I assume getting couples to have more children is an uphill task in most of the developed Asia-Pac economies from Japan to Taiwan. Singapore is no exception I am afraid..ksl wrote:+1
I agree to a certain extent with TS.
The government here offer cash incentives for every child born, however in certain circumstances it could still be a problem..
Hunger, poverty and innocence can be a fertile ground for building a very driven and enterprising character. Kinda like what Steve Job saying "Stay hungry, stay foolish"...It takes a great deal of self discipline and individualism to break away from the poor end of society, we normally say only the strongest survive, forgetting that the disadvantaged are normally very street wise...
And I certainly can imagine that if I am some poor, under-nourished, poorly schooled Chinese 9 year-old living in some large family kampong back in 1960's Singapore, I would certainly be driven to get educated and a little more daring.
Ultimately, it is the parenting role that plays a huge part on the child's development.
That applies to blue-collar background of Steve's adopted parents.
Things do change, like you have just said. Nothing's static.The only difference is it for the worst or better?..in two generations Singapore has leaped ahead of everyone, which is undoubtedly frustrating for many from supposedly first world countries.
Fortunately, Singaporeans of the last 2 generations had made some very daring changes and sacrifices....They have my deepest respect and admiration for bringing this little accidental Nation to what we see today.
9th August...remember wasn't seen as a happy event by the locals just over 4 decades ago...