Prime Minister Lee of Singapore and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak of Malaysia have this in common, both recognize that there's massive brain drain in their respective countries but the fact is it's all about survival and searching one's dreams, citizens of both countries especially those who were born in the 80s feel that the pastures are greener outside their respective countries and yes it's highly true.
When it comes to Malaysia, The highly educated Malays find it rather illogical to remain in a country that restricts their freedom while non Malays see no future here especially when it comes to their children's future.
CHICAGO: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hopes that Singaporeans based overseas will realise the country’s developments and economic growth particularly after the financial crisis and return home soon.
He was speaking to some 150 Singaporeans who are studying and working in Chicago. Mr Lee was wrapping up his trip to the US, where he had also visited Washington DC.
Mr Lee told Singaporeans in Chicago that Singapore is on a stable platform to transform itself, illustrating that with a slideshow of the country’s latest additions such as Ion Orchard and The Pinnacle@Duxton.
".....A snapshot of what Singapore is, some of the ’happening’ things which have been going on (which hopefully) give you a feel of what Singapore is like and some nostalgia, homesickness so that you’ll come back and visit (soon)," said Mr Lee.
"I think a lot of the (Singapore) story also has to do with the Singaporeans who are overseas who are studying, working, (they are) part of our community, part of our family. So (do) keep in touch with home, keep in touch with each other," he added.
Mr Lee later mingled with the crowd of Singaporeans and they were glad they had a rare chance to talk to the Prime Minister.
In fact, some said Mr Lee gave them a sense of optimism about Singapore’s future, while others felt that the Prime Minister could come up with more programmes to help Singaporeans based overseas to better integrate when they return home.
Ricky Tay, a manager of Audit and Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte and Touche, has been in Chicago for six years. He said, "The Prime Minister has painted a very positive picture and the upside for Singapore is tremendous. I think a lot of students and professionals living overseas will consider returning to Singapore to look for opportunities."
Chong Siew Gan, a consultant who has been living in Chicago for 10 years, said, "For older Singaporeans who have families here, I think we want more than just a professional job, buildings, shopping and F1 (racing). We need to grow and to have a better quality of life."
Hatim Thaker, a student, said, "I’m getting a very different perspective here in the US and not being trained in Singapore like everybody else. It gives me a very unique angle, through which I can contribute and participate, as the Prime Minister said, (in) Singapore activities."
Aktar Thaker, a property investor, said, "It’s quite obvious to me that he (PM Lee) is trying his best to ask fellow Singaporeans to return home and contribute to the country, which is the right thing for him to do but as individuals, it’s also important for us to do the right thing for ourselves."
Prime Minister Lee also met the president of the University of Chicago, Robert Zimmer, before leaving Chicago after a two—day visit.
