(Rebuttal) However, it is precisely because of such population and cultural changes taking place in Singapore that patriotism has greater relevance, especially in the name of establishing a strong sense of rootedness in our society. • With human resource being our country’s primary resource, it is especially important to guard against brain drain. As of 2014, 212,000 Singaporeans were living overseas, compared with 157,800 in 2004, increasing by more than a third over a decade. It is with this in mind that patriotism would be possibly be a key factor in ensuring that the top Singaporean talents remain committed to growing their country’s economy and choose to remain in the country to slug it out despite competition from foreign talent.
• Also, with more young adults venturing abroad to pursue their undergraduate studies, or to spend a semester on exchange, it is in the country’s interests that they retain a sense of patriotism so that they are not enticed to make their stay permanent.