Singapore Armed Forces's Career Fair

THE Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recently organised a three-day career fair at Ngee Ann City, offering some 2,000 positions.

The entire tentage was air-conditioned and the set-up was extravagant, with stage-shows and performances. I am aware that the rental at Ngee Ann City, especially during weekends, is not cheap. Besides that, their brochures were printed in solid, hard, silver cover, and every inner pages were printed in, I am guessing, more than five colours (with at least 1 special colour). They were also giving out many small bottles of tiny highlighters as gifts as well.

On another note, Singapore Tourism Board's door-hanger collateral during the recent job fair, I'm sure, was also not cost-effective, what with die-cutting and a slot-pocket for a booklet at the back.

I am quite sure the design costs of both collaterals from SAF and STB are not cheap, and also both kind of printing methods are not the least cost-effective.

My question here: in this time of recession, isn't this wasting taxpayers' (our) money when such funds could have been better utilised? I'm sure jobless Singaporeans will be more than willing to work for SAF or STB without them advertising. Is there a need to go to all these extravagance at all. Would any SAF or STB officials care to comment?