Rommel Gavieta’s Post

This is the truth about Singapore's 700-year-old history. We were not just a fishing village chanced upon by the British in 1819. In reality, our rich history began with Sriwijaya in Palembang, Southeast Sumatra, followed by Temasek (14th century), Melaka (15th century), Johor (16th to 18th century), and finally Singapore (since the 19th century). The fact that Singapore today, exists as an independent nation-state is the biggest aberration of our long and contiguous history. How did we arrive here? What are the implications? What, then are the continuities in Singapore? In my episode with Tai Yong Tan, one of Singapore's most eminent historians and the President of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), we explore the evolution of this tiny island we now call home and why Singapore represents the idea of smallness unconstrained.

President Masahiro Tatsumisago led a delegation, which included Vice President Takaaki Shigematsu and Vice President Toshiyuki Matsui, on a goodwill visit to Indonesia from November 6 to 8, 2024. The delegation engaged in direct exchanges with several top universities, including IPB University, Institut Teknologi Bandung, University of Indonesia, and Diponegoro University, and government agencies such as Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional RI (BRIN RI), Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Republic of Indonesia, UCLG Aspac, and the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, to gain insights into local trends and sentiments. With Indonesia’s rapid growth, the further expansion of educational and academic exchanges is greatly anticipated in the near future. 🔗 President Tatsumisago leads goodwill tour of Indonesia to gain insights into local trends and sentiments https://lnkd.in/eTvsYkb8

Just wrapped up an incredibly inspiring meeting with a delegation from Huzhou, China, led by Mr. Li Shangkui, Chairman of Huzhou Municipal CPPCC. What an eye-opening experience! The energy in the room was palpable as we explored ways to bridge the gap between Chinese businesses and the Southeast Asian market. It's clear that Singapore is poised to play a pivotal role in helping Chinese companies spread their wings globally. 🌏🚀 But here's the exciting part - it's not just about Chinese businesses coming to SEA. There's a golden opportunity for Singaporean companies to make their mark in Huzhou too. Talk about a two-way street of growth! 🤝 One moment that really stuck with me was when Ms. Shen Xiajun, Deputy Secretary of Anji County, proudly shared that Anji is the "hometown of chairs." Did you know that for every two chairs exported globally, one comes from Anji? 💺🏭 We also dove into the crucial role of education in fostering global talent. There's a shared vision to create more opportunities for students from both countries to interact, understand each other's cultures, and develop the skills needed in our increasingly interconnected world. 🎓🌍 As I reflect on today's meeting, I'm filled with optimism about the potential for collaboration between Singapore and Huzhou. Whether it's in business, education, or cultural exchange, the future looks bright for both our regions. . . . #Singapore #China #BusinessCollaboration #GlobalOpportunities #BeltAndRoad #CrossCulturalExchange

I was in Hainan to participate in the Bo'ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference for the first time. At the panel discussion on "Asia: Building an Epicentrum of Growth", I shared about the vibrancy of Asia’s economy. To fully tap on the region's potential, we must continue to push for greater regional integration and collaboration among ourselves through regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Asian nations must also forge stronger cooperation to seize promising economic opportunities in new sectors such as green economy. Let's come together to address challenges, drive regional development and realise the region's potential. #BoaoForum #AsiaGrowth

Malaysia presents a case where modernization has been influenced by both Western and Asian models. Following independence, Malaysia initially adopted some Western-style policies for industrialization but has increasingly drawn lessons from China's development model in recent decades. The country's approach emphasizes economic diversity while integrating traditional values into its modernization efforts, showcasing how non-Western societies can adapt and innovate within their unique contexts

Lessons in Holistic Development from Malaysia. https://lnkd.in/evgGandz

🇸🇬 Three documentaries over two and a half hours, on my off day as Singapore celebrates its 59th National Day today. I find myself inspired by the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. The documentaries 'Follow That Rainbow,' 'Lee Kuan Yew: In His Own Words,' and 'I Remember Lee Kuan Yew' offered a profound understanding of the ethos that shaped this vibrant nation. These documentaries resonated deeply with me, especially Lee Kuan Yew's unwavering commitment to building a harmonious multi-racial society. It's something I cherish deeply living in Singapore, and his leadership in this area is truly inspiring. The emphasis on lifelong learning, exemplified by his dedication to mastering Mandarin even in his later years, is a powerful reminder that growth and self-improvement never stop. And then there's Singapore's lush greenery - impossible not to admire. Lee Kuan Yew often pointed to it as a testament to the nation's ability to deliver on its promises. It's a powerful message to anyone visiting or living here: in Singapore, things get done, and they get done beautifully. Happy National Day, Singapore! Here's to many more years of prosperity, growth, and continued dedication to lifelong learning and harmony! 🎉 #SingaporeNationalDay #LeeKuanYew #LKY #LifelongLearning #Harmony #Prosperity #Growth

S. Rajaratnam, The Authorised Biography, Volume Two: The Lion’s Roar “Irene Ng’s biography of S. Rajaratnam is a monumental and painstaking record of the life, beliefs and moral courage of a core member of Singapore’s founding generation of leaders. Rajaratnam’s significance is more than a matter of history. The principles he advanced as our first foreign minister to secure a small country’s interests remain central to how Singapore shapes its destiny in a tumultuous world. So too his inexhaustible optimism, even in the darkest of times, as this compelling narrative brings to life. Yet Rajaratnam’s deepest imprint was in his vision of a multiracial Singapore, encapsulated in the national pledge for which he was principal author. It was his most powerful conviction: that we can and must be one united people, regardless of race, language or religion. The diversity of our cultures gives Singapore strength. But Rajaratnam’s conviction that Singaporeans could create a national identity that transcends and takes priority over other affinities remains what we must live up to. The Lion’s Roar should be read by new generations, today and tomorrow.” —Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore

Check out this presentation on Cultural Intelligence. Cultural Intelligence in teams fosters innovation by blending diverse perspectives, enhancing collaboration, and adapting to market needs to fast forward adaptability and innovation. #CQforInnovation #inclusive #diversity #innovation