Dear Fellow Singaporeans,
A friend of mine brought my attention to this particular article which is quite disturbing.
ASEAN was formed in 1967 under the “3 pillars” of regional cooperation, namely security, socio-cultural integration, and economic integration. In 1997, ASEAN leaders declared the ASEAN Vision 2020, which aimed to transform ASEAN into a “stable, prosperous and highly competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socioeconomic disparities.” Building on this vision, at their 2007 Summit ASEAN leaders affirmed their strong commitment to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015.
The AEC aims to make ASEAN a more dynamic and competitive economic block by making it a single market and production base by 2015 governed by the principles of an open, outward-looking, inclusive, and market-driven economy.
As a single market and production base, the AEC comprises the following five core elements:
- Free flow of goods
- Free flow of services
- Free flow of investment
- Freer flow of capital
- Free flow of skilled labour <<<<<<< !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Free flow of skilled labor – The AEC is moving toward managed mobility or facilitated movement of natural persons in trade in goods, services, and investments through visa facilitation and issuance of employment passes for ASEAN professionals and skilled labor.
It is envisaged that by 2015 there will be a complete free flow of services. To this end, the ASEAN member countries are working toward harmonization and standardization by enhancing increased mobility of students and staff within the region, developing core competencies and qualifications for occupational trainers’ skills, and strengthening the research capabilities of each ASEAN member country in terms of promoting skills and job placements and developing labor market information among the member countries.
Read:
- http://www.mondaq.com/x/166614/International+Trade/ASEAN+Economic+Community+2015+and+Thailand
- http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/296709/asean-2015-free-movement-of-labour
- http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/616230-thailand-to-benefit-from-free-flow-of-skilled-labour-in-2015/
A simple interpretation is this – We are part of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) and we will be part of the AEC by 2015. One of the aspects of being part of the AEC will be free movement of skilled labour.
Upon further investigation, it seems that these jobs will be affected by the FTA agreement:
- Nurse
- Doctor
- Engineer
- Dentist
- Architect
- Accountant
- Surveyor
(Please go to Slide 16)
The education system in Singapore says that my General Paper is C6, but “free movement of skilled labour” certainly means that more of our neighbours will have the opportunity to compete for jobs that can be filled by our local PMETs.
Why this is very important? Many of us have called for a Singaporean First Policy, to protect our fellow citizens. However, recall the CECA that was signed with India. Upon tightening of our labour laws in 2013, India was not very happy that we have “violated” the CECA agreement, as the CECA states that the Singapore Government is not supposed to, in simple terms, protect our local PMETs. Since the government has went ahead with the CECA and the AEC, it is certainly a no-brainer what their priority is.
Note that the crucial year is 2015 and people ask why it is important. Think about the following events that have happened recently:
1) The remark by Chan Chun Sing “to do battle everywhere” certainly makes him look dumb. On the other hand, it could be a hint that election is near. As an ex-general, it certainly makes sense to rally the activists for “war” (or election) using his “battle” war cry.
2) Some pundits believe that Ho Ching has been appearing frequently in public, with the breakfast meeting with the police being the most significant. For her to be there for no apparent reason could possibly mean something else. Could it mean that the PAP is fielding her as a candidate?
3) It is rather obvious that “Anus Dr Koh” has been dishing out vouchers of late. Why only now? Why one year later after the Punggol slap in 2013?
I am no prophet for sure. However, the possibility of an election in 2014 or 2015 is there. The writer feels that:
1) Once the AEC comes into effect in 2015, we will have more displaced PMETs who will be more disgruntled and more likely, not to vote for PAP.
2) For those who are not aware, look back at the 1988 to 1991 period. The 1991 election was held shortly after the 1988 election. The 1991 GE was held in late August. I will not be surprised if “Pinky” tries this desperado strategy. Courtesy to thehearttruths for compiling the years where Singapore had its General Elections. (see picture above)
I leave it to readers to judge what my friend has shared. I also thank him for bringing out this piece of information that seems to be overlooked somehow by us netizens.
Honest Singaporean