The criteria had been tightened after Singapore experienced an influx of foreigners between 2004 and 2008 a few more measures were added to the assessment matrix, reducing the intake, he said.

pharoah88      ( Date: 27-Apr-2011 13:28) Posted: So why not join the PAP, instead of the Opposition? The decision is for these former high-fliers to make, said Mr Wong (picture). “We go all out to get people. We see hundreds of candidates each time before we narrow down to a smaller pool.” Mr Wong, who oversees immigration issues, also addressed the Workers’ Party proposal of a points-based system to assess those applying for citizenship and permanent residency. Such a system had been used previously as “a first-cut measure”, and it was not rigorous in assessing new immigrants. “The assessment must be a more holistic assessment than a numbers game,” said Mr Wong. “So, the immigration officers will have to look at the case and decide.” The criteria had been tightened after Singapore experienced an influx of foreigners between 2004 and 2008 a few more measures were added to the assessment matrix, reducing the intake, he said.

Analysts say the trend is likely to continue as the labour market is expected to remain robust.— Last year’s robust economic

pharoah88      ( Date: 27-Apr-2011 12:59) Posted: Fewer workers laid off but ... Millet Enriquez emelita@mediacorp.com.sg

Fewer workers laid off but ...

Millet Enriquez

emelita@mediacorp.com.sg

Although fewer people in the manufacturing sector lost jobs last year, workers in the sector remain the most vulnerable, with 12 workers laid off for every 1,000 workers.

# # # #

Singapore business overheads and workers' high cost of living are out of competitive range  ? ? ? ?

pharoah88      ( Date: 27-Apr-2011 12:59) Posted: Fewer workers laid off but ... Millet Enriquez emelita@mediacorp.com.sg

How many Singaporeans exactly?

Letter from Joseph Khoo

I READ with great interest the article “How foreign workers have helped Singapore” (April 22).

It quoted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as saying that without foreign workers, Singapore would not have attracted S$3.7 billion in wafer fab investment as well as created more jobs for Singaporeans.

According to the statistics quoted, the IM Flash Singapore Nand Flash Wafer Fab currently employs 1,200 workers, of which six in 10 are Singaporeans and permanent residents.

Just out of curiosity, exactly how many are Singaporeans?

I also refer to Jolly Wee’s letter “If ‘not ready’ party wins” (April 25). First of all, I would like to reassure Mr Wee that such a freak result would not happen thanks to the robust Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system in place.

Second, Singaporeans are generally a sensible bunch who, despite an apparent desire have more Opposition to check on the Government, will not vote carelessly for an Opposition party that does not have the chops to contribute to the country.

After all, we do recognise and remember the contributions of the ruling party.

Finally, even if the seemingly impossible does happen, our Civil Service, together with our highly competent and dedicated Permanent Secretaries, will ensure that our country will continue tobe run smoothly.