Ideas for an Asia Century- Creating a new model

In a previous blog, I challenged is the western model the best model for the east such as Asia to achieve a higher standard of living. Asia is at the cross road, as in recent years, they have rapidly developed into a modern nation. They have the knowledge, potential, and resources to build a new model that can integrate sustainable practices, but the choice is theirs in how they define a higher standard of living. The economist group has recently held a conference in Singapore on October 18, 2011 on the topic of the Next Big Idea for an Asian Century. Three finalist was short listed. One finalist, who is an NUS student, described the Next Big Idea is to Redefine our World through words, values we place on what developed means to us. I agree with his insight, in that going into the next century is about redefining perspectives and attitudes individuals have towards the future.

Below is Chua Yuan Cheng's submission, copied from the conference website:

Redefine Our Wo(l)rd

Will it be an Asian Century? Or will it going to be a reflection of the Western world in the 20th century? Times have changed, but our language has not. Words like development, wealth, business, rich and developed continue to demonstrate our reliance on the Western world for ideas. What do those words actually mean?

I believe that it is time for us in Asia to write our own narrative of what our future would be, and not blindly copy the Western growth model of the 19th and 20th centuries. And it must start by redefining the words we use.

What does being developed means to us? Is it the ability to churn out goods like machines and pursuit them blindly? Or does it encompass more? Like the ability for all to access uncontaminated food, air and water; to be happy and carefree in our professional and family lives; to participate freely in society without fear or favour; to be able to enjoy nature and the biodiversity we are bestowed with.

What does being wealthy means? Is it the ability to own many luxury cars, houses and yachts that we may not even use? Or is it the contentment of one to share his love with and contribute to society; to build and sustain meaningful family and community ties; to be good steward of the environment and wildlife?

Ultimately, the end goal affects the process. How does Asia hope to be like in the 22nd century – the soul of our society; the efficiency of our cities; the ability for our descendents to enjoy an undisturbed nature environment, amid the hustle and bustle of city life – is all dependent on how we define our future, and by extension, the path we take. And it starts by redefining our words.

References:
http://www.economistconferences.asia/event/banyan-ideas-asian-century