THE recent discussions on Singaporeans' ability to compete for top jobs and how to increase these opportunities for Singaporeans resonate with me ("Boost training so S'poreans can compete for top jobs" by Mr Francis Cheng; last Saturday, "How to improve S'poreans' chances of taking top jobs" by Mr Liu Fook Thim; June 17, and "'Hire bankers on merit, not nationality'"; June 15).

There is no doubt that we can compete. Our founding fathers, pioneer generation and, most recently, Team Singapore, have shown that we can compete with the best in the world or region, and punch above the weight of our little red dot.

However, as we celebrate these successes, let us also remember our founding fathers' ethos that no one owes us a living. We reap what we sow, and rewards have to be commensurate with effort. Everything else is down to fickle-minded Lady Luck.

Remembering what brought Team Singapore here will enable us to continue punching above the weight of any numerical measurements, for SG100 and beyond.

Benny Yeo