Sunday, July 6, 2008

4． “This is home, truly.” Is this the sentiment of young people in Singapore?

INTRO
Define “Home” – security, stability, sense of belonging

YES
1
experience security and stability.
Good governance, forward looking --> good defence system
Strict laws in place --> low crime rates

2
Proud to be a Singaporean, many world class facilities. Eg. Changi airport being internationally competitive, and recognized as one of the best airports in the world.

NO
3
Due to meritocratic system, our education system is very competitive --> stress level high
People migrate to other countries with lower competition/slower pace of living.
Government constantly tries to attract foreign scholars to Singapore --> competition in schools.
Young people may feel that their own welfare is not much better den those foreigners.

4
High competition in the country for white-collar jobs.
Due to an inflow of foreign talents and outsourcing, companies avoid hiring local talents due to their demand for higher pay.
As the cost of living is high in Singapore, people usually aim for higher paying jobs; (white collar jobs) -->High competition for better paying jobs causes young working adults who just enter the workforce, to be unable to get jobs --> leading to people going overseas to find job opportunities.

5
Easily affected by western cultures due to the mass media and the rise of the new media – Internet.
This new media can be easily assessed and information around the world can be easily found. --> Young people are the main users of the internet --> most easily affected/influenced
Influence of western culture on locals due to globalisation.
Availability of goods from other countries, changes the spending and eating habits of locals
Example: fast-food restaurants like MacDonalds.