23 May - In Singapore's well-educated and tight labour market, you would expect that a fresh graduate would love the opportunity to be mentored by 37 year old Mr. Da Lao Ban, who runs a Tan Ah Kow Workshop, a family business that does something to do with wood and stuff in Tuas, and has worked for his father's business all his life after graduating from a straight track Southern Pacific University degree course after his N Levels.
Mr Da Lao Ban, however, says that is not the case. Shaking his head, he says, "Nowadays, strawberry generation Gen Y workers are not as hungry for success and willing to learn from experts in the industry as me. They want to sit in a comfortable office like I do, and don't want to work in a workshop for a pittance."
"We obviously want to recruit straight A students due to our reputation. Even though we have a worldwide, international diverse staff of 4, which means we are a MNC, a fresh graduate would rather join the government and ask for $3,000 a month when a foreigner and people 10 years ago would ask for $1,200 a month for a senior position! How to pay for my Mercedes E-Class installments like that?!"
Mr. Da Lao Ban adds that promotion prospects have never been better and that youngsters need to be more ambitious. "Last time, you worked all your life in the same position. Now, we promote you to the position of Regional Director (covering the Western region of Singapore) if your performance is good. Of course, we also raise your pay by $50 a month. That is very good already. But of course, when my 16 year old son graduates, he will be your boss."
Mr Da Lao Ban adds that the challenges include foreign labour being tightened, meaning that Miguel from his staff will have to retire in the Philippines in his mansion and he will need to be replaced. Mr Da Lao Ban says that if he shuts down, the economy will feel the effects.
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