Female Foreign Workers - Vice Trade too

?? Female Foreign workers - Vice trade too - Making my rounds in Singapore, observing and reporting. The decay of civilization and why transformation is necessary for renewed survival. Read to the end to find out how people in the industry are surviving.

Those who follow me know that I support the shift in resources to balance the economy across different groups, especially in uplifting the neglected segments of the population. From ethnicity, public transportation, gender equality, work-life balance, mental wellness, sustainability, and more, I feel a sense of duty to speak, 'For the people, with the people.'

Vice is the oldest trade, yet the word distinctively means immoral. We know authorities like to regulate profitable industries in the name of law and order, which I do agree offers some safeguards to ensure voices from the ground are heard. However, frameworks and institutions work until they don’t, and that’s why civilizations and dynasties perish on average every 250 years. As power consolidates, these institutions often fail to evolve with the times.

While we are aware of recent efforts to improve the conditions of migrant workers, especially in our construction industry, the burden of outdated laws, rules, and regulations still takes a toll on wider sectors of society and the economy. Debate and discussion often lead to indecision, much like how Rome fell when the Senate couldn't reach consensus, with actions coming too late.

We also observe that changes are often enacted on the most talked-about topics—it's only natural that politicians and appointment holders act on trending issues to appease the public. However, societal norms and traditions, such as the subjugation of women, are starting to crack. The Internet has made it harder to hide what happens behind the scenes, as seen in scandals like the Weinstein case in Hollywood. Yet, these are industries and trends people love to discuss.

But what about the people living in the ghettos, working in the sex trade, who are shunned for fear of association? People pretend they don’t exist, and as society transforms for the better, they are still left behind. The livelihoods and businesses in this longest surviving trade have been severely impacted by the pandemic, with rising rents, utilities, medical fees, and compliance costs. Little help has come their way.

It’s easy to sit in air-conditioned offices, working a 9-to-5 shift. But do we know that these women are regulated to work 12-hour shifts every day without rest? Business owners and staff support each other emotionally, but the work culture in Singapore, while safe, is demanding by our standards. These long working hours are not just due to regulations but also a necessity driven by the excessive fees paid to middlemen and introducers, which cut into their already meager earnings. Imagine not being able to remain in communication with your loved ones, as fear of repercussions from the authorities keeps them isolated from the outside world.

The hardworking ones work even harder but can’t charge more due to pricing controls. How different is this from the mental strain we face in competitive environments, where invisible regulations drain our creativity and resilience?

From a socio-economic perspective, this group fills a gap in society by addressing a fundamental human need—yet they are subjugated by society’s unspoken demand to maintain the social fabric. Now imagine this: You’re a talented worker, but the domestic economy isn't doing well. You move overseas, only to find your pay is halved after paying fees to middlemen, not just once, but every month. An introducer you don’t even know is also profiting from every deal you make.

You might think, "This wouldn't happen in a regulated industry." But unspoken rules and arrangements between the regulated and unregulated sides exist, even when we cross borders for work. Sounds familiar in corporate environments, too?

Now, why isn’t anything being done as we continue to see price hikes in our daily lives—from our coffee to basic necessities? Frameworks and institutions work until they don’t. I don’t expect this post to get many likes because it touches on a sensitive topic, but here’s my question: Who looks after the well-being of these business owners and workers who keep the social fabric intact?

Which ministry or department is responsible? We keep hearing about people wanting to hang others for minor offenses, even if they were committed by accident. Yet sex, a fundamental human need that contributes to better health (unlike nicotine or excessive alcohol), is still stigmatized. Senior leaders I speak with agree: We are overdue for change in this area.

It’s ironic that we promote the Yellow Ribbon Project to give former offenders a second chance, yet we ban the very same ladies from returning to Singapore once their stint here ends. There’s greenwashing in sustainability, but I wonder if this should be classified as yellowwashing. Do we really welcome everyone?

I urge ladies in positions of power to take action and help those in dire straits. We, or our children, could well find ourselves in such positions. We are just fortunate to be born in Singapore, and that doesn’t give us the right to ignore. Instead, we are bestowed with the privilege to help and uplift. Let our females rise in their true right and not under the facade or guise of toxic masculinity.

Don’t wait for this trade to collapse under excessive regulation, because when that happens, the social fabric will break. Maybe it’s already happening, as we see more voyeuristic scandals and sexual predation in the news, by 'well educated' citizens who graduated from the system.

The day we remove this stigma is the day we embrace true diversity and inclusivity. Scholars should think about finding better descriptive words that are inclusive, recognizing that every profession plays a key role in society.

We might think this doesn’t affect us, or that it doesn’t happen in Singapore. But I’m writing this because I think 20, even 100 years ahead. Singapore has peaked and will be a super-aged society in two years. Our neighbor's currency is strengthening quickly, and our children may one day need to move abroad for work or find themselves in similar situation. The last thing we want is for society to treat them unjustly.

Singapore can only shine if we set the example. Let’s talk freely, without constraints, allowing everyone to realize their potential, not just those who set the rules.

Everyone deserves to be loved, even if we don't, then let's not marginalize. So, are we due for transformation?

By the way, which ministries and departments looks after their well-being?

P.S: Good work to the ministry that adopted my QR-code idea this year for our immigration checkpoints, which I ideated several years ago. Here's the new task from the team of clandestine leaders. When in doubt, please refer to UN guidelines. As Singaporeans, we love guidelines, don't we?

#SocialInjustice#UpliftTheNeglected#EmpowerWomen#InclusiveSociety#TransformForChange

I am Mar Vin Foo ??, a specialized consultant who is fixing the environment and mankind through societal transformation before the apocalypse, where only half of us will be saved.

Thank you for being decisive today in where we stand.