Professor Donald Low highlights the contrasting political climates in Singapore and Hong Kong, with Singapore fostering more open political discourse amidst rising civic engagement.
The podcast discusses the importance of Singapore's economic independence and the need for increased domestic consumption to navigate global trade tensions.
Low critiques Hong Kong's strict COVID-19 measures in his book, advocating for a more adaptable and pragmatic approach to public health.
Deep dives
Daily Coverage of the Elections
A daily podcast will be launched to provide comprehensive coverage of the upcoming General Elections in 2025, mirroring the extensive daily coverage during the 2020 campaign. The hosts emphasize their intention to visit every Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and Single Member Constituency (SMC) to capture the energy and dynamics of the ground campaign, aiming to foster engagement and participation among listeners. They encourage listeners to follow their journey, meet them in person, and subscribe to their newsletter for updates on their campaign trail activities. This approach highlights the interactive and immersive experience they plan to create for their audience.
Engagement in Singaporean Politics
The conversation touches on the heightened sense of political engagement in Singapore as the election approaches, with discussions of various pressing national and international issues becoming more commonplace among citizens. The podcast guests express a shared excitement regarding the upcoming elections, observing that political discussions feel more relevant and paramount compared to previous years. They explore how domestic political narratives, including new leadership and key issues such as economic policies, tariffs, and China’s influence, have led to increased public interest in the electoral process. This increased engagement is seen as a positive development for citizens seeking to shape their country's future.
Climate of Fear and Political Polarization
The discussion also delves into the stark contrasts between political climates in Singapore and Hong Kong, particularly regarding freedom of expression and public dissent. The guest discusses how Hong Kong experienced an erosion of political discourse and civil liberties following protests and the enactment of the national security law, leading to an atmosphere of fear where open criticism of the government has diminished. In contrast, Singapore has maintained a more open political environment, though challenges remain, such as balancing national security with civil liberties. The guest highlights their appreciation for Singapore’s pragmatism in handling political discourse, especially compared to the extreme measures seen in Hong Kong.
The Importance of Economic Independence
The guest emphasizes the significance of economic independence for Singapore as it positions itself amidst changing global dynamics, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. They explain that while Singapore is a trade-dependent economy, it has a diversified base that assures resilience against external shocks and downturns. The conversation highlights the need for Singapore to continue fostering domestic consumption to support its economy and lessen overreliance on global markets, especially as the international landscape evolves. By encouraging local production and consumption, Singapore can maintain its economic stability and growth amid global upheavals.
Lessons from Hong Kong’s COVID Response
The guest reflects on the contrasting COVID-19 responses of Hong Kong and Singapore, particularly how Hong Kong's strict zero-COVID approach led to severe economic and health repercussions. They discuss their book, which critiques the overreliance on suppression measures without considering alternative approaches that allow for living with the virus in a manageable way. The guest argues that being in Hong Kong during the pandemic has fostered a deeper appreciation for Singapore's approach, which emphasizes pragmatism and evidence-based policy. They underscore the lessons learned from the pandemic experience, particularly the importance of adaptability in public health measures.
Civic Engagement and the Role of Elections
As the elections draw near, the guest underscores the importance of civic engagement and the collective responsibility of voters to participate meaningfully in the electoral process. They encourage citizens to critically assess candidates not solely based on local municipal issues but through their potential contributions to national governance and policy-making. By understanding the primary function of parliament—to represent citizens' interests on a national level—voters can make more informed choices. Engaging in political discussions and debates can further galvanize public interest and awareness, ensuring that the electorate plays a proactive role in shaping the future of the nation.
★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★ Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!
Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, joins us to talk about his new book on COVID’s lasting impact on China, the consequences of Donald Trump’s tariffs & counterintuitive facts about the global economy. And of course, with his decade’s long experience in the Singapore civil service, we also discuss the upcoming GE2025, and how voters should think about the candidates.
Find Donald Low at the links below:
His book, The Price of Zero: https://thepriceofzero.org/
Donald Low on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.l.fc
(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans (00:52) Intro (05:14) Hong Kong vs Singapore COVID Response (07:15) China's Pandemic Management (12:28) Donalds Book: The Price of Zero (25:41) Hong Kong Political Climate (30:01) Resilience in Hong Kong and Singapore's Perspective (32:43) Social Contracts and Expectations (35:02) Trust in Government and Social Behaviour (36:58) MNCs Shifting from Hong Kong to Singapore (41:18) China's Economic Future and Global Impact (49:20) Singapore's Domestic Consumption and Trade Dependency (57:36) Economic Strengths and Trade Relationships (58:08) China's Trade Surplus (59:34) Singapore's Surpluses (01:00:17) Economic Policies and Accumulation (01:09:31) Economic Bans and Regulations (01:15:38) Municipal vs National Issues in Elections (01:21:52) One Shiok Thing
