and is all set on a legal career when she finishes her studies. Asked if she would consider leaving Singapore to work one day, her bold statement and the way she framed nationality and identity in terms of serving individual interests jolted me.
But no one can fault ambitious young Singaporeans for being on the lookout for opportunities outside the Republic to advance their careers and improve their lives.
That conversation got me thinking about emigration, young Singaporeans and identity.
As it is, many Singaporeans are attractive global workers with skills well sought after around the world. An annual survey conducted by the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community in 2017 revealed that seven in 10 Singaporean youth aged 18 to 35 were looking to move overseas to pursue opportunities.
Why do Singaporeans emigrate?
Surveys point to issues such as the high cost of living, high stress of work life and the education system.
Being able to explore opportunities not available in Singapore and living in societies with greater degrees of freedom were also mentioned as pull factors.
I think another important factor contributing to brain drain is the national psyche.
There is no denying that the “Third World to First” story forms the bulk of Singapore’s DNA. But this is the same narrative that can propel emigration.
Without a strong sense of identity as Singaporean, talented young locals who set their sights on global ambitions and dreams can easily forsake the land of their birth.
There are two general narratives of Singapore. One can be termed Rat Race Singapore, the other can be called Global City of opportunities.
Which vision will young Singaporeans take to?
Singapore as the Rat Race city drives competition and propels people to seek to be better than others.
Singapore as the Global City of opportunities offers a more rewarding vision of the future.
But is there space in this city for those who are not at the top, but who are average, median or below average?
Many younger Singaporeans chafe under a work ethic that does not respect personal or family time, leading them to develop a sense of disconnect from Singapore.
Strengthening our Singapore spirit, among other factors, should be a key priority in an uncertain world. I feel that millennial Singaporeans have a more varied sense of identity and sense of belonging than older generations.
An independent, successful Singapore is all we have known all our lives. But that was an achievement of past generations.
Young Singaporeans are motivated to leave Singapore when there are better economic prospects, as well as social or values-based prospects.
Singaporeans who choose to move overseas, especially the young generation, may instead be choosing a lifestyle that allows them greater flexibility and inclusiveness in values and culture.
To tackle the diminishing sense of belonging, Singapore must find a balance between preserving its own national identity and embracing a global society.
We should start promoting a change in culture and an identity that isn’t based on our economic worth but based on Singapore’s heart ware.
What components of a national identity can we carve that will root my generation to this place?
It should be inclusive and welcoming of diversity. We are a multi-racial society. Can we also be welcoming of newcomers?
Can we move out of our obsession with academic excellence and embrace Singaporean students who are currently under-served, who are doing their best in the education system?
A sense of identity that inspires has to be welcoming of Singaporeans with different sexual orientations, and Singaporeans pursuing a career not in the professions or business, but in sports or the arts.
We must accommodate the diverse aspirations of Singaporeans, so that everyone, regardless of their dream or aspiration, gets to play an important role in society.
The fourth-generation – or 4G – Government must be prepared to do what is right for society’s emotional well-being and culture based on a new social compact, making space for differences, and building greater trust with all Singaporeans.
While the old narratives of Singapore’s success have brought us so far, it is imperative to refresh mindsets and develop a narrative for Singapore that is more multi-faceted and inclusive and that embraces risks and idealism.
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Source: The Straits Times, 21 November 2019