I graduated some 25 years ago from NUS with FCH. Needless to say I expected great things when I graduated, yet I only reached management when I was 40. I was continuously surpass by a 3rd class or lower, sometimes from a university that few know of. It’s tough to swallow but I’ve only reached management after I’ve come to terms with the following
1) Degree, schools and results does not matter.
2) You don’t need to be the solution, you just need to look like one.
3) Promotion isn’t based on meritocracy, your capability does not matter.
4) Management loves Theatrics, learn to present.
5) Your hard work will only be rewarded with more work.
6) Obedience is valued over facts.
7) Hardest part of the job is politics, if you’re in the company, you’re in the game.
These advise were given by my uncle who despite never finishing secondary runs a sizable firm in Singapore. In the last 10 years, my Career shot up in an upward trajectory without any strong headwind. Today, I sit in two Boards as director, simply because I’ve followed his advise.
This isn’t a complain about the vile reality or to boast my achievement. Rather, It’s to warn my fellow Singaporean, that your competitors, the foreigners embrace each and every part of these advise which is why they are winning.
Some of you may feel that if everyone is playing by these advise wouldn’t it ruin Singapore eventually? To that I say to you, the rot has already set in.