1. 'Your Say' Group 2: Chang Yu Jing (01) Chong Rei Yin(02)
Sim Fang Ling (14)
Tang Xin Ya (20)
Sherwin Lee (38)
Tan Bing Xin (40)

2. Issue: Should Singaporeans work abroad?

3. Work Abroad, Get Ahead
Four months after getting hired full-time as an online community manager, Cora Rodenbusch asked her boss for a change of venue.
Her employer, PGi, offers teleconferencing solutions around the world, and Ms. Rodenbusch proposed a plan to work out of its office to train employees in branch offices throughout Europe and Asia. She also liked the idea of traveling.
"I was interested in working side by side with [employees] to gain insight into what it's like to work in these different cultures and, in turn, help them pick up our corporate culture and goals," says Ms. Rodenbusch, who volunteered to foot her own travel expenses.
Ms. Rodenbusch ended up traveling for 10 months, while helping to expand her role within the company.
As companies continue expanding into foreign markets, the need for employees who are willing to relocate is creating opportunities that can offer a rich new experience and fast-track careers.
But the transition can be challenging, especially for longer assignments of three to five years, which is why more companies are offering shorter "commuting" assignments of a year or less.
Still, working abroad for any extended length of time requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to changes in culture and work-life balance.

4. Check if your company has any overseas positions available and be prepared to pay much of your own way. If an employee—or new college graduate—has the right skills, language proficiency or needed knowledge, companies may sponsor or transfer an employee and cover a few expenses. But employees are more likely to get a one-way ticket and become local hires who have to cover their own living expenses once they hit the ground.
Be aware that pay can fluctuate from market to market. A lower cost of living can help offset reduced income, but Ms. Berdan recommends having at least three to six months worth of savings to live on.
Workers can just move and find jobs on their own, but it's very difficult to secure residency and a work visa in many European countries, says Ms. Berdan. "On the other hand, there's a demand for American workers in regions like western Africa. As long as you can prove you won't be a burden and have enough cash, they'll accept you and then you just find suitable work."
Source: ml
This article is like our "starting point". The idea or concept for our ques stemmed from here. Must make clear to class!

5. OUR STAND IT IS DEPENDANT ON THE SITUATION.
A debate about whether Singaporeans should work overseas or to stay in Singapore to work has flared to a new high.
It has been argued that working overseas has more advantages than to work in Singapore. However, many fellow Singaporeans have also debated that Singapore is their homeland and it is only right for them to stay and serve their homeland.

6. WORKING OVERSEAS PROS:
Able to travel around the world at the same time, and learn more about the different cultures.
Can gain insight into what it is like to work in different countries.
Cost of living might be comparatively lower than Singapore.
Better pay.

7. WORKING OVERSEAS CONS:
· In a foreign country where one is unlikely to have family and friends around.
· If in trouble, might not have anyone to seek help from.
· Unfamiliar culture, hence there might be culture shock initially, and may need some time to adapt to.
· Due to unfamiliar culture, conflicts at work may also occur with native employees.
· Often stepping out of one's comfort zone.
· Less work life balance.

8. WORKING IN SINGAPORE PROS: Able to stay in one's comfort zone.
In a familiar environment, comfortable and at ease.
Less likely to have conflict with colleagues due to deeper understandings.
Good career prospects.
Most likely to have family around
Able to stay in one's comfort zone.

9. WORKING IN SINGAPORE CONS: More stress because of high workload.
Cost of living is relatively higher.
Not able to travel as much as they wish to due to expectations of job.
No experience of working overseas.

10. SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS Working in Singapore Comparison
Working overseas
Familiar, comfortable
Environment
Unfamiliar culture (Causes unnecessary conflicts)
More
Work-life balance
Less
Several
Family and friends
Few/none
Higher
Cost of living
Lower
Less likely due to deeper understanding
Conflict at work
May occur due to unfamiliar culture
Exposed to more Singapore consumers/clients
Experience
Understand different customer needs on an international level

11. REBUTTALS
When the employee goes overseas to work, he/she has to pick up an entirely new language, and also learn about the different cultures of that area. How is this less stressful as compared to working in Singapore, where there is absolutely no need to pick up these new things because you already know them?
R: With a lesser workload, more time can be set aside by the employee to learn the new language and culture. Also, this depends on the individual’s ability to adapt to changes. Once he/she has adapted to the new environment, it will not be as stressful anymore.

12. REBUTTALS
On what grounds do you have to say that other countries have more work-life balance?
R: We are not saying that every other country in the world has better work-life balance than Singapore. This depends on which country you are working in. Different countries have different work-life balances.

13. REBUTTALS
Don’t other countries have higher tax? It will not make a difference even if you have a higher income over there because the tax you pay there is high as well!
R: You only need to pay for your own country’s tax. Working overseas does not mean you have to pay the taxes there; you still pay for your own country’s.

14. REBUTTALS
Sweeping statement about individuals being lonely and helpless overseas. The company can send more than one employee at once, so technically, no one is considered alone.
R: These are exceptions.

15. REBUTTALS
If there is a need, you can always get help from the Singapore Embassy.
R: The Embassy is not so free that it can cater to all the needs of the Singaporeans in that country. If you are bed ridden, the Embassy cannot go to your house personally to take care of you, right?

16. REBUTTALS In your slides, you mentioned that Singapore is better.
R: We only meant in the aspect of experience, not everything.
How about air stewardess?
R: Special case/exception.
It all depends on your character whether or not you can adapt.
R: Cultural differences are more important in terms of your ability to adapt.

17. REBUTTALS
Even if you have attended trainings in Singapore beforehand, when you go overseas, the situations you face may vary and basic communication and knowledge will not be sufficient in helping you to cope with them.
R: As the days go by, you learn more. Besides, people will be more understanding because they know you are new to that place.