Mr Ng said small companies like his do not draw many Singaporeans.

First, when a job advertisement is placed, we cannot tell whether the company is big or small.

I do not know what kind of position Mr Ng advertised, but I am sure many Singaporean women are keen to work based on more flexible hours and a place near their home so they can balance work and manage their household and children at the same time.

Moreover, most employers are particular about applicants' age.

Mature Singaporeans may lose confidence to apply for jobs after many rejections.

If companies are willing to give mature applicants a chance and allow flexible hours for housewives, many jobs will be filled by Singaporeans too.

Eldin Tan Siew Lan (Mdm)