The Straits Times 5 Feb 07
"A link with home for overseas S'poreans: Does it work?" by several writers

The overseas Singaporeans portal, launched last year, aims to help Singaporeans around the world keep in contact with home and to network with relevant businesses.

Without a doubt, Singaporeans posted overseas would welcome such a portal. It gives them an online avenue to get in touch with the latest happenings in Singapore, which gives them a homely feeling in a foreign land. These locals would be coming back to Singapore one day after their studies or work so it is important to be in the loop about local happenings.

I recall a time when I was visiting a relative who moved to America. She told me how much she missed Singapore and that she even faithfully subscribed to The Straits Times online so as to keep in touch with local affairs. Her conversation shifted to the then General Elections 06 where she spoke relentlessly about the ongoing politics. And I stood there thinking, how does she know so much?

Perhaps, more features shold be added to te portal. These Singaporeans overseas should set up blogs and link them to the portal. In addition, photos can be posted of their experiences overseas. In this way, the portal becomes a two-way exchange of information for Singaporeans living overseas and locally.