Building an integrated resort can boost Singapore’s economy and maintain Singapore’s competitiveness. This idea is supported by the government and some of the people. However, the casino, playing the biggest role in the IR, has drawn the attention of many local Singaporeans because of the benefits and the potential risks.
Would the casino really benefit Singapore? One thing that we must know is the mindset of tourists. Can we be certain that the tourists would go to the IR? If tourists do not go to the IR, it would be a waste of resources and manpower, considering the amount of electricity used and the number of workers. If I were a tourists coming to Singapore, would I be coming to gamble, or would I be coming to get a taste of Singaporean culture and lifestyle? Furthermore, most tourists come with the aid of travel agencies planning their trip for them. Would any of these travel agencies have IR as one of its destinations?
If we consider the actual situation, the IR has a great potential to boost the Singapore economy. In recent years, 10 million tourists came to Singapore. If every one of them goes to the casino and gamble, and the casino earns $15 from each of them, that would mean Singapore can earn $150 million from the casino each year. Even if we multiply that sum of money by 15% we still get $22.5 million. Hence, it is likely for the casino to benefit us.
The locals are more concerned about there being more local gamblers. Even if we do not build the casino, people would still gamble by buying Toto or 4D. Moreover, it is rather unlikely for people to make an effort to go to the IR, not only because of the time spent on transport, but also the way one wins. Toto and 4D give a person a minute chance of striking a fortune, whereas the IR gives him a 50-50 chance of doubling his bet. Would anyone go through all the trouble of getting to the IR just to get a higher chance of winning less and a lower chance of losing more?
If one has to go through all the trouble to gamble legally at the IR, people might still prefer to gamble illegally due to the convenience. Furthermore, if the government is to charge an admission fee on the locals, then it would also prevent those who are moderately wealthy to go into the IR. Supposing that I have $200 and have to pay an admission fee of $100 to get into the IR, I have already lost $100 to the government before I can place my bet. Hence, there is practically no point discouraging the locals from going because it is simply not worth it.
Therefore, the issue about the IR posing a potential threat is just an assumption because we do not know whether people would go to the IR. We have to evaluate the consequences by understanding the way people think. Only then we can know whether the IR would benefit us or harm us.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
National Service - How can this be amended or improved further to alleviate the problem of dodging?
People dodge national service because they feel that it is a waste of time and an obstacle which hinders them from pursuing their dreams. However, Singapore is the only SEA country with a non-muslim majority and it is important to have a strong military in order for Singapore to be invulnerable to attacks. Therefore, there is a need for national service. If people like to dodge it, how are we able to change the mindset of Singaporeans such that they serve the country willingly.
Unlike other countries, there is a lack of Singaporean pride. Many of those who were on scholarships migrated to other countries because they feel that the environment there is more comfortable, where there is a better pay or living conditions. If Singaporeans choose to stay out of the country, then why should we even bother talking about Singaporeans going for national service? Furthermore, you can hear people saying, "Singapore sucks." on the MRT, and taxi drivers complaining about the government. Therefore, if the government can do something to make Singaporeans feel proud of their country, there would naturally be less people who dodge national service.
Now it boils down to feeling Singaporean pride, but what can Singaporeans be proud of? Living in a tropical country? Speaking Singlish? No, those are part of Singaporeans culture. In fact, most people only feel the pride when Singapore has something that is better than other countries. However, no one actually feels proud when Singapore has the best airport and airlines, the top university in Asia, the highest standards of living in Asia, etc. This may be because people do not really value these things but value feats that normal people are not able to perform. For example, winning prizes at international competitions or designing a new technological device that is far better than the existing ones. In a small island of 4.5 million people, there is not enough competition for the country to pick out the talented among the talented. Therefore, it is rather difficult to create a sense of nationalism.
How about reducing the amount of time in national service? Currently, Singapore has the longest conscription period and it takes 2 years for a typical young Singaporean to complete his national service. Furthermore, students are unable to enter university immediately after national service and that takes up more time. Why should Singapore have such a long conscription period if it does not plan to invade other countries? Moreover, how long would it take for another country to wipe out the whole of Singapore with modern technology? Therefore, it would be wise to shorten the period of conscription. 1.5 years would be wise as students would be able to go to university one year earlier.
In conclusion, national service has to be amended to appease Singaporeans more so that less people dodge it.
Unlike other countries, there is a lack of Singaporean pride. Many of those who were on scholarships migrated to other countries because they feel that the environment there is more comfortable, where there is a better pay or living conditions. If Singaporeans choose to stay out of the country, then why should we even bother talking about Singaporeans going for national service? Furthermore, you can hear people saying, "Singapore sucks." on the MRT, and taxi drivers complaining about the government. Therefore, if the government can do something to make Singaporeans feel proud of their country, there would naturally be less people who dodge national service.
Now it boils down to feeling Singaporean pride, but what can Singaporeans be proud of? Living in a tropical country? Speaking Singlish? No, those are part of Singaporeans culture. In fact, most people only feel the pride when Singapore has something that is better than other countries. However, no one actually feels proud when Singapore has the best airport and airlines, the top university in Asia, the highest standards of living in Asia, etc. This may be because people do not really value these things but value feats that normal people are not able to perform. For example, winning prizes at international competitions or designing a new technological device that is far better than the existing ones. In a small island of 4.5 million people, there is not enough competition for the country to pick out the talented among the talented. Therefore, it is rather difficult to create a sense of nationalism.
How about reducing the amount of time in national service? Currently, Singapore has the longest conscription period and it takes 2 years for a typical young Singaporean to complete his national service. Furthermore, students are unable to enter university immediately after national service and that takes up more time. Why should Singapore have such a long conscription period if it does not plan to invade other countries? Moreover, how long would it take for another country to wipe out the whole of Singapore with modern technology? Therefore, it would be wise to shorten the period of conscription. 1.5 years would be wise as students would be able to go to university one year earlier.
In conclusion, national service has to be amended to appease Singaporeans more so that less people dodge it.
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