How many of the locals’ job growth of 398,100 (676,900 foreign jobs’ growth) went to Singaporeans, when we granted 499,508 new PRs and 230,916 new citizens, from 2006 to 2017?

I refer to the article “A man who believes that having a job is the best welfare” (Straits Times, May 6).

It states that “The former NTUC secretary-general has been given the highest honour at the May Day Awards this year – Distinguished Comrade of Labour.

Mr Lim also recalled in his interview with the blog how his experiences growing up in the 1960s shaped his belief that a job is the best welfare, and full employment is the best protection for workers.”

In this connection, perhaps the best measure of “achievement” is arguably – the jobs growth of Singaporeans.

In this regard, what’s the point of the rhetoric on the need for constant skills upgrading – when apparently, most of the jobs growth in the last decade or so may not have gone to Singaporeans?

In this respect, from 2004 to 2017 – we granted 587.508 and 250,916 new PRs and new citizens, respectively.

With regard to jobs – from 2006 to 2017 – the employment growth for locals and foreigners was 398,100 and 676,900, respectively.

How many of the 398,100 locals’ jobs were S’poreans?

So, how many of the “locals” (PRs and citizens) employment growth of 398,100 went to Singaporeans, since 499,508 new PRs and 230,916 new citizens were granted in the same period from 2006 to 2017?

If we account for the foreign workers who were reclassified as local workers when they became PRs or citizens – how many of the jobs growth went to Singaporeans?

Leong Sze Hian