Are we developed?

Two months ago, APEC decided to raise Singapore into the league of developed countries. While the decision is not unexpected, one wonders if Singaporeans are aware of what they are in for.

In a speech given at the Economic Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong disclosed why Singapore was not quite a developed country as yet.

Firstly, our technology has not made the grade. Secondly, companies which we consider big locally are pea-sized in the international arena. Thirdly, relative to developed countries, the educational level of our average worker is still low. But most importantly, we need to improve our substance as Singaporeans.

-- Lainhe Zaobao, Singapore