Motion: Eileen Chong on an economy of the future that works for all

Every major economic blueprint of the past decade has named Southeast Asia as the key to Singapore’s future. But who is Singapore sending along with its capital and companies into the region? Posing this question in parliament on Wednesday (Aug 5), NCMP Eileen Chong urged the government to support young Singaporeans wanting to work in Southeast Asia and support them when they come back. This means investing sufficiently in structures such as adding regional languages like Thai and Vietnamese to third-language options for students. The number of places in the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme, which aims to give youths regional work experience, should be increased, she said, and opened to all graduates from tertiary institutions. Ms Chong also asked if enough employers in Singapore value and reward regional experience; otherwise, such stints will be a penalty, not a premium. The government should also look into ensuring that taking up regional postings will not mean “accepting penalties” such as losing out on Build-to-Order opportunities, she added.