A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary

A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary

Probably the only taxi driver in this world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments, I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career, and unable to find another one, for reasons I can only describe as something "uniquely Singapore". As a result, I am driving taxi to make a living and writing these real life stories just to make the dull job a little more interesting. I hope that these stories are interesting to you too.

Monday, April 6, 2009
Preface
Preface

Since the takeover of leadership by some western “big shots” a few years ago, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) of ASTAR, Singapore, a place I have worked for 16 years as a PI (principal investigator), a place that was once flourishing, promising, and pleasant to work in, has been in a mess. Bestowed with the kind of power they had never seen before, these once reputable scientists turned everything in the institute upside down. The previous democratic and consensus-oriented management system that had worked well for more than a decade in the past was thrown out of window and replaced by one that was marked by domineering, manipulation, and incompetence. What they lacked in experience of management, adequate understanding of the institute, and proper respect for fellow scientists as their colleagues, they made up for in arrogance, prejudice, and naked muscle of political power. Some PIs were sent packing, and some were promoted, all up to the new leadership’s manipulative and twisted standards. Despite my considerable contribution to building up this place into what it is today, I was among the first few PIs to be told to go. My employment contract with IMCB was terminated by May, 2008, without any forms of compensation given.

I was hence forced into a deeply difficult position. Becoming jobless at my age is perhaps the worst nightmare that can happen to any ordinary man, not to mention the loss of life-long career. Ever since I was informed of their decision sometime in 2007, when the economy was still booming, I had been trying hard to find a job. I had submitted countless CV and application letters to various places in Singapore including universities, government agencies, and private companies. Most of them, however, never responded. A couple of replies I did receive never materialized into anything positive. Later, the outburst of financial crisis world wide helped extinguish my last hope of finding a job anytime soon. By November 2008, I finally made a decision to become a taxi driver.

At the time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people. I signed up for a training course run by a government-linked transport company in November, with a course fee of nearly $280. On paper, the Express Taxi Driver’s Vocational License Course, or TDVL, is supposed to run six days a week, five hours a day. But in reality, the daily course never lasted longer than 3 hours. The whole purpose of the course was to help you pass the test and get the license. It was divided into five sections, Rules and regulations, Routes and landmarks, Names and locations of buildings, Defensive driving, and General paper, which included subjects such as highway codes, vehicle maintenance, healthy living, etc. The instructors were either veteran taxi drivers or representatives from government agencies such as Land Transport Authority (LTA).

My class started on 1st of December, 2008, which consisted of more than 30 people. There were three classes running at the same time and all were about this size. The course was very easy. Every day, the instructors told us what to highlight on the manual and asked us to memorize them because these were the materials that were going to be tested. As long as you did that, it was impossible to fail the test. Even if you fail, you still have one year to take an unrestricted number of retest. With such ease, no wonder there are nearly 100,000 people possessing taxi driver’s license today in Singapore, almost 3 for every 100 Singapore citizens, children and infants included.

By the end of February this year, I finally received my taxi driver’s license, and thus began my new taxi driver’s career. This blog records some of the events that I have experienced as a taxi driver. They are all actual events and are presented as truthfully as possible. Special precautions have been taken to avoid revealing any specific information which may help in any way the identification of the persons described in these events. The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with the first hand accounts of my experience of converting from a veteran scientist to a rookie taxi driver in today’s Singapore. The views and encounters described in this blog may be insignificant, isolated, or biased. Nevertheless, I am sure some readers will find this blog interesting and helpful in widening their general perspectives on Singapore.

Finally, I want to thank my family for their trust and support, and for always being at my side to endure with me the trauma, the distress and the anxiety caused by my job loss. I also want to thank all of my customers, especially the ones who have shown their grace, kindness, and understanding to me when I made mistakes during my work. They are the important factor to encourage me to carry on.
Posted by Mingjie Cai at 1:58 PM
87 comments:

sh said...

Hi Mingjie,

My name is Say Heng and I am a journalist with The New Paper.

I chanced upon your blog by chance and have been fascinated about your encounters as a cabby here.

I would like to meet up with you to find out more about your stories.

I am contactable at sayheng@sph.com.sg or 63194079, and am looking forward to hearing from you!
August 13, 2009 6:04 PM
audrey said...

With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!

besides which, another option is tuition. Im sure many parents will pay big bucks for someone with a phd from stanford to teach their children. Subjects like general science, biology and chemistry are popularly in demand, and im sure that you are more than qualified to teach!

The average full time private tutor can easily make anything from 2-4k a month, and the demand for tuition is almost inelastic ;) something for you to consider perhaps? =)

nonetheless having read your entire blog from the most recent entry to this one, i suspect that you've learnt more from your stint about life than you may have ever did in your office perhaps? Far be it for me to moralize but im very glad that you have chosen to share these experiences of yours =)
August 14, 2009 12:33 AM
Melissa said...

Hello! I found your blog very interesting! I would like to sit in your taxi and hear your stories from yourself one day. Is this OK? How can I make a booking if so? Thank you very much! =D
August 14, 2009 4:51 PM
jx said...

I do have a need for cabs now and then and i rather sit your cab rather that of other taxi drivers. do leave a number so i can call you if im in need of one.

btw, stanford is my dream school. i hope to be able to read there one day. (:
August 14, 2009 10:46 PM
testtube said...

Many of us are very curious to know the 'unique' reasons for which your other job applications were ignored/rejected. Could you enlighten us?
August 15, 2009 1:12 AM
filmografik said...

I enjoy following your blog. Perhaps one day I might end up in your cab too.

All the best, and may you and your family be blessed always.
August 15, 2009 12:03 PM
Joseph said...

Old man, take care.

never forget to look after your own body.

it can be the most valuable asset or the worst liability for anyone.
August 15, 2009 12:33 PM
Qwerty said...

I suppose your decision to become a cab driver is by and large an act of protest against your former employer.

But if you're really in need of a better job, or when you realize that nobody in ASTAR would give a shit about a former employee, go to http://www.stanfordalumni.org and register for an account. Then click on the "Career Services" link and follow through.

It's completely free of charge and comes with a lifelong Stanford Alumni e-mail address, which may come in handy when you e-mail people about job opportunities.

Don't write off the worth of your Stanford degree so quickly, membership has its privileges.
August 15, 2009 1:32 PM
Attemptressinme said...

Hello,

EDMW Supports you!
August 15, 2009 3:09 PM
|SiLeNcE| said...

Hi Dr Cai,

I am one of your fellow ex-imcbean too.. how I miss the good old days when IMCB is still at medical drive... Sad to see that it's no longer the same anymore(I am glad I left).. Well life still goes on..... I think you should continue to try your luck in the scientific field... Dont give up(unless you are tired of science)..
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
RupertGee said...

I just want to thank you for your heart warming blog.

Also you should consider hosting the blog yourself, so you can put up Google Adsense advertisements. Your blog can then be an additional source of income for you.

Cheers!
August 15, 2009 4:11 PM
loren said...

sir, please hang in there. i have enjoyed your blog, and i see the hardships that you go through, through your words.

i sincerely hope you are now on the way to a better job, one that you're more familiar with. i pray that you don't waste your knowledge and talent, mainly because singapore has need of it.
August 15, 2009 4:44 PM
Albert said...

Sir, I enjoy reading your blog and I appreciate the frank and sincere manner which you log your life as a taxi driver.

I'm sure more Singaporeans can benefit more from your talents if you could consider a career in teaching, rather than to put aside your knowledge and drive a cab.

Look forward to more of your blog posts, and hopefully, you would consider going back to the world of academics, where your contributions will be huge.
August 15, 2009 6:20 PM
Jia Min said...

Dear Sir,

Don't give up! (: It's awesome how you're still living life to the fullest with ur postive attitude, even if it means working as sth a far cry from ur previous profession! Either way, JIAYOU! :D

And yeppp I think the other comments made by ur blog readers are rly rly good! (: Like TEACHING/TUITION is rly a viable option! You could teach the sciences so you could still use ur expertise from Stanford (whoa) and A*STAR to good use, since its what you are passionate about, anyway. (((:

All the best! I hope to be ur customer someday! (:

-jiamin! (from yishun HAHA)
August 15, 2009 9:17 PM
lee said...

Dear Dr Cai, hang in there. I hope you will find a job soon or do whatever makes you (and your family) happier. And thank you so much for keeping this blog - I read everything so far and it has been interesting, entertaining and enlightening. -lee
August 15, 2009 9:20 PM
Lyn said...

Hi I enjoyed reading your blog...

God Bless you and your family!
August 15, 2009 11:09 PM
Recruit Ong said...

Hi prof, i hope you don't grant any interview to The New Paper. It is a tabloid and will simply sensationalise and distort whatever story they may hope to get from you. If it is the Straits Times errr.... well.... they will still spin but maybe can see how, of course if it is foreign press than just go ahead!
August 16, 2009 12:12 AM
Yustynn said...

Dear sir

I just wanted to thank you for blogging. I've just finished reading all your posts, and they have opened my eyes to a lot of things I never thought about before. I am sure a lot of people chancing upon this blog feel the same. It is so unique that, even as a taxi driver, you are stepping above your peers (not to say that taxi-driving is anything but "noble") to write this blog. The insights and lessons I've learnt are profound. I hope you pull through with finding a new job - much as I have gained by reading your blog, it surely is not worth it for the hardships you have to endure. I guess I'm trying to say this - you are making an impact on people's lives, and though I am sure you know that, I feel the need to confirm it. Thank you very much.
August 16, 2009 1:17 AM
eng60340 said...

heh.
with the press coverage. you will get a new job soon.
August 16, 2009 1:32 AM
Rayning said...

Hi Dr Cai,

I am impressed by your blog and the down-to-earth, real life perspective you present. Not to mention I do feel angry about hearing that you were 'remove' from your post so to speak, in the Defense Science field. I am very appalled that public servants are rendered such treatments as well and how unprofessional this is in HR perspective.

I'm also in awe of your fighting spirit to perserve in such challenging circumstances. Jiayou!
August 16, 2009 2:08 AM
The Master said...

Hello Mr Taxi Driver,

I think this blog one of the very few that ive read from front to back at one go... The observations and insights into people, their behaviour, very interesting to actually know how a taxi driver thinks. How many taxi drivers will be able to communicate their thoughts so fluently and effectively? Plus i think your academic background helps you to see and understand things that other laymen might otherwise miss, very nice combination, scholarly taxi driver.

Your ability to speak Chinese well also plays a big part in extracting untold stories from people we otherwise would not talk to.

I think you are pretty cool, and when i get back to Singapore, i will be really lucky to spend a few minutes with you to gain some of your insight and wisdom on society and people.

I wish you all the best, and hope you actually read the comments posted on your blog, some seem really helpful.

Good luck and God bless
August 16, 2009 3:18 AM
ILMA said...

Dr. Cai,
Why don't you consider becoming a teacher at one of the schools in Singapore? Need not be one of the Universities, but surely you could be a teacher in the secondary schools or junior colleges?
August 16, 2009 4:43 AM
Clarisse Teagen said...

Hello there.
I love your blog.
I hardly ever get to read of anyone who would post something such as this. Write a book. Malaysian Cab drivers have done it. I've seen it.

It's not as good as your blog. . . .
Keep up the good work. I shall be linking you to my blog. and Do take care.
August 16, 2009 10:57 AM
Jean said...

Dr, I'm not thanking you. Not at all. You put at risk my life long theory about the evil conspiracy of taxi drivers. However, I'm willing to let it pass for this once.
August 16, 2009 3:29 PM
fraunsay said...

Having a doctorate does not mean a job must be given to you.

it depends on the economy. if its bad, who needs to hire will hire if not they wont hire any.

but i do feel sorry for you - like all without phd's and out of job, i hope you land a job similar to your doctorate job.

But some may say, you already got a job - as taxi driver thanks to the transport company's program that helps people like you.

some may even say, be content, you already have a job now. think about those who have none.

hey officially, at least, now you are not part of the unemployment statistic.
August 16, 2009 5:12 PM
Michael said...

Hi,

I had been reading this blog from it's newest entry to now.

Many suggestions from others, but I know few will have the courage when the time comes, like you do.

I agree with you is that moving from a nice office to a so-called lowly job can be tough, but the lessons society or those less fortunate around you, teaches you much much more.

I, unlike you, chose to throw away everything I had built up, work in a foreign land, and till day, I am NOT disappointed at the lessons I had learned.

Have faith, old man! Regardless of age, it's the spirit that matters.

Salute, from a fellow friend...
August 16, 2009 6:19 PM
David Balasundaram said...

Dear Mingjie,
You recall we were former colleagues at IMCB, fellow yeast researchers and neighbors at harborview towers. Sorry to hear of your plight and the situation there. In a way, I am glad that left when I did. I have reinvented myself too and don't regret it now. Scientists have that amazing talent to metamorph into something new. What you did is daring. I am sure other productive ideas will flow. I admire Singapore a lot. However,Its a shame that SIngapore cannot make better use of its human resources.
All the best and good luck
David Balasundaram
August 16, 2009 7:44 PM
Michele said...

Hello,
Interesting stories you have on your blog. My name is Michele and I am a contributor to www.commonpeople.sg. Would you be interested in a video interview? You can email me at micadz@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care!
August 17, 2009 1:12 AM
Temasek said...

Hi Mingjie,

The Temasek Review is looking for freelance writers.

We pay an attractive rate of between $20 and $40 per article.

Please email us at temasekreview@gmail.com if you are interested in our offer.
August 17, 2009 8:25 AM
News Update said...

Hey!

Are you still interested in Research jobs?

You should try European/US Universities.

They are looking for researchers and can provide funding....

Don't give up and continue to pursue your dreams...

If you find taxi driver job is not satisfying...
August 17, 2009 3:45 PM
snake86 said...

Sir,

this is one of the few blogs around that really struck me. i do wish and hope you will get a job befitting of what you have archived. If there is a chance you do west side booking do leave a number, i am sure your ride would be alot more interesting then other ones.
August 17, 2009 8:32 PM
xantho_cn said...

向来自中国的同胞致敬
相信你在这段人生的低潮中，会有超乎想象的收获
他日东山再起，必将一鸣惊人

——只是希望你不必再浅水中游弋太久。失去一飞冲天的能力就可惜了。

p.s. 非常喜欢你引用和翻译的那首古诗。更难得的是这份心境。
August 17, 2009 11:59 PM
swissfin said...

Congratulation to doing what needed to be done! I've had to lower my standard of living at one time. It is hard at first but then becomes a challenge to be mastered.

I've talked to one particular taxi driver who seemed puzzled at his colleagues' lamenting. When asked why he has a different approach to the crisis he mentioned that to him there was almost no decline in passenger numbers. Obviously he knows the people's travelling pattern and honks once in a while to alert a potential client.

All the best!
Dominik
August 18, 2009 3:49 AM
野茶客 said...

I fully understand what you have gone through as I have been through the almost identical situation in one of A*STAR's sister RIs. From your blog, felt like I have known you for ages and with your positive attitude adapting to changes, I am sure a better tomorrow will not be far from you. Hang in there and good luck.
August 18, 2009 4:20 AM
yeyyangguo said...

Hi Ming Jie,

Can we meet up? I'm Eng Yew, advisor to Scholars' Village (www.scholarsvillage.com) - a talent development centre. We can work something out together for your career. Please drop me an email at enquiries@scholarsvillage.com

Thank you.
August 18, 2009 10:50 AM
Brian said...

Dr. Cai,

Thank you for posting these interesting tidbits from your new life. I'm happy to see that it provides you moments of pleasure despite the obvious difficulty of your job.

I hope that some day soon you might reveal a little about what transpired in IMCB, and why you think it's no longer the scientific establishment it used to be. It's a little worrying hearing such things because I'm considering a career in the life sciences myself :p
August 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Xinmin said...

I read your article with tears. At the beginning, I was very sad, but at the end, I was so proud of you. I admire your courage and spirit. With these, nothing can beat you. As your former colleague, another PI in IMCB, we share a similar fate. I graduated from University of Chicago, working in IMCB for 19 years, publishing >50 papers (including 7 in 2008), trained many PhD, university, and polytechnic students. All the years of hard work and teaching don’t seem to count for anything. My lab will be closed down soon. You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service. More importantly, we have made our contributions to put Singapore on the world’s scientific map! Isn't it ironic that when the government is putting in considerable efforts to develop life science in Singapore, we lost or will lose our jobs? I may not have the qualification to become a taxi driver, but I will do my best in my life after IMCB, whatever that will be and to be like you. Even as a taxi driver, you live in a brilliant and wonderful way. I wish you all the best!
August 18, 2009 1:00 PM
singaporecabbies said...

audrey said...
With your qualifications and academic experience, why not try teaching? MOE is still actively recruiting teachers and there is a huge demand for teachers!

Easier said than done. MOE is looking for someone younger. I am a graduate with 20 years of management experience, I submitted my application to MOE during their last round of recruitment to apply for post of management executive, and was rejected within the first week with a rejection email. I guessed their filtered out applicants by age. After all, there are many younger PR waiting ...
August 18, 2009 2:32 PM
旧人 said...

Dr. Xinmin wrote: "You are not the first, and I won't be the last. We have made Singapore our home, and our children have gone or will go to National Service...". Aha! But 19 years ago, you were a Foreign Talent! Now, you are a local. Doesn't that make a difference? Perhaps, you are not familiar with this very wise AESOP FABLE narrated at the 3:27 minutes of this video:
但见新人笑，哪闻旧人哭！
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ukpIEP1nM

你是旧人。哈哈哈！
August 18, 2009 5:35 PM
Xinmin said...

No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world.
August 18, 2009 9:54 PM
Alison Tuition said...

Dear Dr. Cai,

Thank you for sharing your interesting stories with the public. I read many of the entries with eyes brimming with tears, touched by your courage and principles. The antics of passengers you exposed here reminded me of the importance of being gracious.

While parents would like a tutor who is familiar with latest MOE syllabus and exams style, if you are keen on tutoring, I'll be glad to assist on pro bono basis, in return for the enriching read.

Perhaps you can apply to be a lecturer in the polys or ITEs where your rich academic profile stands out. MOE, as singaporecabbies pointed out, seems to prefer younger graduates.

Anyway, you appear to be enjoying your new working environment. As the saying goes, it's a blessing to be enjoying your work. With the stories accumulated, your next publication would probably be a book instead of a journal article.

Cheers!
August 18, 2009 10:58 PM
Recruit Ong said...

"Xinmin said...
No matter what has happened to me, I don't regret to my decision to come to Singapore. We like this place and will continue to live here. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is one of the people we respect the most in this world."



You got conned, but u don't know it yet. I suppose u saw Spore's superficial and material "success", but don't know Spore's history well enough. In time u will realise your respect for him is misplaced... becos i think any decent human being has such a thing as moral compass in him/her to to tell right from wrong.
August 18, 2009 11:36 PM
ML said...

Dear Mingjie,
Guess one has to be an old guard to truly understand how you feel!
Reading your blog and Xinmin’s comment brought us back to the old days that we all worked hard together to bring Singapore to the forefront of the scientific and research domain within 10 short years. Your contribution as one of the leading pioneer can never be sidestepped and swept under the carpet. But alas, that’s history! Hardwork, dedication and commitment Count For Nothing!
Like David, he reinvented himself at the right time. Whether you are running a lab or driving a taxi, what matters most is you are happy, at peace with yourself and put bacon on the table. Sincerely I wish you all the best.
Best regards, Mui Luan
August 19, 2009 12:48 AM
joyinthelord said...

Dear Prof Cai

I was taught by you when I did my honours year in Biochem in NUS in 2002. I have not kept up with the research field since graduating and did not know about the changes in IMCB..

I really admire your courage and determination to move on and do the best that you can in the situation you are in. It would have been so much easier to give up and sink down into depression but YOU DID NOT and you are taking things so positively.

I am currently working for an independent school and may be able to ask if there are any teaching or research positions available. Would you be interested? Please email me at firstcor1614@yahoo.com if you are.

Thank you!
Wang Hui Ming
Class of 2002-2003, NUS Biochem
August 19, 2009 12:55 AM
Big Big Return said...

I admire your resilient spirit and mental strength! Actually I am sure lots of schools will be able to take you in in Singapore. Universities, JCs and Polys should be happy to take you in as a teaching staff with a difference - one who is able to teach resilience and strength to his pupils and students. Take care and all the best.
August 19, 2009 8:34 AM
split personality said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 19, 2009 2:41 PM
split personality said...

Dear Dr. Cai,

I read your entire blog from the most recent post. I greatly admire your resilient attitude and perseverance.

The stories and encounters are indeed heartwarming. They made me reflect upon life and my past attitude towards taxi drivers. Although I don't consider myself an obnoxious person, I might have overlooked some of my little actions and words that have inadvertently caused distress to them. Without reading your blog, I may never have made this realisation.

Your blog is indeed a great source of education on life's lessons and experiences. You have connected to a lot of people, me included. Keep your blog going, and more importantly, your ever-positive attitude! :)

Warmest regards,
Ron
August 19, 2009 2:44 PM
stephen said...

Good luck, man!
August 19, 2009 2:52 PM
traveler of Sg said...

I somehow agreed with entry by David Balasundaram about Singapore cannot make better use of the HR. Being a homegrown Singaporean, I think my country is still not up to the standard in aspect of many things. Sigh
August 19, 2009 3:57 PM
zhang said...

Dear Dr Cai,
I am truly touched by your stories. As a native Chinese, I am proud of your courages and flexibility. I do agree withmany people that it is a waste that you drive a taxi for living, given your quaification. However, I should comment that all jobs have their honours and enjoyment. Hope you have enjoyed yours. Good luck.
August 19, 2009 4:39 PM
shawn said...

Dear Dr Cai,

very nice blog.

it's very heartwarming to learn that you are doing your best to support your family.

yes, all must plan for the worst, in the future,
i have got myself a class5 lorry license last year as a backup plan, just in case my job in IMCB is no longer needed.

yes, its so sad to see all old colleagues left imcb, Dr Fu JL, BenLi, AGP, PeterLobie, Mrs Tay... to name a few.

all the best to you!
take care
August 19, 2009 5:39 PM
Xylec said...

Dr. Cai
I admire your courage and resilience. You came to Singapore and became a citizen, However, the country decided that an expat should run the place "better". Hence, many of you have to leave. Rather than mope and become depressed, you resolve to become a taxi driver. We salute your determination. There are many institutions where highly experienced PhDs have to leave: NUS, NTU, your institution. Seems like when they want you, they hire you...when they do not want you, you are left in the streets...at an age, where it is difficult to get employment. I hope the Ministers and director generals in Singapore are more sympathetic. After the restructuring, the chief will leave...we see this in other institutions. We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore. We salute you and your resoluteness in surviving. I am sure there will be many venues where they will more gainfully employ you.
August 19, 2009 7:37 PM
tho662003 said...

Sinagapore prides itself to be meritocratic society. Winners get to climb higher, losers have to join the rest as rejects and downgrade. Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat, you are probably near or at the end of useful life and have to make way for the young.
August 19, 2009 9:04 PM
KK said...

Hi, please have your talent in appropriate use. Reach us at skdx@yahoo.com
August 19, 2009 9:24 PM
Niki said...

I have never read any blog before this. After reading about you in the newspaper, I decided to look up your blog. I find your blog very interesting. One can see from your blog you have a flair for writing. You may want to consider putting your thoughts into a book. I am sure such a book will sell well.

I admire your courage to become a taxis driver. Not many people in your position will consider becoming a taxis driver. I am sure this blip in your career is just a transient period in your life. You will eventually find a better job. Recently I read that China is aggressively recruiting foreign trained PhDs. You may want to consider exploring job opportunity in this direction. Your stint as a taxi driver will definitely become one of your most memorable episodes in your life when you pursue other career options.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
Kian said...

I would like to encourage you to seek your passion in writing, even as a cab-driver. Historically, there are many instances of qualified people known for authorship than being doctors, engineers or scientists. I am also a "retired" PhD from a Singapore university and also seeking alternative careers - I should feel worse being a born citizen and displaced by "foreign talent". Maybe there will be many more like us. Our situation is an example of an impressive plan to fill Singapore with knowledge workers (such as 1000 PhDs) and since not all can become the "cream", fall thru the cracks as highly qualified unemployed. It seems such a criminal waste. But we can and will succeed in anything we try because the PhD trains one to overcome any intellectual challenges. Nobody owes us a living - even if we were attracted to this corner of the world and promised things that go sour.
August 19, 2009 9:30 PM
C H SIA said...

Hi Mingjie,

I agreed with Mui Luan that your blog actually brought back many good memories in IMCB. But that was in the past. IMCB has undergone many waves of Tsunami ever since the new management came on board, with singaporeans being terminated and replaced by foreigners who perform the same job duties at many times the salary. Changes have affected many greatly especially pioneers who have been with IMCB from the start to make it a world known research institute.

Think of it this way that you have groomed many Masters and PhD students which are doing well elsewhere. They have grown up and take a good time to enjoy life after working hard for so long.

Stay healthy no matter what (PS: same to Xinmin and Jianlin)

Chuan Han
August 19, 2009 9:58 PM
raymondw said...

Hi Dr Cai. Sorry to hear of your plight. You will survive this. When I left singapore for o'seas many years ago I had to go thru diffcult times as well starting right at the lowest again as a dr. I am now successful. Fortunes change and so will yours. Don't give up. I almost went to be a labourer just to see how is it?
August 19, 2009 10:04 PM
Ying Rui said...

In life, there are times when we are faced with challenges but we will, always survive it and morphed into a more resilient person. I was from the Life Science industry for 4 years and I knew exactly what transpired and to preserve my sanity, I have since left that industry and reinvent myself. I hope you will continue to believe ... when one door closes, the Lord will somehow leave an opening ... :) I am a true example of a survivor.

Take Care and God bless.

Rui
August 19, 2009 11:16 PM
searched for his goddess said...

Welcome to Singapore. thats all we can say. sighhh but you have courage, and I admire that.! good luck !
August 20, 2009 1:22 AM
头毛 said...

tho662003 wrote:
"Meritocracy also means usefulness has expiry dates. If you are young, you will be given opportunities; if you are an old hat..."

That's NOT meritocracy! Meritocracy means employing people based on merits, not age! That is, a 50+ year old man should be as employable as a 20+ year old man, all things equal. What Dr. Cai is facing is really UNIQUELY SINGAPORE, and something that all of us will be facing one day - age discrimination due to 头毛白苍苍 (teochew song) (among many others discrimination e.g. suppression of wage due to influx of cheap labour and lack of minimum wage system etc).
August 20, 2009 2:29 AM
Lemi4 aka. fERDI:) said...

Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta is expanding rapidly I heard... You could also try other unis at Kuala Lumpur, etc.

Good luck Sir, God Bless, and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
August 20, 2009 3:05 AM
wtdba said...

Life is a process of experience. The value of the life is to share the experience. It will be great if we can put rest of things aside and enjoy life in it own way. It is easy to say but hard to do. Good luck and enjoy the life.
August 20, 2009 3:19 AM
Fabian said...

Dear Prof,

I hold you in high esteem for what you are and what you truly believe in, do not give up! Maybe you could look for other Universities to continue your research as your research truly benefit mankind. All scientists are contributing to the common good of mankind and in their own ways to the scientific fraternity.

Good luck and take care. Stay healthy as ultimately health is more important than work,don't overwork yourself as we always does in pursuit of perfection. The same wishes goes to Dr Cao and Madam Mui Luan. Take care always.

FL
August 20, 2009 9:35 AM
IPS said...

Dear Dr. Cai,

Your blog is very popular in every institute of Biopolis these days. I find you are more charming in your blog than in the cell-cycle-regulation lectures you had given me in IMCB. Pen is a more powerful tool than research instruments which will make more Singapore residents to recognize your intelligence. Your blog strikes my heart and I admire you. You are really cool professor!!!!

from Genome Institute of Singapore, Biopolis
August 20, 2009 10:44 AM
unfair said...

可惜了！当蔡博士的博文最近被本地传媒竞相热烈报道的时候，ＩＭＣＢ的６个头头中的５个洋老人现在都还在国外游山玩水过度假日子呢（这次是不是又巧立名目拉好友坐商务舱乱花本地纳税人的钱就请ＡＳｔａｒ好好查一下吧？）！洋大人们应该是根本就没有看到这个最早还是从美加同行转给新加坡学术界的热门博客吧。。。或者是看过了笑一笑根本没有放在心上？
也请ＡＳｔａｒ彻底查一下这几个都比蔡博士年纪还大的退休洋老人自从来了ＩＭＣＢ以后都出了几篇好文章？！干了几件好事情？！他们把能够挑大梁干活搞研究出文章的建所老臣们陆陆续续都赶走之后，都把巨额经费花费到哪里去了？住豪宅的房贴？开名车的车贴？几倍于本地人的高薪？乱买仪器霸着不让别人共享？巧立名目付费请亲朋好友来本地逍遥度假带讲一课？
也难怪大家都怀念ＩＭＣＢ的旧日好时光，之前是三四个华人管理五六百号人，还同心同德创出了许多科研好文章；现在是六个洋人加一个华人管理四百多人，可是却人心涣散：经费只多不少，文章数目剧减！
不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？
眼看ＩＭＣＢ一世英名毁于一旦！博导们前程迷茫，博士们前途堪忧！
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
外人行动党 said...

Sigh! Election coming soon. This news of a PhD holder working as a taxidriver is very bad timing! 早不来，迟不来，偏偏这时候来！Need to refine my election speech and get the 154th-ranked media to twist the situation around!
August 20, 2009 2:15 PM
YiJia said...

蔡博士你好！你的故事让我很动容。大丈夫能屈能伸，小弟我佩服得五体投地。希望好运接着就会伴随你。
衷心祝福你与你家人。
August 20, 2009 2:51 PM
KNNBCCB said...

楼上的"unfair"仁兄，
您"不禁想问一句：在新加坡，任人唯贤还是任人唯洋？科学研究到底是国家之事业还是殖民地企业？"。

您这么一问，就显得没“学问”了。因为已迟了46年。如您在46年前就提出这个问题，就恰恰好了。因为，早在1963年，新加坡的真正的开国元老（不是李光耀）已说了：

"Sir, when the prime minister talks about defending our country, we find it hollow. This government has betrayed all the vital interest of the people to the British".

为了这番话，他没被提控，没被定罪，就这样坐了32年牢狱。不过，你还好啦，虽不免嫌后知后觉了些，但总算提出这问题来。你楼上还有一个叫xinmin的，至今还执迷不悟呢。或许他连谁是推翻殖民地政府的"Giant", 谁是挟洋自重的"political dwarves"，谁是真正的开国元老(闽东福安话版本哟！)，这段新加坡历史都不知道呢。呵呵。

或许这些新来的前中国人必须等多一代人，待他们孩子长大了，才由你们孩子来醒悟吧。我们这些祖辈就来了的老移民也是如此。呵呵！
August 20, 2009 3:06 PM
FirmwareMBA said...

Norway Life Science University

www.umb.no
August 20, 2009 6:39 PM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 12:23 AM
Taikonaut said...

Why don't you leave Singapore? Singapore is too small for you.
August 21, 2009 1:46 AM
K. M. Ameer said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 21, 2009 1:58 AM
breakout said...

Dr. Cai,
your blog is truely a wake up call for all PhD students like me. i used believed that academia is the last clean place on earth where fairness actually means something. how ignorant i find i was!
dirty polics trashed every dream from my childhood. what's happening to mankind is beyond my undertanding now. what is wrong with an institute consists of only ppl passionate abt science instead of twisted politicians? why can't we all be judged by how well we do science instead of manipulating others and sucking up to ur superior?
what happened to the faith of mankind where we believe that scientific advances are the actual pushing force for human evolution? are we all over this now?
or perhaps we are just a bunch of knuckleheads in denial of reality?
if we get a 2nd chance, stay the hell away from this tainted stinky place!
August 21, 2009 12:17 PM
bo said...

"We hope someone will take up this issue of talent waste. In future, foreign talents will be more cautious coming to Singapore."

I just got my phd from a local univ and working as a researcher. After knowing your story and reading all the comments, I have made up my mind not to staying SG any longer if I got an oversea offer. I was reminded that SG is not as rosy as it looks like.
August 21, 2009 1:47 PM
onny said...

I read your blog from the newest to this page.. keep your spirit, hope we can learn something from anything. I salute for you as a good dad. that afraid to move to a whole new situation for ur family, child and wife. Just keep your heart&strength and still be a good dad for family ^^ 加油
August 21, 2009 4:27 PM
linda said...

It is really sad and depressing to learn what a mid-aged scientist have to go through in nowadays. I really admire the courage you have. Best wishes!
August 22, 2009 7:50 AM
猴年马月 said...

您就是又一个刘国栋啊。

典型的新加坡式“卸磨杀驴”。
August 24, 2009 10:40 AM
ryan said...

Jus read your blog from start-present. A really interesting read I must say, hope u continue to update us with the different happenings in your life. And I wish you all the best in whatever it is you may do.
August 24, 2009 12:35 PM
Joan said...

Hi Prof Chai,

It has been an inspirational story to read from the beginning to the end. Can not wait to see more...

I truly admire your survival, your dedication to your family

All the best of luck, I am confident that you will make your way up for you & your family

Greetings from Melb
:) (will watch out if there are opportunity for you here)
August 24, 2009 3:10 PM
Double Beans said...

Dear Dr.Cai

我把您的Preface转载到了一个SNS网站希望我的朋友阅读。已经标明转载来源与版权所属，并做好了与这里的链接。如果您觉得有何不妥请与我联系：wellsleeplz(at)gmail.com
SNS网站因为无法非实名访问所以如果您需要我可以截图给您。

感谢您为我及我的朋友带来的信心和勇气。

祝一切顺利，继续更新。
August 25, 2009 1:55 AM
Tataz said...

Dear Dr Cai, your story strikes similarities on my encounters, a friend who worked for government linked research on marine industry get laid off, and my father-in-law a taxi driver who was an engineer. It is perplexing to me why people of good qualifications turn to a lowly paid job and give up on finding monetary rewarding job. It is also equally perplexing that I have seen people with no qualifications making big bucks. Both groups of people become famous anyhow. For me, I am still struggling to be contented and guard my mind from not doing any silly things to lead to an extreme averse situation like yours. My last straw of course as I told my other colleagues in times of stress is I just become a monk and give up everything. But, of course, easier said than done. I enjoy reading your blog. And I think what you have done is unique and do create a lot of awareness to things/values that we all may forget at times. Doing the right things are not always profitable, and having the courage to do it, takes a lot of courage. I wish you be happy and resolve issues as fast as possible so that one day you will be free the burdens that you are carrying now. And thanks for sharing and taking the efforts to blog!
August 25, 2009 12:00 PM
owenvanc said...

Dear Dr. Cai,

Your blog is the most interesting one that I've found and read so far. It's inspirational to see your perseverance to keep on moving.
I, Myself used to live and work in Singapore, but after a while I decided to move to another country for a better job offer. I personally think that Singapore as a country and as a nation can never value a good qualification such as yours.
Anyway a man have to provide for his family, so hang in there.
For me, if I have a Stanford's Phd. I would already be moving to Canada or the U.S.
What's so special about living in Singapore anyway.
August 25, 2009 5:52 PM
Jordan said...

I chanced upon your blog this morning and have just finished reading all the posts. There are much insights and inspirations to be found in your blog posts.

I think you are still working as a scientist though - as a social scientist. Thanks for sharing interesting accounts of your experience dealing with all walks of lives in the society. This blog could well become an invaluable social documentary.

Lastly, just like to say you have my respect and admiration for your courage and resilience, and to share something you probably already know:
"天将降大任于斯人，必先劳其筋骨，苦其心志，饿其体肤，....."

All the best!
August 26, 2009 10:38 AM
Jacky said...

Wa Lao eh SIR!!! Ur english so powerful go be teacher la. I am sure MOE needs talants like you!. Or else u can be part time property agent too! now the market very hot u may consider being a real estate consultant and earn some extra income. wadever it is life still has to go on la so dun feel so sad and negative k. stay positive and someday who knows things might get better. god bless you =)
August 27, 2009 1:26 AM
Bai Hu said...

Hi Dr. Cai, i m currently taking my PhD in NUS. After reading your blog, i m beginning to get cold feet already. I don't want to end up like you.
Anyway, i wish you all the best & hope that you will get your dream job soon.
August 27, 2009 8:06 PM
oryx said...

Oryx said,
Hi Dr Cai,
I dont normally read blog, but I find yours very interesting. Like me share with all others who have posted comments. We have to realise one thing that even though we are highly qualified, we will not have INCOME SECURITY. Meaning to say, a surgent depend on his hand to operate, but if he loose his arm, he lost his income. For as long as the job depends on you....you will not have INCOME SECURITY. Sometimes through no fault of yours, you loose your income as in the case of Dr Cai. So now, how to make sure you have INCOME SECURITY. Dr Cai and anyone interested to know how, can write to annalth33@yahoo.com All the best to you DR Cai.
August 29, 2009 12:42 PM