S'pore can afford to be more aware of neighbours’ speedy progress

Although I do research on South-east Asia, everytime I am in one of the region’s major cities like Jakarta, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, I am still always surprised by how fast these cities are growing (“The Big Read: As Asean economies take off, young S’poreans need to shed misperceptions about the region”; Sept 21). 

The sense of dynamism and hunger is strong, and I think in Singapore, in our past bids to look west for economic prosperity and emulation, sometimes we are just not aware of how fast our neighbours are catching up with us — and in many instances, leapfrogging us.

As the region develops, there may be more economic incentives to work and identify with our neighbours. But let us also not forget the shared aspects of culture and history that bind us to this region. This will only enrich our identities as Singaporeans.