DPM Teo says Asia needs to grow in sustainable way

via Khmer NZ News Media

By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 05 July 2010

SINGAPORE : Asia needs to grow in a sustainable and responsible way, as the world focuses its attention on sustainability and green issues, says Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo was speaking at the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative alumni forum on Monday.

He noted that Asia's sustainable growth is one of three key areas which the region needs to be mindful of as Asia experiences rapid growth.

Another concern is Asia's ageing population. Mr Teo noted that Asia is ageing faster than the rest of the world and needs to think about how to ensure quality of life in future.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of fostering greater understanding and respect among youths in the region.

He said the forum is an example of efforts to improve inter-cultural understanding. Mr Teo said platforms like these are also important as the world gets more connected.

He added that while global connectivity is expected to improve innovation, it could expose new social vulnerabilities.

Mr Teo said: "The significance of multicultural understanding amongst all of you cannot be understated, as you are the one who will shape our future.

"Considering the social and cultural diversity both within ASEAN and in the world, misconceptions about countries, cultures and religions are bound to arise.

"Such widespread misconceptions can spread rapidly via the Internet and its influence on youths could affect the ties and understanding that they build with their counterparts."

Participant Melody Wong said: "The biggest help is the fact that I am enlightened in knowing that I can do much more than maybe even being in one physical location. That's why I'm now in China for the past five years and (have) the ability to interact with different people."

The Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative is a programme aimed at grooming future leaders in Asia by getting the best students in the region to participate.

The alumni forum is attended by some 300 participants from the region.