Progress Singapore Party (PSP) member Jeffrey Khoo shared a conversation that he had with a Grab driver, who lamented the lack of job opportunities for him.
He said that he was a former NUSS member to had to sell off his membership after falling on hard times, and that he his business venture failed years ago and he then found it hard to get a job.
Here is what he said
A SAD RIDE
On Tuesday, I took a GRAB ride to NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House from Shenton Way to attend a meeting.
I started to chat with the driver and was surprised and saddened when he told me that he was a former NUSS member, a graduate that has fallen on hard times. He had to sell off his membership some time back.
Apparently, he was a Commercial Director at a large MNC and left his job to start his own venture. After about 3-4 years, things did not work out and he found great difficulties securing a job. For the past few years he has been driving GRAB and now at 48, he feels all hope is lost to find full time employment.
I asked if he took up some training to upgrade his skills, which is the common suggestion, to better his chances.
Here is his problem: with children to feed and bills to pay, he has no choice but to drive as much as possible to increase income. Basically no time to attend courses. He further mentioned that he needs a job now and not “higher potential for a job” by acquiring more training.
One of his comments resonated with me. At his age and seniority, he would be more suitable for a people management role. Taking up new skill sets may be undoubtedly beneficial, but it also means starting from a lower level in most cases. What infuriates him most is the number of managerial roles given to foreigners and not Singaporeans.
Throughout the long conversation, this gentleman was not aware of my political affiliation or involvement. He was just pouring out his frustrations to a fellow Singaporean.
Before I disembarked, I encouraged him that there will be change at some point in the future and we must not to give up hope. Incidentally, “Hope” in the Malay language is “Harapan”.
