American Association of Singapore
...serving the community since 1917
American Association of Singapore10 Claymore Hill |
What’s in a Title?What’s in a Title?
By Heidi Bakker Kingman Upon moving to Singapore, I quickly weeded through the new titles and terms that were being applied to me and those like me. I immediately eliminated “dependent” the moment I was presented with this dreaded option on a customs form. (I checked the box for something else… anything else!) Outside of a tax deduction indicator for the IRS, I find little redeeming value in using that word to describe anyone other than a child.
But for other of my expatriate compatriots, this concept of Trailing Spouse did not suffice, bringing to their minds an obedient puppy or a seeping vapor cloud strong enough to empty a room; needless to say, not appealing. In my few months of brooding (please read: brainstorming) I mingled with the expat community, observing and participating. We were living the dream, experiencing a lifestyle we once could only imagine: spending more time with kids, travelling, practicing philanthropy and exploring our creativity. I met closet artists, writers, painters, chefs, entrepreneurs… so much discovered and re-discovered talent! Wait. What was that last thought? Re-discovered talent? Of course… talent. And then it hit me: TRAILING TALENT! I tried it on and it fit like a glove. I waved it like a banner over my head and celebrated the sound of it. I even suggested it for the name of a softball team. TRAILING TALENT, a truly meaningful and accurate description of who we are. Whether we agreed to follow our spouses gladly or got dragged along, gave up careers or a settled life, we never gave up our talent! Upon joining CRCE, I thought what better place to espouse this concept and share the Trailing Talent love? My new role is focused upon Singapore Employers, to increase the number of options available to those of you seeking employment and to raise awareness within Singapore of this alternative source of talent they often ignore. I’ve spent over 15 years working in the Human Resources arena and the subject that always arises is the impending talent shortage of 2010. Well, we are months away, and the shortage is already here. Even in a downturn, Singapore is talking about the talent shortage, MOM labor reports confirm it and even Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew implied in his National Day Speech 2009 that foreign talent is especially strategic to the Singaporean economy. The time for ignoring good talent is over.
If you are an employer in Singapore I challenge you to consider creatively with me this concept of Trailing Talent. CRCE is a unique pool of hundreds of highly skilled, internationally trained individuals from over 40 nations. In light of the economy we are now offering you the opportunity to post your vacant positions and search our database of talent at no cost. If you are a spouse or partner looking for employment, I ask you: What’s in a title? A lot it seems if you choose the appropriate one - and for me Trailing Talent is the one. It is what you will hear me talk about in future issues and it is what Singapore employers will hear as I tell them about the amazing candidates we have within CRCE! Trailing Talent. Try it on, take it as your title if you wish, start a softball team, start a rock and roll band, but help me spread the message throughout Singapore - we are talented, energetic and dedicated to contributing to the Singapore economy and community.
We are Trailing Talent! |
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