News: Closer to Home, The Overseas Singaporean Unit in London

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

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Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng has launched a new Overseas Singaporean Unit in London. It aims to keep the large Singaporean community abreast of developments back home, as well as help them make the most of their time away. The Overseas Singaporean Unit was set up by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Its launch saw around 250 students based in London gather to hear directly from the Deputy Prime Minister. Said Mr Wong, "You don't have to all work in Singapore. I can say that because we are a very small place. We would like you to go overseas too, maybe not just to America and Britain but in Asia itself; there are lots of opportunities where you can work.".

The OSU has three main focuses - providing information and services to Singaporeans overseas, helping the diaspora gain employment either at home or away, and creating new networks to keep the overseas communities in touch with each other and with events in Singapore.

The DPM said while Singaporeans were ambassadors for the nation overseas he hoped many would return home to share their skills and knowledge. Mr Wong said, "Singaporeans can be useful for themselves as well as for the country when they have the experience. They can be useful serving Singapore, not just in Singapore but also overseas. But at the same time, if they stay connected with us, come home one day, then they can also contribute to Singapore's economy."

The OSU in London is aimed at ensuring they can stay in touch and remain valuable members of the country - wherever they may be.