I thought it would be interesting to post a reply from a Singaporean living in the UK.
"I like this piece and I agree that not all systems used in the preferred Western countries can be applied to Singapore. Lots of us don't have the mental capacity even if Mr Lee cho...oses to dish out freedom of speech tomorrow!
There may be lack of benefits in Singapore, but looking at the benefits system in the UK, I feel it is not a bad thing. In the UK, you see complacency and expection from the government. There is no responsibility for oneself or your loved ones. In reality, benefits and healthcare system works well when you are claiming for it genuinely. But in the face of an economic crisis, when there are fingers pointing in all directions, from cutting benefits, to cutting medical staff, to cutting transport budgets (when winter and ice are coming), you realise how fragile this system is. This dependent system who relies on the government for a lot of things is suddenly weak on its feet. This country who has overspent for the last few decades is frantically trying to claw back money from every department now.
What works well in Singapore, is puzzling to many in the West and even came to the attention of the UN. You can give Singapore the freedom of speech, but I feel what it is lacking now is real passion and eloquency. It is full of whinging people. But hey, people always have something to complain about. Lived and worked in a few countries and my conclusion is, there is no greener grass anywhere. Yet. It is all our state of mind.
A lot of countries don't provide benefits or freedom of speech. They grow citizens of strength. Just look at our parents and grandparents. They came from nothing and worked surely and quietly, content with their environment. It didn't hurt them or their children. Look at us now, a picture of discontent and lost."
