The alternative news in 1 day? (part 4)

December 9, 2013

The Real Singapore

Dec 8, 2013

http://therealsingapore.com/content/alternative-news-1-day

I refer to the article “Ex-construction worker turned boss wins top entrepreneur award” (Straits Times, Dec 5).

$13 a day pay to $18 after 31 years?

Since he was earning $13 a day or about $400 a month about 31 years ago, and I understand that construction workers are now being paid as little as $18 a day – the pay may have decreased in real terms by about 22 per cent after 31 years.

We may arguably, have become a nation renowned for the exploitation of foreign and low-wage Singaporean workers.

Work permit holders have no future?

Also, it may be almost impossible today for a foreign worker on a work permit, to ever become a citizen or start a business.

Unlike most other countries, and in the distant past in Singapore, work permit workers know that they have no future in Singapore.

More than a million unmotivated workers?

Hence, what do you expect? Lowly paid workers who are not motivated – resulting in low productivity, poor service standards, etc.

Leong Sze Hian

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.