Pitch
Asean members should collaborate to establish Asean Economic Community in a close-knit network that reflects indigenous kampung spirt
Description
Make life easier/more difficult for Singapore?
Easier
Describe the change
ASEAN can tackle economic problems in an open and sharing style, like the kampung spirit that identifies local culture. There are two areas for collaboration: Cross-boundary haze and renewable energy
Cross-boundary haze is detriment to the health of people and economy. Each country should share its expertise and resources openly. Singapore's strength is in R&D, finance and project development. Indonesia has vast land and natural resources. For example, we can explore whether forest peat can be turned into Biochar. This will also alleviate local poverty
Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar have healthy economic growth. This entails more energy consumption. To control climate change, renewable energy should be deployed. ASEAN should pool their resources to collaboratively develop renewable energy
The pre-requisite is proper institutional and legal framework, but kampung spirit with willingness to share is critical for success.
How will this change impact Smart Nation Singapore in 2030?
In 2030, Singapore would be more integrated into the ASEAN community, by tapping into the growth of the region.
There would be more unity within ASEAN as each member state is more inter-dependent of one another for economic growth and success. People of ASEAN would be more closely knit as there would be more interactions at the national, economic, social and cultural level.
If successful, ASEAN Economic Community will serve as a blueprint for other regional blocs to emulate, as it recognizes and amplifies the indigenous nature of the member states.
There would be additional impetus and dynamism for ASEAN as a whole as it would be a testament to the ASEAN spirit in solving cross-boundary issues, such as the haze and renewable energy deployment to control climate change. In other words, ASEAN as a collective group has turned challenges into opportunities.
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