Singapore-Malaysia Causeway, one of the world's busiest, turns 100

You’ll hear a Singaporean before you see them. I’m on leave in Melbourne, and I’ve bumped into many. Then again, they might just be Malaysians. Setting aside my Singaporean pride, the reality is the two countries share so much in common — beyond accents or Singlish/Manglish.

This week marks 100 years since the causeway connecting Singapore to Malaysia was opened. It’s one of the world’s busiest crossings and a vital arterial line for trade and people. 

It was constructed in an era of growing global prosperity, and driven by a development halfway around the world: the construction of the Suez Canal and the potential demand for commodities from the mines and plantations across the peninsula.

At a time when free trade is coming under assault, the centennial milestone of the causeway along with the recent announcement of the creation of a Johor special economic zone ought to be applauded, even replicated. 

But the reality is that globalisation and immigration have become political hot potatoes, especially in the world’s most important election this year - in the US. Policy wonks and keen observers will be watching the first presidential debate this week to see how Donald Trump and Joe Biden handle these issues.

Back in Singapore, similar sensitivities loom large. It wasn’t that long ago that Parliament fiercely debated a proposal to restrict immigration based on English proficiency. 

Such calls are understandable when English is the main language for business, society and the service industry and most of us are becoming monolingual. 

But just as Malaysians raised a ruckus over Malaysia’s teacher volunteer programme involving Singaporeans and the implications for local educational employment opportunities, I would urge us all to rethink the value of immigration and labour from elsewhere supplementing ours at a time of low birth rates and scarcity of talent. But more on this in another newsletter edition.  

Meanwhile here are my picks of the week to get yours started.

Cheers,

Suling

Are Singapore students really the world’s most creative thinkers? 

By Sandra Davie 

Singaporeans themselves may be sceptical about a study showing this, but they underestimate the value of everyday creativity.  

Tech layoffs: Are we out of the storm yet?

By Ravi Velloor   

There are some signs of a tapering of job cuts, but it is a lull before the onset of another AI-driven upheaval. 

The strange case of EU tariffs on Chinese EVs 

By Vikram Khanna   

Companies affected don’t like them, but their impact could end up being positive.  

Unlike the yakuza, Japan’s latest crime menace is anonymous and faceless

By Walter Sim 

“This is a prime example of a cat-and-mouse chase.” 

Ukrainian President Zelensky fails to achieve key diplomatic objectives at Swiss summit

By Jonathan Eyal

The result is a document that merely reiterates basic principles of international law about the sovereignty of states.