This is not surprising, given the much higher salary that our overseas graduates can fetch immediately upon graduation. Some receive as much as double what they would get paid here if they are to take up job offers overseas.

For example, in Australia, where many of my friends have migrated to, the salary increase after tax can be as much as 50 per cent. They also work shorter hours and there is also unionised work life balance.

Family time is important there and many shops close at around 6pm so that workers can spend time at home with their loved ones. Many thus readily take up job offers abroad both for economic and personal reasons. It is not a difficult decision to make really.

In Singapore, many work long hours and some even on weekends just to finish up their work commitment. Employers take for granted that their workers will slog for them. Employers are king here and workers almost behave like their slaves. Some even have to cancel their leave so that they can finish up their work.

As Singapore progresses and many have gone on to better pastures abroad, it is timely that we review our employer-biased labour regulations. If not, I believe the brain drain will continue at the disadvantage to our economy and social well-being. Foreigners coming in to work for us will only do so on a temporary basis. Many will later use us as a stepping stone to other greener pastures elsewhere.

Gilbert Goh Keow Wah