Crisis? People or Finance?

Abreast the US economy "U-turns", banks are losing their gold mines and submerging in huge waves that spread mercilously across the globe. Even the huge and uprising Dragon (China) is in its impact and busy putting off the Milk Scare trauma, Singapore is no exception either. Economic crisis management is on the roll, businesses, investors and huge organizations are in the same boat altogether. The question is: while the business and economic giants are "mending" their path to cover the pitfall, what can Singapore do to secure public confidence and take this opportunity to address issues that will help in the long-run abreast the current, and failing global economies?

We, a small but strong nation that lies along the Straits of Malacca, as Singaporeans have to understand that we cannot just wait for miracles to happen or God to descend and save the economic crisis. Besides, it is vital to consolidate our achievement and prepare for the next economy rebound, and address the issues that may surface in the long-run. In order not to make this "crisis" moment go into waste, my suggestion to the government is: we should monitor closely to the global financial movements and tackle issues facing the national economy, but at the same time we can generate efforts to close up the income gap, increase nation's expertise and standards (I mean -strictly and particularly- the lower-income people), and contain the discrepancies that are currently facing the lower-paid and unemployed. I am confident that with feasible measures taken to help the lower-income and less-educated, Singapore will be at a winning position when the crisis is over.

If the government believed that a GST package can help to reduce the impact of GST rise, wouldn't a “personal upgrade” package enhance the lower-income workforce to become more efficient for the industries and improve their skills, knowledge and standards? I suggest that such package may be aimed at increasing the educational qualification of the lower-income and less skilled, through subsidies and financial assistance to satisfy their intentions to pursue a skill/knowledge “upgrade.”

With well-planned strategies in “poor” times like this, “rich” assets can be created not by economic figures (yet) but through betterment of the people who needs it more than those who are educated and employed. In fact, if we have to worry later about the growing income gap in future, why not take actions now when the time is right? Moreover, people is our most reliant resources in Singapore… I believed to help those who are less privileged, we will build a more cohesive nation that share the same voice and embrace the mission to strive hard for Singapore even during the bad tides. I sincerely hope that the government can receive my message here.

If the times are bad to do business, why not focus on the people first? Don't you agree with me?