PREFACE

The realisation of a possible ‘Global Village’ was first floated in early 1960s
by Educationist, Marshall McLuhan. Today, close to half a century later, the
reality holds true with the pace of globalisation getting faster by every
improvement in technology and every bilateral/multilateral agreements
signed between countries. Corporations worldwide are strategising their
operation plans so as to maximise their investment capital. If in the past,
businesses have to compromise between getting products out faster,
cheaper or of better quality, such a compromise is no longer a necessity
today.
Technology addresses the need for speed. Relocating operations where
costs are low ensures competitively priced products. Inviting talents from all
over the world ensures that the best person for the job does the job. In
order to maintain competitiveness, traditional ways of thinking and doing
things have to be revised, policies and approaches tweaked so that
investors will continue to find Singapore attractive for investments. As Mr
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and Second Minister for
Finance, said in his Budget speech on 15 Feb 2007, “Our prospects have
never been better. The key reason is globalisation.”
It is recognised that globalisation may create many uncertainties and
anxieties. The widening income gap is one consequence of globalisation.
Yet at the same time, globalisation offers many benefits such as improved
healthcare resources and long distance connectivity. As an example,
medical experts around the world are providing supervision to practitioners
via the internet and video technology.
This series of Focus Group Discussions hopes to encourage the Malay/
Muslim Community to think about the issue, appraise the globalisation
phenomenon and look into ways where we can learn, participate and
benefit from the opening up of global markets. Is it possible that one day
the Pisang Goreng and Kerepek Pisang be as widely consumed as the
French Fries and Potato Chips?
Although we may struggle in the beginning, as a community we can
rekindle and reinforce a social network in the spirit of ‘Gotong Royong’; one
that is mutually encouraging and supportive. The network offers a platform
for us to be aware of global currents, anticipate threats and overcome
challenges confidently, as we seize global opportunities.
Assoc Prof Yaacob Ibrahim
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources
And Minister-In-Charge of Muslim Affairs
February 2007

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THE GLOBALISATION PHENOMENON
Appraising the Challenges and Impact on the Malay Muslim Community

Prepared by Research and Policy Department, Yayasan MENDAKI

for Community Leaders’ Forum

INTRODUCTION

The term ‘Globalisation1’ may evoke different responses from

different experts. As a phenomenon, globalisation can be understood as
“a complex process of integrating into a one world society” (Yang, 2004).
It may be appraised from two broad paradigms: 1) the process; the
interaction, integration and convergence of economies and societies;
and 2) the infrastructure that supports the process; the advancement of
technology and the participation of political institutions (including national
governments and intergovernment bodies).

1
Globalisation: is a term describing the increasing interdependence, interaction,
integration and convergence among people, and organisations from disparate
locations around the world. This interdependence, interaction, integration and
convergence bring about exchanges in the forms of commerce, culture, civic
consciousness, technology transfer, etc. Globalisation can be appreciated as an
umbrella term referring to a complex medley of economic, trade, social, technical,
cultural and political relations.

It is important to note that Globalisation is multi faceted and has various aspects
which affect the world in several different ways: e.g. Cultural globalisation,
Informational globalisation, Political globalisation, Industrial globalisation,
Technological globalisation, Financial & Trade globalisation,

Globalisation as an ideology, Globalism; advocates the connection and convergence

of cultures, nations, and people, it embodies cultural diffusion, the desire to consume
and enjoy foreign products and ideas, adopt new technology and practices, and
participate in a "world culture". It is a universal, internationalist impulse that the world
is connected. Someone who is aware of world issues, enjoys new ideas, and
considers themselves global citizens with an open mind to both criticize and agree
with others is known as a Globalist.

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2 Globalisation as a phenomenon is not something new. Some
experts trace the onset of globalisation by the invention of the printing
press where for the first time, information were reproduced and
distributed on a large scale without the familiar human transmitter as a
medium. Since more than a couple of decades ago, nation states are
fostering closer cooperation with neighbouring states to strengthen
regional economies. The World Bank identifies three major waves of
globalisation: (1) the first wave from 1870 to 1914 which was driven by
falling transport costs; (2) the second wave from 1950 to 1980 which
was driven by removal of trade barriers and further drop in transport
costs; (3) and the third wave from 1980 which involves greater financial
flow and integration; the IT revolution as well as the greater involvement
in developing countries in the manufacturing of goods and services.

3 For many centuries, human societies across the globe have also
established progressively closer contacts. The advancement of
transportation and communication technologies provided the
infrastructure for information, ideas and cultural practices to be easily
shared. This high speed transfer of information opened up new
opportunities for previously geographically separated societies to
converge into cooperation and this has made the world more
interdependent than ever.

DESCRIBING THE PHENOMENON

4 With the pace of globalisation increasing, the world is now seen

not as many countries but as one entity. For example, fast food, mobile
phones and the internet are synonymous with urban lifestyle. In urban
Singapore, everyone is affected by the globalisation wave in one way or
other, some are direct players while others are passive consumers.

5 While there are dissenting views about globalisation, the same

infrastructures that make transnational trade and cooperation possible,
such as the internet, wireless technology, developments in healthcare
sector, are also used by groups advocating for its abandonment.
Alternative media broadcast is one example of how the internet are
utilised to provide perspectives other than those shown by major news

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networks. In 2004 for instance, the video images of the tsunami posted
on the internet intensified the collection of donations worldwide for the
victims.

6 In order to understand this phenomenon further, there is a need to

identify the key drivers. By understanding the drivers we will be in a
better place to study its impact and if need be, ameliorate its impact on
the more vulnerable sections of our community.

Critical Drivers

7 A cursory reading of available literature on globalisation will paint a

picture of the movement of talent and capital across different
boundaries. The flow of talent and capital is driven by several factors.
Capital is always looking for the best place to reap the highest returns.
However, labour rigidities do not favour investments. In the case of
manufacturing companies, the lure of cheap and skilled labour residing
in pro-enterprise jurisdictions, together with a well-design logistics and
transportation system to transport raw materials and finished products to
key markets are key factors in relocating their factories.

8 Hence we find companies distributing their operations through

regional or even global headquarters across the globe. For example, the
research & development (R&D) unit will probably reside in Silicon Valley,
the production plant in Vietnam or China, the marketing office in
Singapore and its technical support desk in India. Similarly, regional and
global headquarters are decided on factors such as availability of skilled
talents, a pro-enterprise environment, sophisticated telecommunications
and financial systems. Hence we see many companies with such global
set-ups and the net result is the free flow of talent and capital. As a
consequent, ideas and cultures circulate more freely across boundaries.

9 Globalisation, “is powerfully driven by international corporations,

which move not only capital and goods across borders but also
technology” (Stilgitz, 2002, Pp 10). To attract these corporations to
invest is in the interest of economic growth, thereby encouraging
governments to enter into Free Trade Agreements (FTA) either directly

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or through intergovernmental institutions such as the World Trade
Organisation (WTO).

10 As countries become members of the WTO, they are forced to

open markets, lower or remove unfair tariffs and remove the protection
of domestic industries. When protectionism persist, such as in the case
of the agricultural sector where there is a continued protection of the
American farmers through farm subsidies doled by the US government,
American agriculture products are seemingly cheaper in global markets.
This however provokes unhappy sentiments from farmers around the
world.

11 A good example of a market becoming global is the car industry.

Since the late 70s, the European and American car industry has to
compete against the likes of Toyota and Nissan in Euro-American
markets. With the advancement and transfer of technology, the last
decade saw the entry of Korean and China made cars into the arena and
brought about lowering of prices. With fierce competition, new and more
innovative specifications and safety features are incorporated in the
designs by established brands resulting in better made cars. Here,
globalisation leads to affordability and innovation.

12 Clearly free trade and technology are two critical drivers in making
the world more global. Local conditions in each country would determine
the pace at which globalisation would take root. Hence in jurisdictions
where labour laws are favourable to enterprise and the supporting
infrastructure and legislation allow easy access to markets worldwide,
there is greater chance of globalisation taking root. Singapore is one
such jurisdiction.

IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION

13 The accelerated pace of globalisation brings about the maxim

“Change as the only constant”. As the process of interaction, integration
and convergence continuously occur in different societies and different
parts of the globe, the impact may occur differently in different levels of
society at different localities. For example, with the strengthening of

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European Union and the implementation of Euro as a common currency,
people in Europe may renegotiate their social identity. China’s economy
is growing rapidly and its markets are opening up, asserting the
presence of a new international force totally different from its totalitarian
past. On kids’ channel, Japanese cartoons are featuring as much as
productions from the familiar Disney, Looney toons & Sesame Street.
Multi religious Middle East could be a reality with more foreign investors
stepping into the once protected land of black gold. Latin America and
Africa could be the next new frontier for investments.

15 Singapore is not immune from globalization (Refer to Annex). We

are party to WTO and have signed many trade agreements. Hence we
welcome foreign investments and talent into Singapore. The logic of this
is that the net benefits will accrue to Singaporeans through better paying
jobs as with inflow of talent we can attract high end investments such as
wafer fabrication plants and pharmaceutical companies.

16 With globalisation, there are four ways where our outlook and
interaction with the global communities can be manifested:

a Macro Global – At the level of Macro Global governments, non

governmental organisations, businesses and individuals can
choose to participate in the complex processes building new
bridges with counterparts in other parts of the world. This
means going out and exploring, and participating in new
markets and opportunities.

b Macro Local – At the level of Macro Local, organisations and

individuals facilitate the entry of talents and quality investments
from abroad into the local market. Acknowledging the wealth of
ideas and resources out there, the ability to identify great ideas
and useful resources that will benefit the economy and at the
same time improve the quality of life here, will be an asset to
the local society.

c Micro Global – At the level of Micro Global, through the use of

technology such as the internet and wireless networks,

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 organisations and individuals can operate locally yet be
connected to the global community. This necessitates an
awareness of happenings and on goings in the global arena as
well as changes in local policies and taking the opportunity to
trod on available bridges.

d Micro Local – At the level of Micro Local, organisations and

individuals can facilitate the permeation of the global outlook to
the local networks of family members, friends, colleagues and
neighbours. At the same time, it is necessary to extend a
helping hand to those who are facing difficulties in rising to the
challenge.

17 It is good to reflect on an observation made by Amir Shakib Arslan,

a Lebanese historian, in the 1920s. At that time, he noticed that
technological developments have crossed borders and have penetrated
most countries yet certain countries are slow to adjust and slow to
understudy the science of tecnology, and adopt them so as to make
processes more efficient. He highlighted the confusion between science
behind technology and the abuse of technology. While the abuse of
technology is undesirable and may cause harm to humanity, the science
behind technology is desirable as it allows the technology to be used
purposefully. An example where Muslims today have benefitted from
technology is the use of the aeroplane for Haj transportation.

18 While the Haj is itself a lesson towards the Macro Global outlook,
the spirit of exploring the world cannot be limited to the annual ritual
alone. The Haj should be taken as an example where Muslims prepare
their hearts and minds towards fulfilling this role at the Micro Local level
so as to achieve the Macro Global objective.

Seizing Opportunities

19 The opportunities of globalisation are in three broad areas of

employment, business, and networking. Employment does not mean
taking only overseas jobs. It means that we prepare ourselves to enter
into those sectors which have a global presence. For example, the

7
financial sector is very much plugged into the global financial markets.
Hence a well-trained business graduate who works for a global bank like
Citibank in Singapore is plugged into Citibank’s global network. It
affords him the opportunity of being trained and/or be transferred to
other Citibank’s operations worldwide. Hence seizing the global
opportunities in employment requires a different orientation towards
employment. At one level is about working for global companies, while
at another level it means taking jobs overseas. In both instances we
need to widen our perspective on employment and consider the tangible
and intangible benefits in evaluating job offers.

20 In the business environment, it is similar to employment. The ease

of starting up small enterprises to service needs of local communities in
one extreme and the lure of overseas market with high returns on the
other end sometimes cloud the opportunities of doing business in
Singapore but for a global market. Increasingly with technology, designs
can be done in Singapore for plants operating in China. As new markets
open up, business opportunities are plenty. We can plug into those
markets with operations in Singapore. Hence it is not just about being
overseas. Rather it is about supplying overseas markets which demands
products and services.

21 Networking is about building relationships and contacts globally.

This can come about through employment and doing business.
However, contacts can also be built through internships and exchange
programmes, readily available in our schools and post-secondary
institutions. It is about meeting people, connecting with different
communities and building within our community a repository of ideas and
knowledge of the different cities and countries. At the same time our
students will be exposed to diversity, build resilience and be more global
in outlook.

22 For the Malay/Muslim voluntary sector and social service

organisations, taking a leaf from the experience of Muhammad Yunus,
the founder of Grameen Bank and winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize for
Peace can be made a yardstick to respond to globalisation. Professor
Yunus discussed in his book “Banker to the Poor” the many ways where

8
he sought ideas and resources from both local and international banks
and organisations in his visionary endeavour to reduce poverty. The
success of Grameen Bank saw its model being exported to similar
projects in 58 countries.

Encountering Threats

23 Some arguments against globalisation features sentiments that

what is seen as beneficial to the rich may not be felt by the majority of
people. Nobel Prize winner for economics, Joseph Stilgitz in his analysis
cited that the trickle down economic theory of growth at the top will
eventually trickle down are no longer applicable. He noted that while
governments, corporations and individuals who were quick to capitalise
on globalisation are reaping exponential growth, late starters struggle to
keep pace with the current. Although there are strugglers, he concurred
that globalisation is here to stay. While he calls for governments and
intergovernmental institutions to reassess the rules of the game and
level the playing field, the answer to the question of how globalisation
will impact societies will very much depend on the way societies
participate and ensure for opportunities to trickle their way.

24 An important consequence to the phenomenon, affecting workers

particularly is the internationalisation of wages. Wages are now
influenced by factors outside the country. As an example, a wafer
fabrication plant worker in Singapore is now competing with another
worker in China. If the Chinese plant can produce the same quality chip
as the Singapore plant but at a lower cost, then it is inevitable that more
of such plants will go to China. For the Singapore plant to compete, it
has to reduce costs and sometimes it is done by reducing wages. The
flip side of the consequence of wages being global means that some
workers in a country can command a wage premium as compared to
other workers causing a possible income divide. This was demonstrated
by Steve Hamm, a senior Business Week journalist in his book
“Bangalore Tigers”. He documented software engineers from
Bangalore, India are commanding wages on par with their counterparts
in the developed countries by working for international firms from their
place of residence. However, as a result of this, university lecturers

9
often earning mediocre salaries from teaching IT, are jumping ship
causing a shortage of IT teachers for a booming industry.

25 The threat of globalisation has increasingly been characterised as

losing market share and the stagnation of wages. This is a real
possibility as we see the hollowing out of our low-end manufacturing
sector to low cost countries like China, Bangladesh and India. However
our government has been quick and responsive to move the
manufacturing sector upstream to new products such as electronics,
telecommunications, and digital devices. Not all countries have been
able to adjust accordingly.

26 But in that process, some of our workers, including Malay/Muslim

workers, who are unable to adjust, are unable to reap the benefits of the
new growth sectors. Their wages cannot grow as fast as those in the
new growth areas. This is the income divide that threatens most
industrialised societies. At the same time, some within our labour force
lack the mobility to venture overseas. Due to lack of skills and talent,
they cannot seize these global opportunities. Hence it is also important
for our workers, no matter which industry they work in, to continue to
upgrade their skills as they too face the threat of globalisation through
the loss of jobs and low wages.

SOCIAL NETWORKS

27 With globalisation, the advancement of information and

communication technology as well as affordable and reliable cross
border, long distance transportation, human resource recruitment and
selection transcends beyond local boundaries. As countries develop
and new industries introduced, demand for skilled labour increases. The
movement of skilful Singaporeans seizing opportunities abroad triggered
the need to manage and maintain ties and make them “part of the
family”. Amongst the critical challenges seen in this labour migration
process include juggling of identity and competition for loyalty from
amongst the many different communities and social affiliations these
labour migrants might encounter.

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28 To recall the words of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2006
National Day Rally speech, he said "We respect the choice of those who
work overseas. In fact, we encourage Singaporeans to go abroad,
spend time abroad, gain experience, understand how the world operates
and then come back to Singapore. But of course, while it is good to
have people abroad, we also hope that they don't spend all their life
there and at some stage, they will decide to come back to Singapore”.

29 In three major diasporic communities like the Chinese, the South

Asians and the Latin Americans, informal social networks and the
support of family or kin were two of the more critical factors facilitating
the decision to migrate on top of the presence of familiar communities in
host countries, known opportunities in foreign lands, migration policies,
communication channels etc. In the Chinese and Indian communities,
the informal social networks have at times evolved into ‘mock kinship’
relationships in the form of clan association, ethnic bases, etc.

Case Study 1: Asian Pacific Labour Migrants in America

In 1990s, Chinese Americans constituted the largest Asian

Pacific American Population with close to 1.65 million
individuals (Shinagawa, 2000), making up close to 0.7% of the
American population.

The Chinese migrant community is divided into two very

distinct groups. This dichotomy became more visible after the
Second World War. The educated professionals and
merchants (Huashang) make up about one third of Chinese
migrants in the United States. Regarded as middle class, these
migrants are also viewed as the knowledge diaspora due to
their significant presence in the high technology industries.
The other group of migrants (huagong) make up the labourers,
semi-skilled workers and small entrepreneurs often regarded as
the working class (Hu-DeHart, 2005). Two significant social
systems are visible in facilitating the Chinese labour migrants
into the host countries. First is the role of the social
connections or better known as the ‘quanxi’ and second is
through kinship or the presence of extended family members
in both home and receiving countries. The quanxi can be
based on friendship, patron-client relationship, alumni,

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 colleagues, neighbours and kinship. It is essentially
personalised relationships that need to be cultivated and
maintained, more often for goal seeking activities.

Although the function of both facilitation system are

interrelated, the ‘quanxi’ type social connections has allowed
for these Chinese migrants to swiftly clear necessary
immigration documentations, meet with the right people for
the right contracts and make arrangements for assistance on
housing, capital funds, employment, etc. The ‘quanxi’ presents
a parallel to the formal networks available such as employment
agents, administrative offices, etc in a social connection based
on 1) personal trust; and 2) resources of the middlemen1.

The second system, family and kinship, which may form part
of the ‘quanxi’ system has an added social influence in
preparing the potential migrant and connect them with their
immediate kin in the host countries. The second system has
led to the ‘chain migration’ effect especially in the United
States where the relaxation of migration policies was
introduced in 1965 to encourage family reunification. The role
of the family towards the decision to migrate cannot be
underestimated. Pfelgerl (2003) noted that migration decisions
are not made by isolated individuals but rather by larger units
of related people applying especially to families or households
in which people act collectively. Citing De Jong, et al. (1998),
the author highlighted that the more people talk to each other
about housing and neighbourhood preferences, the greater the
likelihood that they are willing to move and will actually move.

30 While the issue of attracting foreign talent is very much dependent

on the nation’s immigration policy, the process of attracting the affiliation
of Singaporeans who may have settled down comfortably in their new
host countries may require both policy changes and personalised touch.
The desire for Singapore to allow and encourage her citizens to venture
abroad yet maintaining their roots at home reflects what some scholars
of labour migration term as transnationalism2 and the creation of

2
A phenomenon referring to the state being part of two (or more) societies at the
same time

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transnational3 communities. This is where individuals or communities
may have to juggle their identity and loyalty. In between affiliation to the
host and the home country, other forms of affiliation such as language,
geographical origin, ethnicity, religion, profession, social status and class
may further complicate the personal identification process.

Case Study 2: Maintenance of a Transnational Identity

amongst Indian Diasporas
South Asians have travelled the world just as the Chinese for
many reasons dating back a few centuries ago. Indian
emigration to Australia for example dated back to the 19th
century where the early Indians ran camel trains across
Australia. In the later part of the century, more Indian
migrants arrived in Australia taking up occupations such as
agricultural labourers, hawkers and domestic assistance. After
India attained independence in 1947, as more Indian nationals,
particularly the educated and highly skilled individuals, left the
country to take advantage of shortage of skilled labour and
booming economy in Europe, North America and the Arabian
Gulf region, two designations to identify Indians living outside
India were used; INO – Indian Nationals Overseas, used to
identify citizens of India who are working overseas and PIO –
People of Indian Origin, used to identify people with Indian
ancestry. To encourage these two groups of people to
maintain ties and eventually return to India, an Overseas
Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was offered in Jan 2006.
Holders of the OCI card will be allowed unlimited visa free
entry into India and given certain other citizenship privileges.
With such schemes, transnational ties intensified and became
more durable as these immigrants were able to participate in
socio-cultural and political life of both host and home societies.
The use of broadcast media and the internet has allowed the
Indian government to maintain meaningful communication
channels to the overseas Indians.

Labour migration patterns and trends of Indians do not vary

much from the Chinese labour migrants. The two forms of
labour migrants are also observable where at one end the low

3
Migrant communities living in the host societies but maintain economic, political,
social and emotional ties with their homeland and with other diasporic communities
of the same origin (Sahoo,2004, pp121).

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 skilled migrants assume occupations in labour intensive
industries and at the other extreme, Indian professionals are
leading cutting edge research in emerging industries. To
facilitate the migration process, reliance on both formal and
informal networks is crucial. Apart from goal oriented
informal social network, these migrant Indian communities are
strongly rooted to their cultural and religious networks. The
strong affiliation to symbols, festivals, gurus and customs helps
maintain a religious and cultural identification which are often
transplanted with the migration into the host society.

THE WAY FORWARD

31 There are perhaps nine broad categories of those who have

responded to globalisation:

a The Life Long Learner – these are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans, due

to certain circumstances, left the formal classroom early in life to join
the workforce. However, having dedicated a good number of years in
the job, was faced with retrenchment due to technological changes
and industry restructuring. The spirit to be self reliant drives them to
take up upgrading courses in a new field of work. Equipped with new
and relevant skills, they are able to quickly reintegrate back
productively into the economy.

Micro Local Player

50 yr old Mdm Maria Bte Puteh attended a sewing class
organised by SENSE. After completion of course, she
received a contract to sew telekung for one of the travel
agencies under Mega Express for the Haji delegation. Besides
sewing, Mdm Maria is passionate about cooking. Utilising her
talents, she is currently conducting cooking lessons at
Community Clubs as well as to single parents under the As-
Salam programme. Having a strong entrepreneurial spirit,
Mdm Maria is also currently taking up a course in
entrepreneurship. The course will equip Mdm Maria with the
necessary ‘know how’ to market her skills.

b The Consistent Performer: These are Malay/Muslim

Singaporeans who conscientiously follow through the education

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 system, did well in exams, perhaps consistently reminded by
dedicated mentors in their career choices.

Macro Global Player

Mr Errimy Samad, 32, a graduate of Singapore Polytechnic
went on to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at
University of Sydney in 1997. Upon graduation, he was
offered a teaching position where he taught for a while before
moving on to be an aerospace engineer at Eagle Aircraft.
Early 2005, with his wife, he moved to London and accepted
a job at Airbus UK.-

c The Virtual Traveller – These are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans who

may be based in Singapore yet are widely connected to communities
around the world using the internet as a vehicle. Through these
international contacts they mobilise resources and talents, gain entry
into new markets and open up new windows of opportunities.

Macro Local Players

Mr Abdul Rahman Mohamed Said, Ms Hajiraini Hamdi and
Mohd Daud Abdul Rahim started the web portal
kampungnet.com.sg slightly more than ten years ago in 1995.
Started as a virtual ‘kampung’ for Malay/Muslims in
Singapore to converge in cyberspace, the site has received a
fair share of international audience. The early adventure into
the cyberworld has earned the site and the developers
commendatory mentions in newspapers and magazines.

d The Dream Chaser – These are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans who

have dreams or interests to do more than what they are doing
now. They take part time course, upgrade their skills, get contacts
and develop their proficiency in their area of interest while working
and when the opportunity comes by, they make the switch.

Macro Global Player

She started with big dreams to be a successful shoe designer.
This dream guided Nora Haron, 31, from a salesperson at a
shoe boutique to a shoe store owner and started designing for
friends and relatives. In 2005, an opportunity struck when she
consulted professionals in the field in Los Angeles and from
there saw her designs manufactured by renowned shoe

15
 manufacturers. Her dedication paid off when one of her
designs was awarded runner up to the Glass Slipper Award, a
testimony of international quality.

e The Bright Sparks – These are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans with

sparkling talents such that it attracts attention from abroad. When
many of those with such sparkling talents ignore the attention,
these few made the choice to showcase their talents to a different
audience.

Micro to Macro Global player

Ahmad Aljunied was very fortunate to attend the National
University of Singapore (NUS) Overseas Colleges
programme, where he worked as an Information Systems
Intern in a start-up while taking classes in Stanford. His boss,
a brilliant man who consistently broke boundaries and the
company CEO, a serial entrepreneur, were both great mentors
to me. He led the mentorship initiative, expanding its base of
mentors with serial entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and
industry leaders. Leading this initiative allowed him to
interact with highly successful individuals and experience their
energy and passion. With his outstanding performance and
resilient drive, he has flown back to Silicon Valley upon
graduating from NUS to work in L2 Solutions. –

f The Inquirer – These are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans who are

curious about life beyond the shores but restricted by some
commitments. However when the opportunity arise for short
stints, exposure visits and internships, they will not hesitate to free
their schedule, make alternate arrangements for their family to
grab the opportunity to feed their curiosity.

Macro Local to Micro Global players

Foreseeing the opportunities with the development of the
Integrated Resort, Nurhidayah Zainudin, 20, and Md Redzuan
Md Ajis, 24 along with 18 other students from Singapore
Polytechnic grabbed the chance for a five month internship at
Walt Disney World in Florida, USA in August 2006.
Amongst their valued experiences were the interaction and
learning with co-interns from Venezuela, USA, Spain,
England and etc.

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g The Passionate Humanitarian – These are Malay/Muslim
Singaporeans who feels the plight of those in dire straits due to
various calamities and possess the skills and capacity to lend a
helping hand. They set aside time from their normal lives and in
the name of humanity enter the world of those struggling to
survive.

Macro Local to Micro Global

Dr Iskandar Idris is no stranger to disaster-stricken countries.
He has made many sacrifices to lead many disaster relief
missions over the years. The commitment and compassion
that he has exhibited truly reflects his strong spirit of
volunteerism in serving humanity and bringing hope and
comfort to people in time of need.

h The Master Commander – These are Malay/Muslim Singaporeans

who are playing significant roles in multi national corporations
managing regional and international operations although based in
Singapore. They are adapted to the pace of changes and are
prepared to make that quick stopover where their presence is needed
in cities across the globe.

Macro Local to Micro Global player

Mr Saktiandi, a senior economist in the Monetary Authority
of Singapore also serves a global market through the links and
connections he forms with the outside world, bringing the
brand name of Singapore overseas. He works with a team of
economists who monitors developments in the Singapore
economy and conducts economic analysis and forecasting in
formulating monetary policy. This brings him to training
courses in the International Monetary Fund in Washington
and Federal Reserve Bank in New York, amongst others.

32 Perhaps, there are many more categories of Malay/Muslim

Singaporeans who are riding the wave of globalisation by maximising
opportunities that can be added to the list. From the nine categories
above, the most important lesson perhaps is to reflect that these are
Malay/Muslim Singaporeans from varied backgrounds, and have had to
face different life struggles. A common thread that weaves through all

17
the nine categories is that each of them has taken that first step to
consider options which had included entering the global arena and
subsequently exploring the path less travelled to realise their potential.

33 At the same time, we are indeed fortunate that the government has
invested heavily in education. In opening up Singapore to the world, we
can be confident that our education system with its system of post-
secondary options and strong early years of education has created a
world class work force. The Malay/Muslim community is also a
beneficiary of this system. Hence we have the necessary skills and
talent to take on jobs in the global market place.

CONCLUSION

34 The process of globalisation is upon us here in Singapore. We can

either chose to ignore it and insulate ourselves from it or understand the
phenomenon and explore our responses rationally so as to bring out the
greatest benefits to our community and nation. A progressive
Malay/Muslim community should take the latter option. And in fact it is
difficult for any community in Singapore to insulate itself as Singapore is
an open economy. To insulate ourselves would mean taking on
employment which will not face threats from globalisation. But this is not
the right approach as it will hinder the development of our community. As
our community is spread across different trades and professions, it does
not matter if you are a worker at a local shipping company, or a
technician at an MNC, a teacher or a student; all of us are affected by
this phenomenon in different ways. For some skills upgrading is the path
to remaining employable while for others it is taking the less travelled
road of going overseas as students to explore new opportunities. Clearly
what is needed is a new orientation within the community where
everyone tries to adapt to this new reality.

35 Many Malay/Muslim Singaporeans have adopted the Macro Global

outlook and have ventured out into the global arena. These are
Malay/Muslim Singaporeans who are exposed to the workings of their
host societies and may be aware of a multitude of opportunities suitable
for our community to venture into be it at the Macro Global, Macro Local

18
or Micro Local arena. It is therefore desirable for us to maintain ties with
Singaporeans overseas so as to learn from them their experiences and
the opportunities available out there. At the same time, we can facilitate
them to get connected to other Singaporeans who are overseas so that
they can get connected and can share information and experiences
whilst at the same time feel the comfort of having a big ‘family’ separated
by distance yet connected by technology.

19
ANNEX –
Excerpt from Singapore Budget 2007 Speech
2nd Minister for Finance
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Globalisation is Working to Singapore’s Advantage

“Capital enterprise and talent are flowing to countries where the

workforce is well-educated and skilled, and where the quality of life is
high. These are Singapore’s advantages. They explain why globalisation
is working in Singapore’s favour.”

“We are well-placed at the heart of a globalising Asia. China and India
are the big stories, but opportunities are also opening up across Asia,
from the Middle East to Northeast Asia. Competition from China and
India has galvanised ASEAN to accelerate integration and forge a
collaborative ASEAN Community 2015.”

“Businesses large and small, home grown and foreign, are taking
advantage of Singapore’s strengths, and using Singapore to ride the
next wave of Asian growth.”

The World is Coming to Singapore

“We are not just getting more large investments, but more ‘first-of-its-
kind’ investments…French semiconductor company, Soiitec, is investing
$700 million to set up in Singapore its first offshore facility to make the
wafer for this chip…Soitec is coming here because its technology has to
be well-protected, and we are the only country in Asia that they trust well
enough to set up their campus outside of France.”

“Soitec is like many other global companies which have come here
because they know their investments will be protected, and we have the
pool of talent and skills for sophisticated manufacturing. Like Sumitomo,
which expanded its $500 million complex in Singapore only last year …
These are big votes of confidence by global investors.”

20
“Johan M Karlstedt relocated from Finland to the US for several years,
before deciding to set up home in Singapore-both for his company and
his family. The company he founded, QXSystems, creates virtual offices
for businesses. As he puts it, with the internet, it does not matter if you
are in a small country…Thanks to widespread WiFi, he can interact with
anyone around the world from any spot in Singapore he chooses, for the
cost of almost nothing.”

Singaporeans are Going Out to the World

“Not only is the world coming to Singapore, Singaporeans are seizing

opportunities abroad. Globalisation is working to the advantage of
Singapore companies.”

“Rotary Engineering…founded by Chia Kim Piow in the 1970s…began

handling electrical installations and sub-contracting for the big oil
refineries. It now builds them. Today, Rotary is presently one of Asia’s
leading engineering companies in oil and gas infrastructure.”

“It is not just the larger Singapore players that are going abroad. We
have many individuals Singaporeans taking their chances and making
their presence felt in global markets. They are in demand all over Asia,
as trusted managers and engineers, and increasingly, too, as creative
professionals.”

“Companies and enterprising individuals from around the world coming

to Singapore, using Singapore to reach out to other parts of the world,
and creating jobs for Singaporeans; and Singapore companies and
talents going out to the world to compete and seize opportunities.”

The Challenge of the Widening Income Gap

“But Globalisation brings about with it challenges for Singapore. We face

a worsening of our income distribution, and slow and no increases in
wages at the lower end of the workforce.”

21
“The reasons for the widening income spread are by now well known.
China, India, Russia and Eastern Europe have doubled the workforce,
putting downward pressure on wages everywhere. Companies have
more choices on where to invest, locating their plants where they can get
the lowest cost or best workers or latest technology. At the same time,
technology has continued to advance, relentlessly, in every sector and
industry. It is increasing demand for high skills and knowledge. And
technology is making many types of workers redundant, especially those
with low skills and also making it easy for their jobs to be exported
abroad to where wages for the same skills are lower.”

“Incomes are stretching out in the developed world, with the top rising
rapidly, the middle much slower, and the bottom stagnating or even
declining.”

“The same is happening in Europe and Japan – Incomes going to the

top, but stagnating or declining at the bottom. Even in China, with an
economy growing at 9%, workers in the bottom 10% have seen a decline
in real incomes.”

“Singapore is facing similar pressures. Because we are a much more

open economy, we are in fact more exposed to these pressures of
globalisation.”

“Although our economy is growing well, incomes are increasing only

slowly at the lower end, and income gaps are widening. This is a
problem for those at the bottom, but it is also a problem for the rest of
society if those at the bottom feel left out from growth.”

“The solution is not to grow more slowly… Slow growth will make
everybody worse off, but it will have greatest impact on those at the
bottom. Jobs will be lost and incomes will fall through the floor for those
at the lower end of the workforce, while at the top end, talented
Singaporeans and the ability to seize opportunities elsewhere will up and
go. Slow growth will not assure us of a more equal society, as long as
we live in a globalised world.”

22
Singapore’s Response – Growth with Opportunity for All

“Our response must therefore be to focus on growth and embrace

globalisation, but manage its downsides and make it work for everyone.
We will do this by maximising opportunities for all Singaporeans - the
opportunities to get a good education, to work or grow a business, to
retrain yourself and upgrade, and to own your own home. We must
maximise opportunities for all, but we must also accept that doing so
does not result in equal rewards for all. We should never reduce the
incentives for Singaporeans to work and to make the most of their skills
and talents, so as to get higher reward for themselves.”

“Our first priority therefore is to grow the economy, we must build

capabilities for the future. We must attract new investments, grow new
businesses, and create new and better paying jobs to replace old ones.
We must build on our strengths and compete – not just on efficiency and
low cost, but on trust and value.”

“Building capabilities for the future, strengthening our social security

system and providing for the needs of older Singaporeans will require
Government to spend more in future. This means we will need additional
revenues. We cannot raise direct taxes. To continue to attract talent and
investments, and maintain strong incentives for our people to excel, we
will in fact have to lower our direct taxes further over time.”

23
FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1. What does globalisation mean to the different segments of the

Malay/Muslim community? How should the Malay/Muslim community
make sense of the globalisation phenomenon?
2. How should the Malay/Muslim community respond to the globalisation
phenomenon? What would be the factors hindering this? What would
be the success factors?
3. How can Malay/Muslim Singaporeans be global workers, businesses
or citizens and compete in the global market place?

4. How can we encourage the community to consider venturing abroad

yet retain their hearts at home? Do we have the right knowledge,
skills and attitude to survive in a globalised world? If yes, which
market, which industries, which countries?

24
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