Done abit research about Life Science in SG.
And saw alot things which I never know before.
Saw some comment how we are actually being cheated etc.
Some say "unless you persue PHD, if not dip or degree is just like supporting crews to the main researcher.".
Zai nan ting yi dian, we are just to there and do some checking here and there, prepare the next day solutions, looking out for the machine see working or not and WASH TEST TUBE. (so what if there is test tube washer machine with advance tech now? there are alot kinds of test tube with difficult solution, need hand wash one =x you will never know =x)
Excuse for sharing these, maybe can "rescue" or share with some of us:
https://forums.salary.sg/education-pe...-sciences.html
There are some more questions by science students in the sh1t hole: (do take some time and read, more ideas and opinions)
Job Prospects in Life Sciences - BrightSparks Singapore Scholarship & Higher Education Forum
NUS Life Science - BrightSparks Singapore Scholarship & Higher Education Forum
Job prospects for NTU Biological science Grads VS NUS - SgForums.com
http://www.funkygrad.com/forum/read_......ut&offset=0
To summarise abit:
- A minimum PhD degree to be allowed to exercise your own idea. Any degree less than that, you will have to follow other people’s idea.
- Going back to the topic why life science is so quiet now… Let’s just say that the hype has quiet down because
1. the government has achieved the aim of attracting young talents to the field and
2. many foreign pharmas have started to set up base here.
- Only small % with strong interest proceed further for PHD. But it is not easy, and have to study many years to have that title.
- Life Sciences is always a big gamble but with very big payoffs.
- Many people leave LS as well due to the so-so pay, very long working hours, and often lack of job satisfaction.
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About 30 years ago, the Singapore government encouraged many bright students to study engineering. Indeed, many top students chose science and engineering. And the weaker students went for law and accountancy.
30 years later, the people with bright careers and earning a lot of money are those who have studied law and accountancy 30 years ago.
The engineers are not doing well unless they have switched their professions to civil service, IT or banking.
History is repeating itself as the government is now encouraging top students to study life sciences and to take up A* Star scholarships.
These bright students will not do well in their future careers because the life sciences sector in Singapore will not be able to provide them with lucrative jobs.
In fact, returning A*Star scholars are now encouraged to take up university teaching appointments instead of becoming scientists. Why? Because the life sciences sector in Singapore cannot absorb so many of them. Some of the returning scholars will eventually be released to the private sector with no strings attached. And many life sciences graduates will have to join non-related industries to make a living. For example, go into banking or become a teacher.
Source:
http://www.edupoll.org/forum/viewtop...4668367f45cfe0
See already dont cry ><
Limited choices with biotechnology diploma
Mon, Nov 18, 2007
The Straits Times
I REFER to the article, '2 top cancer research groups to set up shop here' (ST, Nov 5). It stated that the arrival of two prominent research institutes was a 'strong validation of Singapore's importance as a research node'.
While the presence of these two new research institutes here further cements our role as a regional hub, we should not neglect the local population.
This year, the biomedical research industry in Singapore came under fire because a large amount of money was invested in this area with little returns in terms of conclusive data.
Relate this to the fact that most research scientists here are expatriates on expatriate pay.
Wouldn't it be more cost- effective to hire local graduates who can do these jobs?
I am aware that one of the most prominent research institutes here does not offer scholarships to polytechnic graduates for further studies and I believe this discounts the fact that there are keen minds in polytechnics today.
I studied biotechnology at diploma level, under the impression that I would have good prospects in terms of future studies and career advancement.
However, the fact is that only the top 10 per cent of polytechnic graduates are accepted by local universities. This leaves the remaining 90 per cent of life sciences students with limited choices.
These choices include going overseas to pursue a degree in biomedical science (which not everyone can afford), or jumping ship and pursuing a degree that has nothing to do with life sciences. I have, unfortunately, opted for the latter.
Also, I would like to point out that most polytechnic students have at least four months of industrial experience, due to student internship programmes that are a prerequisite of most diploma courses.
In fact, one of my former polytechnic classmates, who is currently studying in a local university, often has to guide his classmates, who graduated from junior college, in the correct use of laboratory equipment as well as safety protocol.
Furthermore, I have noted that even with a good degree, job openings in biomedical research institutes are hard to come by.
That said, one question I feel should be addressed is this: Why groom us when there is little intention of hiring us?
Denise Mohan (Ms)
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The Life Science Conundrum
After the hype, grads now realise that there’s no place for them in the industry
Today, 9 Oct 2006
Loh Chee Kong
IN 2002, when Singapore universities had barely begun producing their own life sciences graduates, Mr Philip Yeo, chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), famously rattled those unndergraduates when he said that they would only be qualified to wash test tubes.
PS: Please dont flame me, I'm also a science student, just sharing.
