We, Singapore exist but to serve...

I had a fascinating conversation today. Normally this doesn't happen, but it touched on a topic that tends to get me going. It was about how Singapore is not a country, but actually a business...

One word... DUH!

Of course Singapore is a business, how do you think it actually managed to prosper while other more mineral rich countries crumbled under the pressure of growth. Singapore stopped seeing itself as a country where everyone is a unique individual and is part of a great family, but people to them as merely employees, mostly under appreciated, but there are a select few who are kept happy. These being big MNCs who come into the country and invest heavily here, simply because the laws are skewed towards big business.

How could someone who grew up in a more free society exist under a somewhat totalitarian rule, which is extremely oppressive. He can't, which is why Singapore encourages skilled foreign expats from more disadvantaged countries simply because they need to fill the gaps created by those who leave for the so-called greener pastures. As cruel as this sounds, Singapore doesn't exactly care if the their entire working force is made up of foreigners or naturalized Singaporeans.

Not being Singaporean, this bothers me only a little bit, cos frankly right now i can't see my future in this country. That doesn't mean I won't end up retired over here, but it does mean it might not be my first choice of a retirement home. Also not being Singaporean means the odds are in my favour to take over from the original inhabitants and become a Singaporean in time.

However coming back to main fact that Singapore is big business rather than a small country makes me wonder if there was a massive natural disaster and half the population was wiped out, what would Singaporeans actually feel. Would this be a time of great sadness for those who passed or an opportunity to take over from those who normally would block your path. Frankly keeping the country in this business like frame of mind does not breed compassion amongst its minions or citizens, deciding on how you look at it.

This situation would be troubling for those who don't quite understand the workings of the Singaporean juggernaut, but it is in itself a contradiction, which for some weird reason works.

Peace.