JAKARTA - SINGAPORE starred strongly in conversations at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit earlier this week, even though the two-day hubbub of networking and wheeling and dealing took place in Jakarta.
More than 600 high-powered individuals from business and government the world over arrived in Indonesia’s capital impressed by the skyscrapers and city buzz. Their worries - over rising inflation and the state of the United States (US) economy, the Doha trade talks stalemate and the nature of the Sino-US relationship – emerged over meals of gado-gado and sago in coconut milk.
But after commiseration and cocktails, they left even more bullish about Indonesia's - and Asia's - growth prospects. Many expressed goodwill and praise for Singapore’s successes – as a dynamic economy and comfortable place to live and work in.
Yet on several occasions, the nature and uniqueness of Singapore's political system inadvertently came under the spotlight. This system has resulted in a one-party government (read: anathema to most Western liberals) that has delivered prosperity to its people but now finds itself having to better manage their feelings and aspirations.
What was amusing – to some in the audience and this journalist – was how the panelists at the forum chose to overlook any comments, whether intended or not, that could be perceived as veiled criticisms of Singapore's political system. One wondered if they were just being polite, or purposely choosing to walk on eggshells around Singapore.
Take Sunday's plenary ceremony with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, where both leaders took part in a wide-ranging discussion on challenges facing world leaders and solutions they had to adopt.
WEF chairman Klaus Schwab, who moderated the session, asked Mr Lee how the direct and 'impatient idealism' of young people could be managed when it came to government decision-making.
His preamble however, contained an unintended blooper. Professor Schwab had begun: 'When you run a democracy, or you don't run a democracy, but if you lead in a democracy, I would say this phenomenon of empowerment of young people…'
Chuckles could be heard throughout the room mid-way through Professor Schwab's sentence, even if both he and Mr Lee showed no reaction. Mr Lee promptly answered the question with a straight face.
On Monday, chairman of the Media Development Authority's International Advisory Panel Tan Chin Nam took part in a panel discussion on how countries could brand themselves. He spoke of how the island-state had invested in 'place-making' – such as bringing the Formula One race to its shores and creating the Marina Bay leisure and entertainment area – to make itself attractive as a destination for professionals, families and tourists. The session's moderator, chief executive officer of advertising giant WPP, Sir Martin Sorrell, was quick to predict that within the next five years, a major Western multinational would locate its global headquarters in Singapore.
In the next breath however, fellow panellist and World Tourism Organization secretary-general Taleb Rifai urged countries 'not to discount politics in brand-building'. He went on to stress the importance of strong political foundations and the rule of law, while emphasising a commitment to 'new values'.
Taken in the context of the opinions he expressed throughout the session, Mr Rifai was urging countries to strive for political stability as this would help to sustain their reputations as safe and attractive tourism destinations.
Some people at the session though did wonder if his comments were targeted at Singapore. Sir Martin, for one, immediately jumped in to highlight how Singapore's strong governance had been a winning factor in its success story, upon which Mr Rifai clarified that he was not trying to suggest otherwise. Mr Tan looked on, seeming slightly amused.
As the session moved to a close, a participant from Kuala Lumpur seated next to me said she was amused by what had occurred and asked if I had been present at Professor Schwab's 'faux pas' the day before.
I said I had, and added that I was equally amused by the reactions of panellists and participants. In my opinion, the panellists seemed to be making an unnecessarily concerted effort to protect the feelings of the Singaporeans at the summit.
'It is quite funny,' she replied.
'But well, for such a small country, you guys do have quite a big influence on those around you.'
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