Our relations with India cannot be better. Thanks to Chok Tong for spear heading this drive into India and the signing of CECA. There are so many Indian businesses operating here, the biggest among the foreign countries. And they are 200,000 India professionals working here, helping to shore up the property prices. And there must be at least half a million Indian workers helping up in the construction industry and building HDB flats for Sinkies and keeping the construction cost low. This must be a win win formula for both countries.
Chok Tong is there in India again probably discussing for more social and economic cooperation. There will be a one year long celebration in both countries in 2015 to commemorate the growing relations and cooperation between the two countries. This social economic and political copulation could lead to more big things to come. GIC and Temasek would now be able to invest more of their treasure chests in India. Many Sinkies can also look forward to working in India. Our jobless PMEs can discard their taxis and security guard uniforms and move to India for more lucrative jobs as professions and managers once again.
India is a big country and full of opportunities. Sinkies must not always think of working here. Think overseas, and India is where they could find their fortunes in rupees. The next super power will have more than a billion people and a subcontinent to offer. Look at the opportunities and possibilities to help rebuild India.
Our students can also study in Indian universities. India is well recognised for IT and finance expertise. We can train more finance professionals in India and let them follow the Indians to conquer all the financial centres in the world, from New York to Singapore.
Chok Tong has made a big difference by venturing into India. Forget about the old Swiss Standard of yore. That is passé, obsolete, no longer attractive. Dream India, think India. That is the future.
Chua Chin Leng AKA Redbean
*The writer blogs at http://mysingaporenews.blogspot.com/