DAVOS (The Straits Times/ANN): At a time when globalisation is under pressure around the world, Singapore has to continue to bet on countries cooperating closely with one another, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday (Jan 22).
It has to up its game, raise its capabilities and bring in new investments that will connect it to centres of vibrancy and prosperity worldwide, and enable it to make a contribution to this growth, he added.
"We have to look after our own people, make sure that all these good things which happen in the world benefit not just Singapore, but benefit Singaporeans - across the board - so that they are able to take advantage of the jobs that we create, so that they are able to fend for themselves against global competition," Lee said.
He drew laughter from the packed room of 200 business leaders and officials as he made this observation at the dialogue with Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister.Lee replied:"Well, the smaller you are, the better you understand it." "But it is necessary to do that because once people no longer think that you are a serious interlocutor, calculating on your own behalf, you're written off, you're finished."
Asked whether he felt US-China trade tensions had peaked with the phase one trade deal reached this month, Lee said he did not think they had. He said he did not take such an optimistic view, noting that European countries were integrated before the First World War, but this did not stop miscalculations and tensions breaking out.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thunberg to Davos: Nothing has been done to stop climate changeDAVOS: Greta Thunberg brought a stark message to the business elite gathering in Davos: Everybody is talking about climate change, but nobody is doing anything.
Read more »
Davos financiers pump US$1.4 trillion into fossil fuels since Paris deal | The Malaysian InsightGreenpeace says financial institutions are complicit in climate change via their funding.
Read more »
Davos pushes ‘greener’ fuel for private jets leaving World Economic ForumForum has taken pains to push a green agenda this year to make conference more sustainable. FMTNews Davos
Read more »
Hong Kong leader in Davos charm offensive as protests persist | Malay MailHONG KONG, Jan 21 — For Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam this week's World Economic Forum in Davos is a chance to convince global business and political leaders that the Asian financial hub is back on track. After more than seven months of turmoil Hong Kong's status as a financial centre has come...
Read more »
Thunberg slams climate crisis inaction at Davos | The Malaysian InsightBasically nothing has been done, says teen activist.
Read more »
All public bus terminals to go cashlessPurchases to be made through e-wallet only when centralised ticketing system is fully implemented. FMTNews LokeSiewFook eWallet
Read more »