Does this writer know the first thing about journalism, such as research. As someone said earlier she is clueless, and her stupidity does nothing to support her argument. For a start any cent paid in salary or benefits, (schooling, housing, etc) is taxed and therefore the expat does pay their way. As for CPF, sure I'll contribute if I can also get the benefits. By the way I have a daughter, two dogs and only 1 helper and I can't remember her getting up at 5am ever. Though I have seen my Singaporean neighbours' helpers out there at that time cleaning the car. I wonder the Singapore govt would be happy for all the expats to leave, (which would mean the foreign companies)? Or the landlords? Or the bars? Or the shops? Or the international schools? I wonder if the EDB agrees with your dribble?

You are clueless dear girl of the realities of life you are STILL hoping to experience. Mad at the fact that as an expat yourself, you couldn't have what the other expats have. You're hiding in the pretense that you are concerned for the companies whose resources are being taxed? Didn't you write that expats should pay this and thats? Why the change of heart? I'm sure you're smart to know that lack of resources is one thing, however, hypocrisy IS something else so stay your ground and "don't dance." You've managed to gain popularity points...I hope you're happy now.

In truth, each individual whether resident or in transit is a force to reckon with, a potential Ambassador: indeed much riches can to be gained out of respecting, greeting, welcoming, and getting them to contribute, whatever their origin. So Tabitha, in light with the overwhelming responses to your article in support with better cross-cultural awareness, why not convince your editor to start a TODAY International Corner highliting events and actions that , daily, bring together ‘foreigners’ and locals with the goal of ‘bettering’ Singapore and Asia, its people, its environment and this planet. So many are dying to just ‘make a difference’ while in Singapore and in this world!

Why don’t you write about the people who truly make sacrifices and suffer hardship e.g. the maids and the construction workers? Why don’t you write about Singaporeans who lose their jobs to non-Singaporeans who are willing to work for less, and who cannot afford to live on such salaries? These are the people who truly lose out!

Tabitha, Tabitha, Tabitha .....First you chide the companies for offering the "hardship" package to the expats; then you say it is the fault of the expats for demanding such a package. And you go on to say that Asians too experience feelings of homesickness when working away from home. Have you not read the comments? Asians too get showered with fat perks when posted abroad, even when posted to “attractive destinations”. Whether someone gets certain privileges or salary depends on many factors e.g. company policy, contract details, negotiations, how highly the company values the individual’s skills, etc. Do you begrudge Singaporeans who earn / negotiate and get high salaries? Then why the expats? Do you not know expats can also be under local contract, and increasingly many are so? Companies really don’t need your sage advice. Trust me, they are capable of doing their homework and of trying to get more for less.

Indeed, the majority of the people of any country much like most Singapore inhabitants ARE hard working, socially driven and community loving people. They do not strive isolated. Whether they reside a day, a week, a month or fifty years in one place, their foremost wish is to feel part of the community they are given to live in. They just want to get together with their neighbours, and the people they meet daily. They take great pride in learning their language (s), they visit their museums and temples, and read books to understand and practice their customs and respect their traditions. They fall head over in love with their local gastronomy, enjoy daily their corner-hawkers-fare, and buy their local food at the local markets, and honing their networking skills they grab any opportunities to participate in activities for the betterment of the country, the city, or the street where they live. (to be continued)

A reply to Tabitha's Reply: Firstly, as you said, you're an expat yourself. So based on how you described what "you think" expats HAVE gives me the impression you're sour graping for something you don't. Secondly, on the "expat packages" you said that some still demand---well, isn't that the decision of the company to give or not to give? I'm sure they have candidates to choose from & whom they think is worth giving the demand to so don't stress yourself. Thirdly, some put their kids in International Schools (despite paying high $$$ FROM THEIR POCKETS) NOT because it's posh but rather the 'simple fact' that you've obviously omitted. Some expats don't plan to age & die here so they are giving their children a chance to make the return home easier by putting them in a similar if not the same educational ambiance. On a last note, had you written it the way you explained it in your reply, it wouldn't have irked your global readers. Just a tip: Before you tell a story, read the book.

I am quite surprised by this article as from the majority of the Expats that I know most of them are on local packages & those that are not like myself are on exactly the same package that we had while we were working in our respective countries. Tabitha is talking about a very small minority or Expats that live in Singapore & enjoy this so called "HardShip" lifestyle. When I moved here to singapore my cost of living doubled compared to what it was back in Europe & I have lost a lot in my lifestyle due to the extremely high cost of living here in Singapore. The only reason that I came was for the adventure of a new culture to experience & new people to meet which I have done & from the majority of other Expats that I have talked to this is exactly the same reason most of them are here but i am starting to think that I have made an error moving to Singapore due to the attitude of some locals as they all seem to think that all Expats are wealthy & try to take advantage which is incorrect

I have been quite disgusted with what I have seen with some expats (including an expat mother who decided to ram her buggy into a local because she was in a hurry to pay). Is this acceptable? NO. However, this is down to the individual person not the country they come from. I'm sure there are some locals who are just as rude as this lady but as an expat I was ashamed to be associated by the likes of her. This was one of the big reasons we did not want to go and live in an expat area/condo but live in an area with the locals. When in Rome. Why was I sent here? To help train the locals in my industry and set up a new office (of which 70% are locals). The benefit of course is providing a skill set that would never otherwise be received by fellow locals. So Tabitha, your sweeping statements about expats/packages etc are so WRONG, it is comical. Perhaps as a jounalist, you should conduct better research and provide an impartial view of what is happening and not this baseless one.

As for the "posh" international schools, well firstly there's nothing posh about these schools. They are are significantly more expensive than we would ever pay in the UK (most schooling is free in the UK) but certainly not posh. We are there because it is difficult to go to a local school. Secondly, I want my children to be independent thinkers. Not a person who is taught simply how to pass exams. Many locals who work at my firm agree that they are taught akin to a route on a map. Do not pass go/do not collect $200 on the way around. Simply this is the answer and this is how you get to it. The international schools allow for this departure and nurture more freedom of thought. Does this make them better? No. It makes them different and in a way we would prefer. This comes down to choice not because we are expats. I agree that there are some obnoxious expats who look down on people because of their new found lifestyle. PART 3 to be continued.