Edited by Rivermore Academy
Across the ages, the Malaysian dream has been to seek livelihoods in Singapore. Have you taken note of the recent upswing in counterfeit diploma cases within the lion city? It strongly implies that, in Singapore, possessing a diploma or degree certificate is synonymous with unlocking the doors to financial success.
Decades ago, Malaysians paid little heed to academic certificates, eagerly crossing borders in pursuit of opportunities to earn Singaporean dollars. Yet, contemporary observations reveal that, for those without a diploma or degree certificate, newcomers face formidable challenges.
Does it seem like Singapore only recently started valuing university diplomas over the past few decades? Far from it! The esteem for academic credentials in Singapore has endured through time; recent years have simply witnessed a tightening of scrutiny.
Forging Pathways for Prosperity
In the November of 2023, Singapore laid bare two instances of diploma forgery, sparking discussions about the paramount importance of possessing a university diploma or degree certificate.
In the first case, the highest qualification of the accused was an A-level certificate. However, driven by the pursuit of a lucrative job in Singapore, the accused resorted to creating a counterfeit NUS Bachelor's diploma. This counterfeit diploma propelled the individual's career over 16 years, elevating their monthly earnings from SGD 4200 to SGD 7884.
In the second case, an overseas job seeker ventured into Singapore, investing SGD 1000 in acquiring two bogus master's degree certificates to secure a high-paying job and even securing an Employment Pass (EP).
Degrees Define Success - Singapore Advocates Ongoing Education
From these two diploma forgery cases, it's evident how crucial a university diploma is in Singapore. People are willing to invest both financially and creatively to fabricate certificates, all in the pursuit of securing well-paying positions.
Indeed, the Singaporean government places a strong emphasis on academic credentials. Consequently, there is active support for older individuals and working professionals to embark on further education, be it in skill enhancement or knowledge acquisition. Singapore's array of subsidized short-term and long-term courses stands testament to its commitment to ensuring that working professionals can continually expand their horizons.
Adhering to the philosophy of "lifelong learning," Singapore has public universities dedicated to providing courses tailored for local working professionals. Presently, over 10,000 professionals are enrolled, including a 73-year-old graduate.
Cracking Down on Counterfeit Credentials - Exercising Caution in Pursuing Further Education
With both the Singaporean government and businesses placing a premium on university diplomas and degree certificates, some individuals risk forging credentials. The recent exposure of two forgery cases has prompted the Singaporean government to intensify efforts against fake certificates. Thus, those aspiring to secure high-paying jobs in Singapore must exercise caution and choose reputable universities or colleges for their further education pursuits.
For Malaysians, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stands as the optimal choice. Much like Singapore, UTM recognized the substantial work experience of working professionals, valuing their maturity and stability. Consequently, UTM established UTMSPACE, offering specialized courses designed for working professionals.
Presently, UTMSPACE, in collaboration with various partners, has nurtured numerous talents. Countless working professionals have benefitted, receiving genuine diplomas that hold intrinsic value.
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