From MBA in India to general work in Singapore

Production operator is among migrant workers who have university qualifications but do menial work here

Mr Hasan Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, who has a management degree, came here as a construction worker last May to support his family, as he is the eldest son. However, he sustained an injury and is awaiting compensation. Mr Kandulasri Ramesh cut his MBA st
Mr Hasan Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, who has a management degree, came here as a construction worker last May to support his family, as he is the eldest son. However, he sustained an injury and is awaiting compensation. ST PHOTO: ALVIN HO
Mr Hasan Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, who has a management degree, came here as a construction worker last May to support his family, as he is the eldest son. However, he sustained an injury and is awaiting compensation. Mr Kandulasri Ramesh cut his MBA st
Mr Kandulasri Ramesh cut his MBA studies short to come to Singapore to work to support his family. The production operator works 12-hour days but still finds time to hold computer classes for other workers. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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Mr Kandulasri Ramesh had just one semester left of his MBA course in human resources when he decided to leave his native India and come to Singapore to work 12-hour days due to his family's tight financial situation.

He spends five or six days a week on his feet, toiling as a production operator for a plastics company - earning a mere $900 a month.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 02, 2018, with the headline From MBA in India to general work in Singapore. Subscribe