The Way I See It

When the going gets tough, the tough can handle it

Singapore and Germany have much in common. Both countries are poised to emerge from the pandemic as stronger and better versions of themselves

A queue for Covid-19 vaccinations in Berlin on Dec 27, 2020. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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I lived in Germany for three years in the early 2000s, cold calling senior leaders of German multinational corporations about investing in Singapore to accelerate their Asian expansion.

I had great success because many clients viewed Singapore as the Germany of Asia, with a disciplined and rule-based population, and where manufacturing is a key pillar of the economy.

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