We disagree with the statement that Singaporeans who migrate are disloyal. It is extremely unfair to label all emigrants like this, as many have understandable or personal reasons why they choose to migrate. Whether or not they are being “disloyal” by migrating largely depends on the circumstances with which they are presented, and so it is wrong to say that emigrants in general are disloyal. Another thing to note is that those who migrate also have ample opportunity to contribute to the country in the future, despite moving overseas - calling them “disloyal” would be nothing short of absurd.

To make a fair judgment it is necessary to evaluate the reasons why these emigrants may have moved overseas. For all of Singapore’s strengths, it is not a perfect country - such a country exists nowhere in the world. Despite heavily-subsidized education, law and order and a stable political situation, some factors exist which may put off many Singaporeans. The pace of life is incredibly fast compared to many other countries - many people both young and old often find themselves loaded with work without a break in sight. This stress can be found in almost all facets of society - working adults find themselves struggling to keep up while children and youth work in what many consider to be a brutal education system. Considering this, it is quite understandable that some would prefer to migrate to a place with a more relaxed environment - if perhaps one which is less economically-rewarding. Another obvious argument for emigration could be the lack of personal freedoms compared to other countries. While many feel that what we give up in this department is a worthy sacrifice for the security and order we enjoy, others who prefer a more libertarian lifestyle may understandably fail to find the environment to their liking, and seek life in a more liberal country. These are just several of the reasons why some Singaporeans would prefer to live overseas - and even then, we must remember that despite preferring life elsewhere, many of these emigrants still feel loyal to Singapore, and would gladly contribute to society if able - they therefore cannot all be considered disloyal simply for deciding that they prefer life elsewhere.

In many cases, Singaporeans who move overseas retain their national pride and sense of responsibility to their country. While they may work and live overseas, many continue to read up on local developments and, if need be, would gladly travel back to Singapore to contribute when the country needs them most - a striking example of this can be seen in many Singaporeans who, despite in some cases planning to live permanently overseas, feel duty-bound to return to the country and serve their National Service term, so that they can protect Singapore if disaster strikes. Calling these Singaporeans “disloyal” would be blatantly wrong. They likely had reasons why they decided to migrate, and are certainly not forsaking their country just by doing so.

In some cases, however, it can understandably be said that some emigrants truly are disloyal. Those who acknowledge what the government has done for them and that they have benefited, yet would gladly “jump ship” the moment the situation begins to deteriorate here are perhaps the best example - completely abandoning one’s country even after realizing that they have benefited a lot can be seen as an incredibly selfish, ungrateful act. Even today, many students who receive scholarships from the government (using the money of the people) choose to migrate and never look back the moment they are able to, without ever intending to contribute in any way to society - these people are an example of emigrants who may fairly be viewed as being “disloyal”, taking advantage of the country’s perks then leaving without a trace and without giving anything at all in return. However, these people consist of a very small minority of emigrants, and it is certainly not correct to accuse all emigrants of being unfaithful just because of this minority.

In conclusion, it is wrong to lump all emigrants under the same umbrella by claiming that those who migrate are disloyal. Before this judgment can be passed it is imperative that we evaluate both their reasons for leaving and their actual attitude and intent - rather than taking the easy, ignorant way out and assuming that they are moving overseas out of disloyalty and selfishness.