Nobody can
dispute that since Singapore’s independence in 1965 the country has progressed
in leaps and bounds to become the modern metropolis it is today. The country
established itself in Asia and the rest of the world occupying top ten
positions in many business and tourism surveys. With a multi culture society
living in harmony, it is a safe, clean and extremely efficient country with
excellent and above average housing and transport infrastructure.
Does this
mean it has no problems?
On the
contrary, based on my experience since moving here 15 months ago the country
has its fair share of normal problems with drugs, gambling, isolated corruption and race
issues. The bigger and more serious issue is where the country will be in 20
years and it seems like right now nobody really has the answer. There is
ongoing engagement with the population in many different forums to ascertain
what the Government should or should not include in the future Road Map. Should
the future measurement of success continue to be the country’s GDP which is a
global standard and has brought it to where we are today but does not mean it
will be as successful in future.
Some of the
current and pressing issues that face the Government and will impact it greatly
in future are the Declining Population, Policy towards the Foreign Workforce/Population,
and the “Nations Happiness”.
Personally, I do not believe the proposed measures to try and increase the
population growth will have any real effect. The new generation has a totally
different set of values and ambitions which does not include having either
“Early” families or extended (more than one child) families. They are too busy
chasing the world of success and all the worldly trappings that come with that
and this will not change in the next 20 years. So, with a continued declining
local workforce the issue of reducing foreign “Help” will not be a reality and
the next 20 years will see the ratio of foreigners in the population increase.
Better take note and start having a different view on this one.
So what
about the Happiness Factor? I watched the Bridging Asia Debate the past week on
this topic and the motion to include the measurement received a resounding 70%
and I definitely agree. I always include my views only if I can base them on actual
experience and in this case have some 50 years of learning on what is really
important in life. I chased the same “Dream” for most of my time on this earth
only to realise a few months ago that maybe I should have had more “Balance”. Less of the worldly “get the better job,
bigger house, more expensive car” type “shit” and a lot more focus on spending
time with my friends and family and doing the things that actually make me
happy.
And no, I
am not saying do not be ambitious, contribute to economy and society in general
but I am saying have a better balance and this is where the Singapore future
and political direction should have some focus apart from the economic growth
and GDP.
Maybe if
the people have a better work/life balance there will be more time for making
love, having families and a happy interactive and cohesive society in general.
Actually it
is a fact and happy people are naturally more productive so it is a win for
all.
“All Work
and no Play made Johnny a dull Boy”
