BRAIN DRAIN FROM SINGAPORE

Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of any brain drain from the Republic as a result of persons going abroad for further education or specialised training and failing to return to Singapore on completion of their courses; and if he will consider taking steps to minimise this brain drain.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the problem of a brain drain from the Republic has not been seriously studied because it is not regarded as a serious one at present, particularly in regard to scientists and technologists going to other countries.

Persons going abroad for further education or specialised training are either government scholars or private students. For government scholars in respect of whom proper records are maintained, the percentage who have failed to return to Singapore in the past on completion of a course is insignificant. For private students, no specific records are maintained. But the number who choose not to return has not been noticeable. This is perhaps because the number is small.

Appropriate measures will be taken to minimise the brain drain from the Republic should the problem become serious.