I’m worried for the future of my race. You know, when most of us accumulate in one place and hurts diversity.
Last time, it was the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and at that point of time seemed like the education avenue where majority of Malays went to.
And then it was the Singapore Football team, and because most players are Malays, this gave the majority race the upper hand to further reinforce existing stereotypes e.g. education

Of course along the way there were some more. But of course, the social standing of Malays in Singapore have improved alot over the years. I believe Malays study better, work better, are smarter and better positioned as compared to the older days. I am Malay, and I graduated from NUS in 2009 with a Bachelor in Computer Engineering. Many might think that there are only a small number of Malays in the Singapore universities, but I was quite surprised that this isn’t the case! I mean if you take into consideration the ethnic ratio in Singapore, there’re actually an exceeding number of Malays in the universities. Meritocracy in progress.

During my time, there were more than 10 Malay undergraduates in the faculty of ECE for the graduating batch of 2009. Now if you look over to the Science faculty, there are more. Now over to Arts faculty, an even greater number. Off to Business, there are a few. Now if you go over to NTU/SMU and repeat a similar count, you’ll find that the numbers are impressive and will definitely improve over the coming years. Keep into consideration the many students whom decide to pursue overseas education or private degrees, sometimes because of fortunate/unfortunate circumstances.

But where does my worry come? When the new Malay graduates go out into the working world. Why? Well, your education is only part of the equation of how someone judges your race as a whole. Your job matters as well. In fact, it’s the most important part of the equation. There are good jobs out there, good jobs that pay a good amount. By good, I mean jobs in the private industry.

What worries me exactly is when it seems to me that the educated Malays are “ponding” in one area, particularly the Ministry of Education (MOE). It’s a waste of talent, and definitely a missed opportunity to do justice for your race. It is simply another opportunity for the majority race to build on existing stereotypes. I do not like it when people stereotype the Malay race. Because I know and I have seen the value that we can offer to companies and corporations. Indeed, we have got what it takes to do better and get to a better place than we are now, and I believe we have the capacity and determination to do so.

So do not settle for less, do not settle for comfort, do not settle for that iron rice bowl, do not settle for complacency. Take risks, of course calculate them, aim high, diversify, push further and always want a better life for yourself or your family.

I’ve seen MANY Malay ex-JCmates or friends whom upon graduation, settle for an MOE job…to become a teacher. Passion you say? Believe me, when you listen to all their complaints and plans to resign after their bond ends, you wonder why they signed up in the first place. Some tell me 2009 was a tough year and they couldn’t get any job offers. Some wanted the high starting pay of $3,200 (for basic degree) and the huge bond completion bonus. Some just didn’t know what else to do.

But more importantly, aren’t there better private jobs out there that pay better? Why settle for less? Why volunteer yourself to work under a hierarchical system that would probably take you maybe 15 years before you are called a senior teacher? Why sign up for a job which binds you for say 5 years, and thereafter ruins you of the chance to do something else? What if you found out teaching wasn’t your thing? What are you going to do AFTER the bond ends 5 years later?

Please, diversify. You guys are Malay degree holders man, that alone is valuable. In fact, it puts you at an economically greater advantage. Look, Singapore is surrounded by Malaysia and Indonesia. No problems there definitely. China and its influences you say? Well then, learn Mandarin!

The people I know, they are hardworking, have a good personality and definitely could do well in the private sector. But why they decide to “pond” in MOE, remains a mystery to me. I think that such “ponding” attitude will only serve to reinforce the existing stereotypes that the majority race have on us.