See things from different perspectives
I HAVE always been curious about arguments regarding Asians working in Papua New Guinea.
Most arguments are centered on the idea that Asians are taking up jobs that Papua New Guineans can do.
I have travelled to several Asian countries to learn about how best we could use their skills in technology in addressing some challenges we face in agriculture.
During my travels, I often noticed that many people in Asian countries are workaholics. In Lufa, Goroka, I observed the Chinese who came in to set up the mushroom project.
While they were working hard, their PNG counterparts took their time out to chew betel nut and smoke or just to rest.
Papua New Guineans took an hour for lunch while the Chinese returned quickly to complete their tasks.
I befriended some Asians.
I got to know who they really were, their qualifications, and why they were in PNG.
I was amazed by their responses when I asked them about their coming to PNG.
I learnt that once the companies they work for are given contracts, key personnel are selected to come and work in PNG.
These personnel are no ordinary non-educated citizens of their countries but are a well-educated people.
In fact, a lot of them a highly educated to university levels but cannot be employed at that level.
Many end up taking up what we would term as “kago boi wok” (small jobs), but that is indeed employment for them.
Their minds are set upon completing their assigned tasks on time with precision.
A driver driving a cruiser in a logging company maybe a person with a degree in psychology back in his home.
This driver will go from point A to B, complete what he has been assigned to and return to point A.
Compare this with a PNG driver who goes well past point B after doing a hastily done task and returns and this happens almost everywhere.
I have discussed these with certain officers in the Labour Department, Immigration and was glad they had the same opinion as me.
We have to see things from different perspectives before arguing.
Something for us to learn from.
Frank Gamezuho
Goroka
4 comments
It is up to educationists to motivate their students to be serious in whatever they do. Goal setting, time management and achievements are important ingredients to become productive in life. Other qualities such as honesty, humility and hardworking are also important. Of course, we have to address corruption at all levels to develop PNG.
Does any company in PNG need to employ foreign drivers as Frank suggest
No Arthur, not so long as the Company has an Expatriate Boss OR a PNG Boss who is prepared to be Authoritative, and NOT practice Nepotism. Unfortunately those PNG’s are not very common. An understand of Productivity is still something that is being learned. Attitude is a word we often hear. Time will hopefully solve the problem. But the apparent reluctance of Government Departments to follow the rules is a problem.
Truth. If we PNG are serious about taking back our jobs, then we must be serious in doing our jobs. We are not fit when compared to foreigners working here even if we have the knowledge. Truth is we are NOT FIT. We are enjoying life. But to them, their life is the ‘work.’
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