BUTLER Magazine’s Post

"OUR SINGAPORE- ONE UNITED PEOPLE" BY MATT-Q https://lnkd.in/gGqGKHgY Those who study history and are in touch with current affairs also know that 'unity' is a loaded term. It can be a banner used for various purposes and agendas, and it depends on who is heralding the call for unity and the MORAL BASIS in which one is advocating and mobilising for it. To me, Singapore can become as disunited as other states IF we let our success get to our head, put the cart before the horse and end up missing the forest for the trees. Any nation is as good as the its people and the kind of values they uphold collectively. Nationhood is an intrinsic and intangible sense of shared identity and bond, which is different from a mere STATE, which may have the physical and mechanical systems and structures in place. Nurturing a people in a STATE is inherently different from building up a NATION where there is this unseen but undeniable shared consciousness and sense of belonging amongst the people, which is a goal that we have been striving to achieve with each successive generation since our independence. We have done so well in terms of being NUMBER ONE for so many physical achievements. But surely, we will make a much more powerful and lasting impact on the world if Singaporeans were known for their kindness, compassion and willingness to journey alongside with those who are different, disabled, need more understanding and help and to help one another 'get there'. Wouldn't it be great if Singaporeans were not all about the money, accolades and KPIs, which are all important ONLY if there is a COMMON MORAL ANCHOR holding us together where we learn to EMPATHISE, IDENTITY AND care for one another? I dare say that getting that anchor right is tantamount to setting the LONG TERM FRAMEWORK where we build the foundations of lasting wellbeing for our nation because we leave no one behind and success does not turn us into self centred, self absorbed and distant individuals just existing to get the best individual deal for ourselves? Unrealistic? Well, you can't stop one Singaporean who has struggled all his life to feel that he belongs here, from praying and hoping that it may come true, even if it sounds idealistic. #oneunitedpeople #onesingapore #nationaldaysingapore #matthewqueksingapore #dream #nationhood #belonging #identity

Today is Singapore’s National Day. Like me, Singapore hits the wonderful age of 59 years old today. Congratulations to all Singaporeans and to Singapore’s leaders for forging something truly impressive in a small tropical island. The story of Singapore is well told. But one of its more amazing achievements is maintaining racial harmony and balance in a region of the world known more for ethnic homogeneity than heterogeneity. As a Canadian and an immigrant to Canada from a parentage of (lightly) mixed ethnic variance, issues related to culture, ethnicity, equality, acceptance and the inverses, racism and bias are at the forefront of my mind, along with power imbalances between the elite and the disenfranchised. Although these are often verboten topics in polite company, even within discussions in university settings, I believe they are paramount to the future of SE Asia and East Asia. No large country with a declining population (see South Korea, Japan and mainland China) can survive and thrive if it does not adopt non-ethnic based principles of immigration. But, this will be tough! As a white male in Asia, I see labels applied to me across countries that are somewhat innocent in intent but place a focus on differences. Such wordings tend to be muted in countries with high immigration - like Canada, but they are lexiconic in various places in Asia. A caucasian person can be termed: Thailand - Farang Indonesia - Bule Cambodia - Barang (more for French) Singapore - Ang Mo Malaysia - Ang Mo Japan - Gaijin (more racially neutral) China - Waiguoren (more racially neutral) Vietnam - Người nước ngoài (racially neutral) Some might argue that these terms connote white privilege, others are clearly derogatory. Hong Kong - gweilo Vietnam - T…g Tây (not 100% on how to write this slur) Philippines - AFAM The latter is an interesting word in itself as it refers to a white foreign man in a relationship with a Filipina. It can have multiple connotations, some of which are pejorative. But when used by the marites’s (gossip hounds) of the world the connotation is negative, implying social climbing, racial biases, or sugar dating. Although just one example, it marks a trend where social mobility is restricted by the so-called crab effect. Indeed, going back to the issue of power assymetries and entrenched social statuses, certainly political and business elite have a responsibility to free resources so that the capable and motivated can achieve the so-called American dream anywhere in the world. But those who seek to climb, should be supported not impeded, by others in the same social stratum. Unfortunately, human nature dictates that behavior will be otherwise, much to my frustration given my love for Asia and my hope to see a better world here. Until such a world emerges in other countries in Asia, we can at least look to Singapore on the day of its 59th birthday where its version of meritocracy has worked. #singapore #equity

Happy Singapore National Day from ADEPT Decisions #decisionengine #decisionmanagement #creditdecisioning #creditriskmanagement #creditassessment #rulesengine #businessrulesengine #datascience #analytics #artificialintelligence #predictivemodelling #machinelearning #fintech #mobilemoney #mobilefinancialservices #financialinclusion

“Together, As One United People" is a powerful theme that encapsulates the essence of unity and collaboration in Singapore. As the nation advances as a Smart Nation, every individual plays a vital role in enriching and sustaining the fabric of Singaporean society, contributing to the nation's growth, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Singapore's commitment to becoming a leader in AI is reflected in the National AI Strategy 2.0, which aims to harness AI for public good, ensuring that technology serves to uplift both social and economic potential. This strategy emphasizes the importance of unity, resilience, and inclusivity, as we work towards a brighter future where every individual's unique contributions are celebrated. By fostering a collaborative environment between citizens, businesses, and the government, Singapore is not just embracing technology but actively defining the process of advancement in AI. Together, we will build a cohesive and harmonious community that thrives on innovation and trust. Majulah Singapura! 🇸🇬😊

Vietnam is so nice

ASEAN: The Next Frontier of Global Growth 🌏 I deeply resonate with the vision of positioning ASEAN as a key driver of global growth and impact. With over 660 million people and a combined GDP of $3.9 trillion, our region is a powerhouse of opportunity, innovation, and resilience. Figuratively, ASEAN is like a bridge—connecting East and West, past and future, diversity and unity. It’s where bold ideas meet action, and where collaboration can reshape the world. Together, let’s harness this potential to not just grow, but lead with purpose and sustainability. #ASEAN #GlobalImpact #RegionalLeadership #UnityInDiversity

ASEAN SHOWBIZ INVESTMENT AND TRADING EXCHANGE MALAYSIA My Idea for Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim “Showbiz Investment & Trading Exchange ASEAN” will be the center of investment in ASEAN showbiz industry. At the “Showbiz Investment & Trading Exchange ASEAN” showbiz producers and directors will present their plans of their new showbiz projects and will offer investment partnership opportunities to investors. For example a filmmaker in the region has a great story and wants to make a film on it but needs investment. He will present his plan and will offer investment partnership opportunities at the “Showbiz Investment & Trading Exchange ASEAN”. If he needs 10 million dollars he will offer 100 partnership deals of one hundred thousand dollars each. So investors can buy as many of these 100 deals as they wish. The filmmaker will share the profit with the investors after the release of the film. It's an example to explain the idea. The showbiz people utilizing the platform of “Showbiz Investment & Trading Exchange ASEAN” will have to pay its fees etc. The investors holding partnership deal certificates in different showbiz projects will also be able to trade their deal certificates to other investors at the Exchange. #Malaysia

Malaysia! 10th most peaceful country in the world! Last 25th December, the world's tallest twin skycrapper (Malaysia's twin tower) was lighted up in Christmas colours. If you read comments and perspectives from expatriates living in Malaysia, many expressed how lively & happening Christmas celebrations are in the country regardless of not majority celebrating Christmas. This indicates tolerance, diversity and peace are well celebrated in Malaysia. To back up this, the 2024’s Global Peace Index, an annual chart compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) has ranked Malaysia as the 10th most peaceful country in the world for 2024, which is second in the list for South East Asia, after Singapore, being ranked as 5th globally. Just for info to my non-Malaysian networks here, Malaysia population is mixed race of people living with various faith and tradition. What I hope as Malaysian, is that we continue to preserve and strengthen what belongs to our unique identity as "Malaysia, a trully Asia" where we celebrate the diversity, the multifaith & multicultural living. We are welcoming 2025 with a peaceful country.This means more investment are welcomed, more growth and stability are promised, and more opportunities for the nation. Ts. Nora Jane Wahab, APMP Sharing is caring, caring is part of #sustainability #diversity & #empowerment

ASEAN’s Second Renaissance Is Now Next year heralds a pivotal chapter for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with Malaysia assuming the chair. In a world increasingly divided into competing blocs, Malaysia is advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a strategic long-term plan that aims to guide the region’s growth and prosperity over the next two decades. This framework aspires to forge a future of inclusivity and resilience – one that will anchor peace and prosperity throughout Southeast Asia. https://lnkd.in/gmtrBSQQ

🌏 ASEAN's Second Renaissance Under Malaysia's Leadership The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at the threshold of a transformative era, as Malaysia prepares to assume its chairmanship in 2025. This pivotal moment will mark a bold stride toward realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045—an inclusive and resilient framework designed to secure peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the region. In his article, "ASEAN's Second Renaissance Is Now," YAB Anwar Ibrahim highlights how Malaysia's leadership seeks to address pressing global challenges. From mitigating supply-chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to fostering digital transformation and sustainable growth, ASEAN is set to chart a course toward greater unity and strategic autonomy. Key highlights of this vision include: ✅ Diversified Supply Chains & Infrastructure Investment ✅ Digital Transformation ✅ Inclusivity & Sustainability ✅ Strengthening Strategic Alliances ✅ Ethical Governance Under Malaysia’s stewardship, ASEAN aims not only to adapt but to lead, shaping global economic and cultural narratives. As YAB Anwar Ibrahim envisions, this second renaissance is a clarion call for Southeast Asia to rise as a beacon of peace, justice, and progress on the global stage. Let’s come together to celebrate this transformative journey and support the ambitious goals for ASEAN 2025 and beyond. #ASEAN2025 #Malaysia #ASEANRenaissance #Sustainability #Digitaltransformation