Reshaping Singapore
Thanks Rev Yap for telling me that he saw my letter in Time Magazine.
Reshaping Singapore
Your article "Singapore Soars" mapped out Singapore's aspiration to be what former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew called "a tropical version" of New York City, Paris and London all in one [June 4]. Indeed, Singapore has been trying to remake itself into a vibrant, fun place by allowing nightclubs to remain open around the clock and casinos to operate within resorts. It will also become a stop on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. But Singapore has managed to attract low-skilled workers from developing countries and a much smaller group of talented foreigners who are here only for the short term. Citizens tend to be apolitical and have a groupthink mentality because of the government's tight grip on civic and political activities. Singapore loses talented people who think and act differently to cities like San Francisco, New York, London and even Hong Kong, where they have more freedom of expression. We need mavericks, bohemians and social activists. It is time for Singapore to truly loosen up the social and political environment.
Reshaping Singapore
Your article "Singapore Soars" mapped out Singapore's aspiration to be what former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew called "a tropical version" of New York City, Paris and London all in one [June 4]. Indeed, Singapore has been trying to remake itself into a vibrant, fun place by allowing nightclubs to remain open around the clock and casinos to operate within resorts. It will also become a stop on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. But Singapore has managed to attract low-skilled workers from developing countries and a much smaller group of talented foreigners who are here only for the short term. Citizens tend to be apolitical and have a groupthink mentality because of the government's tight grip on civic and political activities. Singapore loses talented people who think and act differently to cities like San Francisco, New York, London and even Hong Kong, where they have more freedom of expression. We need mavericks, bohemians and social activists. It is time for Singapore to truly loosen up the social and political environment.