The Super Elite Staff @ Ministry of Education

In the Sunday times, January 8, 2007 there was an article “Make Foreigner Feel Welcome” Mr.Wong Kan Seng ,who is the Minister of Home Affair (Singapore) said “many of us have ancestors from countries like Malaya, Indonesia, India and China .They were foreigners in the land years ago, but decided to sink roots here . This is how they become Singaporeans.” “In order to make Singapore-an attractive destination for migrants, we must make them feel welcome, help them to integrate into the community and sink roots in Singapore.” Mr. Wong also stressed that the Government will “continue to look after the Singaporean first.”

Well said Mr.Wong Kan Seng , but I feel that the government is not looking after the Singaporean first here .

We are Singaporean residing in Australia . Arrived in our homeland on 10 Dec 2006 with a second and FINAL attempt of settling my two boys education in their homeland. Our first priority was to seek a school for them and to help them to integrate into the local Educational systems gradually .We choose an International School not because of our dislike of Government schools. Our fear is they will need time to adjust to local systems and environment and this will minimum disruption and possible dropout from school etc.

In order not to waste too much of our precious time in Singapore , we found an International School on 13Dec 2006. We enrolled them to start a new term on 3rd Jan 2007. But was told we need to seek approval from Ministry of Education. Application was submitted on 14 December 2006. To our disappointment, we heard noting as of JAN 07 2007 ! In a desperate attempt, we marched into Ministry of Education office with the sole purpose of finding out what is holding back our application. To add to our insult, The person in charge of Pupil placement refused to see us. The conduct of the officer is therefore questionable . Is he that ELITE that he is unable to spare a few minutes of his time explaining to us what is holding back our application. We are no beggars. This is our home we want to feel wanted and welcome in our homeland.

I would expect the personnel at Ministry of Education are held to higher standard of professionalism and ethical responsibility than most because they are trained to lead the children – the future of Singapore .The Ministry of Education governing body has a duty to itself and the public to preserve the public confidence and uphold the professions standing .The public has a reasonable expectation of accountability.

Mr. L just refused to entertain us thus gave us an unfortunate impression it was giving excuses for them. Talking to my friends and colleagues later about my encounter with a Mr.L. I asked them what they would have done. It is just sad that is falling short of the exemplary role expected of him.

The answers I received were-variety of answers, It is quite hard to put forward my complaint to higher authority?? Many though that I had done the right thing. But I won’t forget the dilemmas I faced of getting the approval for my sons to study in an International School.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke of the need to reach out to the Singaporean Diaspora in his National Day speech last year. To promote this it has even setup an Overseas Unit in the Prime Minister’s office. I quote “Let’s help them get to-gether ,” he said.

YES, PM LEE A BIG THANK YOU !! THIS OVERSEAS UNIT IS AN EXCELLENT ATTEMPT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION .

BUT MY MAIN CONCERN IS THERE ANYONE IN YOUR OFFICE FOLLOWING UP ON THE MANY ISSUES RAISED HERE ??

Singapore is our Home, where we want to make our contributions.

Where the support from the well said speech of Mr Wong Kan Seng that the Government will “continue to look after the Singaporean first.”?

Where is the “pillar of Social support” Dear Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam –Education Minister?

Where is the ongoing measure to ensure all Singaporeans prosper in the globalized world?

Where is the role in helping the needy, regardless of race or religion?