new thread
I`m a student from Singapore, first time posting here.
I`m quite interested to know what men with long hair do in Singapore about reservist trainings or school rules?
My school, while it isn`t really a longhair nazi, does nitpick about it at the end of semester project/presentations.
Hi there,
I am a Singaporean. I've been on this board since 1997 and have been growing my hair out since 1999.
Unfortunately, reservist training requires one (a male) to have the standard short haircut. I know this as I've once "tested the system" by returning to my reservist in 1997 with a short ponytail, only to be threatened with a charge unless I get my hair cut.
Subsequently, I was downgraded and posted out of my unit. As I am currently in the "reserve list", I do not belong to any military unit and thus, have not received any recalls since 1999. Hence, I could say I was fortunate to have the chance to grow out my hair to the current length :).
Singapore is generally more open to diverse self-expressions and views now, although the same cannot be said in primary, secondary or junior colleges, and the army. I am currently doing my PhD at NUS and the campus rules do not dictate a specific haircut requirement on males (just "neat" will do). I am under a government scholarship and I remembered during my interview, the chief interviewer looked to have something against my then mid-back length hair and kept questioning about why I wanted long hair (albeit in a joking manner). During the scholarship presentation ceremony, I received my papers from a minister and he did not have anything to say regarding my hair, but the chief interviewer, who was also there, suggested cutting my hair when I was asleep. He seemed to be saying it in a joking manner and I didn't take it too seriously then, but I sensed some threat brewing especially when it was mentioned that there are existing haircut rules in the research institution that I'll be posted to after graduation. For that, I wrote a letter to the director of the research institution, explaining why I wished to keep my hair long and maintained my stand on the fact that the length of hair has no correlation to the potential contributions of an employee to the company. My point was taken and I was allowed to keep my hair, and my scholarship.
In a nutshell, I think Singapore has generally nothing significant against long-haired males, except for some specific local institutions, where stringent regimental rules apply. I think the Government establishments are generally reasonable on males growing long hair (although I do not know for private or semi-private ones). You might also want to note that there are currently no laws to directly protect long-haired males from discrimination in Singapore, although one could evoke general discrimination laws for that matter. Therefore, it is not illegal for a company to specify hair cut rules in their company legal clause and, if you flout it, they could dismiss you based on that clause. On the other hand, if that is not specified and they give you unnecessary grieve and dismissal over your long hair, you could fight it out based on the discrimination law.
Finally, having on this board for nine years (although as a lurker most of the time), I must say that I've gotten fabulous support, encouragement and advice from this board. It very assuring to know that you have great companions to accompany you along your walk (and struggles) on a long hair journey.
Welcome and hope you'll have fun here :).
Mmmmmhhhh, what`s the longest you`ve got away with for reservist training?
And did you try to grow it out during your student days?
As I said, i was downgraded and posted out of my unit. Since 1999, I've been in the "reserve list" of MINDEF (which means I do not belong to any unit). Hence, I have not been called up since 1999.
I'm currently studying at NUS and I have belt-length hair.
