Singapore....

Hi everyone,

I’ve been reflecting on Singapore and the global situation, and I’m curious if anyone else feels like Singapore might be losing its edge in the world. When I look at various perspectives here and on Reddit, I’ve noticed some recurring concerns that got me thinking:

  1. National Service (NS): There’s a growing number of anti-NS sentiments online, with people arguing that it puts Singaporean men at a disadvantage. I’ve even heard of battalions being closed due to shrinking manpower, and some suggest that tech could address this shortage. But how sustainable is this in the long run? If our population keeps growing through immigration, could we eventually see women being required to serve NS too? It honestly feels like the plot of Ah Girls Go Army might become a reality one day.
  2. Immigration and Workforce Concerns: There’s talk about Singapore replacing locals with people from developing countries, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. For instance, more doctors are coming from countries like India, and Singapore is recognizing more foreign universities to meet the demand. While this helps address workforce shortages, it raises questions about how Singapore’s identity is evolving. Can we maintain a sense of being “Singaporean” with so many external influences?
  3. Singapore’s Competitiveness: Even sectors where we’ve traditionally been strong—like healthcare—are facing competition. Countries are now offering comparable medical care, which might reduce Singapore’s appeal as a medical hub. On a broader scale, the whole Southeast Asia region is developing quickly, and projects like the Kra Canal could potentially impact Singapore’s strategic importance. Is Singapore truly as unsustainable as Elon Musk and others suggest?
  4. Global Uncertainty: The world feels like it’s in chaos—wars, political turmoil, and crises everywhere. Closer to home, we see Malaysia improving (albeit slowly), and even Singapore’s politics have their share of controversies, like the recent statements by the education minister sparking debates online.

All of this leaves me with two big questions:

  1. What prevents you from moving abroad for better opportunities, like in tech or engineering sectors in the US?(esp if theres gonna no more ns for your kids and probably no reservist for the guys)
  2. What are your thoughts on the future of medicine in Singapore? I’d especially appreciate insights from medical professionals on this.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share your views or correct me if I’m wrong.