It is rather disturbing to watch the current relentless television commercial put out by the Singapore Government to entice Hong Kongers to emigrate to the city-state. While I understand Singapore's attempt to attract talent to settle there because of its own present high rate of emigration, especially of Chinese-Singaporean professionals, I am against the republic's projection of itself in the commercial as a 'Chinese' city. The commercial shows everything 'Chinese' - ranging from Chinese faces, a Chinese temple, Chinese dance, Chinese opera and even Chinese tai chi. Visitors to the Lion City will notice there are many non-Chinese-Singaporeans as well. In this context, the commercial certainly does not portray an accurate impression of Singapore. By targeting Chinese Hong Kongers to emigrate and settle in Singapore, the Singaporean government risks incurring the wrath of their own non-Chinese citizens. It will also generate antagonism and hatred between the local non-ethnic Chinese and the new Chinese immigrants. Even Chinese-Singaporeans will feel played out by their own government when overseas Chinese settlers gain permanent residence and citizenship with ease, without the need for compulsory national (army) service and contributions to nation-building. For Hong Kong, the loss of talent to Singapore would seriously hamper our efforts to remain economically above that major competitor. I hope the Hong Kong SAR or the Chinese government takes steps to remedy this threat even though, ironically, our emigration rate at present is low, compared to Singapore's. Our government should also be putting out commercials on Singapore television showing what a wonderful place the new post-British Hong Kong is to work and live. This will surely draw tens of thousands of Singaporean Hong Kongers back to their motherland. If both Hong Kong and Singapore believe in fair play and open markets, which they have always preached, then that's the way to go. NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
