I refer to the letter Address brain drain with a 'fair go' policy .

While this discussion tends to be anecdotal with charges from both sides on who is more selfish, I would like to add that based on history, it is almost futile to complain about brain drain.

The fact of the matter is that if someone is smart enough to weigh the pros and cons of migration, he is too smart to held back by any petty concerns.

Brain drain affects almost all countries. The Europeans have had a brain drain to North America for centuries and even today the best and brightest continue to migrate there. I remember Singapore complaining about migration in the 1970s and 80s.

They tried to tie up their best and brightest with scholarships, bonding, national service etc. but frankly, nothing worked. What has kept Singapore from losing even more brains was its sound economic and meritocractic system.

So, to those who complain about migration, keep in mind that it is futile. To emigres who feel slighted about the charge of lack of patriotism on their part - while it matters to keep to record straight - take heart that in the end, it really does not matter what people say about you.

You have a larger issue in going to a foreign land (that you will never truly belong to) for your children to find their place and identity. You choose to look to the future, so seize it and take responsibility. So don't look back.