No, I am not saying its just race but I do think its very much "hate". Hate for the very Westeners, the Americans, that manufacture the airplanes SIA buys and the passengers that purchase tickets in USD on their airline and are fond tourists of the Republic of Singapore. SIA definately has a grudge against westners especially if they ever want to fly for them, that is fact. Its so easy for them to label every qualified and competitive western candidate as will not "fit in".
I was willing to and had already sacrificed much for SIA. I was perfectly willing to allow, as per the official system for all promotions and upgrades: Singapore Chinese, then Singapore Maylay, then Singapore Indian, then all others.
I did not leave for Singapore until I knew I had an interview and was told I had very competitive qualifications. I was willing to sign the ten year bond, be paid in SGD on national terms verses not expat terms, to be paid only SGD $1,000 per month while in training for a year, and I was not going to be ever fleeing my bond.
I knew Singapore, I had been going there as a kid, had strong family ties there, and knew the way things went. I had asian values, knew that I must be subservent, I was ready and they finally got someone competitively experienced and qualified with an American passport that acutally wanted to live in Singapore indfinately and fly for them. Everything they always complained they could not find...
Why? Well, its a beautiful country with an outstanding educational system that we wanted to raise our kids in while also having the benefit of a cosmpolitan society. Yes, I love Singapore as much as the U.S.
If SIA did not want me that is fine. However, some of these folks that feel they are the "master" race did not need to mistreat and put me and my Singapore wife through the most unpleasant experience of our lives, as per "Thoughts from an almost SIA Pilot".
SIA had their chance to gracefully reject me for it was Capt. McCully and Ms. Doreen Yap that gave the green light through that first interview. I would left that very month, disappointed, but having know I had been treated fairly. However, the result with accepting me after that riguours interview was me living in Singapore an additional 2.5 months taking the battery of apptitude tests and then the horrific final interview / tea party on 7-7-00.
SIA knows who I am, they have all my records and they are free to investigate. I did not go to a MP or other official to appeal SIA's decision, I did not try to force my way in, as many in Singapore suggested after what did happen. Even if I had gotten in after all that, I would have merely been a marked man. You see my appeal letter after all this was labeled "arrogant" by Capt. McCully, a letter I feel was quite reserved for what I had been through. The "master" race had spoken.
Thank goodness I did not ever fly for SIA, I am very happy, healthy and successful now despite some very trying times at my current airline now in wake of the 11 Septemebr terrorist attacks. It si a very sad time for us...
Otherwise, SIA is a good airline. What I did do in light of my treatment is disregard my Singapore Permanent Resdience for I do not believe that Singapore really wants their daughters when married to come back and live in Singapore.
Remember, SIA is of the opinion that they can do anything they want and people will still want to fly for them, somehow I just do not feel that way.
Thank you for your time.