Having worked for SQ a very long time ago, I notice that not much has changed.
SQ can be broadly described as...
1. A stepping stone for pilots wanting to be trained on newer equipment, then moving on to another airline, for better pay.
2. The same as above, except those direct entry Captains, that need more command hours, to move to another airline...for better pay.
3. Captains from another airline, who may have retired early or, not liking the management 'style' at their former, decided to give SQ a try, just for a change of pace.
4. In the case of First Officers, new guys who just may need that break...so as to later move on to better salary.
Notice that three of the four points above included...move on to another airline.
Yes, not much has changed in the twenty five years since I was there...and it ain't likely too, either.
In fact, it appears to have gone down hill rather drastically...hardly surprising either, considering the past/present govt attitudes/policies.