When this article first appeared back in 2002, I was quite
amused that so many Professionals were piqued by Philip Yeos
remarks that seem to border on total irreverence for the title that
is awarded in recognition of the years of serious and diligent hard
work.
His intention was not to belittle the title and work responsibility
of a Professor, but was probably an attempt to educate the tertiary
students that real work begins when one becomes a
Professor.
In the field of bioscience technology, the highly qualified
Professor will be totally involved in research in a personal
capacity, which can hardly be delegated in its entirety.
His personal involvement can be likened to a factory level worker
tinkering away to complete a basic task, so as to contribute to the
final whole.
Towards this end, a business tycoon such as Li Ka Shing or Wee Cho
Yiaw, will probably be totally immersed in the daily activities of
their huge conglomerate, poring through reports of the performance
of each individual units that make up the larger unit - much like
that of an ordinary manager whom they would employ.
Even Sim Wong Hoo will probably be as much involved in the progress
of his many research teams, and putting his own two cents worth
if needed.
The continued success of Singapore - with some degree of permanance
- will have to depend on something more substantial then the past
involvement with the manufacturing of basic consumer items to earn
foreign exchange.
If one is to look back at Singapores arrival at the First World
Status, one can hardly see the actual substance that propel us to
such a status - as one would find in the other First World
Countries.
Do we have the industrial energy and structure as Japan, or even
Taiwan?
Do we have the critical mass of R+D Products that carry the local
innovative mark that is acceptable to the world, and from which we
can derive our source of wealth?
Do we have any product of substance that is similar to the Swiss
fame in watches, and high precision equipment?
Unlike the substance of Japan with its SONY, NISSAN, FUJI, HONDA,
MITUSBISHI, TOYOTA, CANON, and the other famous marques not listed
here; or that from Korea with its SSANGYONG, HYUNDAI, L G,
DAEWOO; Singapores success and arrival at First World Status is
largely due to the financial dealings that result in a massive
accumulation of Foreign Exchange in our Treasury that is beyond the
size of any other island state, with a minuscule population
compared to other First World Countries.
Singapores success is liken to a pack of cards, that tremble
nervously whenever there is a strong breeze or sneeze, or a
gigantic tremor when someone accidentally shake the table; as was
seen in the last three economic crisis in 1987, 1997 and
2003.
To achieve real First World status, we need to have more Singapore
researched products that carry world status marques, similar to
CREATIVE.
This need not be in manufacturing, nor in technology, but can also
extend into any realms of human endeavor; so long as it generates
world acceptance that earn revenue for Singapore, and not creating
wealth by internally generated consumption leading to accumulation
of locally collected revenue making up the bulk of our
Reserves.