Eid and Brexit in Singapore

First blog post. Who would care? The impetus to share one’s experience with the “world” can be borne of ego, money, the desire to exist or just being bored with life. I’m not sure what’s my reason. I do know my travels are mine own and I have travelled so much over the last 20 years, that there must be something that I can share that is worth not just my while. Every trip has something in it, due to the trip itself or its context, the people you meet and the world issues at hand.

I’m in Singapore for the nth time. I’ve been coming here a few times a year since the mid 90’s. How it’s changed. But today I’m here for business, networking, finding solutions and investments, crossing ideas and trying to figure out if Brexit has implications here. I don’t see why but let’s not take things for granted. Today is a holiday in Singapore. Hari Raya Puasa, which celebrates the Muslim Eid el fetir. Singapore makes a special effort in allowing religious integration and thus has Buddhist, Christian and Muslim holidays celebrated.

Reflecting on market turmoil and the Brexit consequences seems a bit remote when here. I’m wondering if that could be the campfire that lights the really big fire unconventianal monetary policy has kept away. Economic numbers will show us the way, but as of now the news flow is bearish on the UK economy. Will it be enough to derail the tepid global growth?

Democracy’s Limits?

Asking the “people” via referendums rather than going through the elected representatives is risky if not handled properly. Switzerland has a direct democracy, borne out of the compromise required when the confederation built itself, and has a couple of centuries, if not more in some Cantons, of practice. In the rest of Europe it is rarely applied, and we can see why. The issues at hand are complex, and in a effort to simplify the debate snippets and tag lines replace reasoning and discussion. It is the most powerful key words that win, in this case “£350mio a week to NHS“, or that a vote to Leave would mark “independence day”. In the global political shift away from left/right split towards anti-establishment voting, the debate was one where any rebuff was seen as an attempt of the system to protect itself, “Project Fear”. And now reality sets in and voters feel they’ve be robbed.

Duty Free Singapore 

One of the weird joys of travelling involves wondering around airport shops. In larger airports it can be relaxing and fascinating. Port in Lisbon, Macarons in Paris, and electronics in Singapore (and HK!). For a geek traveler there is always something new and fascinating that you didn’t know you wanted but now clearly do. Waterproof and wireless MP3 Player/Bluetooth earphones, and air cleaning car USB charger. Not that wasn’t a typo. I didn’t buy one but I may well regret it next time my dogs are in the Tesla…. I did buy the earphones though.
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