Has it not changed all these years- The Singaporean worker

 

There is currently a lot of discussion about the mismatch between employers' requirement and Singaporean's job skills. 

A survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce found that the 3 skills most lacking in Singaporean professionals are willingness to take risk, creativity or critical thinking and leadership. 

According to Singapore International Chamber of Commerce chief executive, the feedback from employers is that the quality of Singapore workers is 'poor". "They have a sub-par attitude, they can not communicate clearly and concisely, they do not know how to ask questions, they do not exhibit the ability to work in cross border teams." 

I thought to myself, "Doesn't that describes me twenty years ago?" I remember having a British and an American boss during the era when Temasek linked companies were busy towing the trend of importing foreign talent to expand overseas. In exasperation, my British boss at one meeting told us "Speak to me, don't speak to one another with your body languages". The American boss also resorted to insults to get people to speak up or at least protest. 

About not knowing how to ask questions, I remember wondering during seminars why those foreigners are so spontaneous in asking questions. I would weigh the correct way to phrase a question so as not to sound stupid. By the time I got it someone has raised it already...sigh

With respect to working with cross border teams, I remember only being angry when my bosses exercise double standards with respect to the working hours between say the Aussie team and the Singapore home team. Also we expected headquarter company policies to be strictly followed ie.  lack of flexibility and as correctly put, unwillingness to take risk.

What I am truly surprised is that things have not changed much after 2 decades. I would have imagined our education system would have shaped our children differently. There is now much debate about the lack of emphasis on soft skill and over focus on grades and passing exams.

Is it all attributed to the education system or is it a cultural inclination as well? However we have brought up our children to express their views and opinion at home which is already quite a deviation from the seen-but-not-heard approach used by our own parents. 

The cultural habit and attribute which may still remain is the fear of losing face further reinforced by the "kiasu" (fear of losing and missing out) culture which seemed to have intensified during our time and hence passed on to the next generation. Perhaps the Singaporean baby boomers are to be blamed. We probably have imparted the play safe approach in life and the best way to accomplish that is to follow the charted paths of having good exam results, good degree, well paying and secure job along with the trappings of private housing and other luxuries which mark the definition of success. 

Certainly, this model has served well for both the government and the citizens for a long time. It needs to be seen how long this model will last and what needs urgently to be changed.