[Editorial] Listen to Singapore’s Lee

Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said in a lecture at Korea University yesterday, “China will be doing what Korea is doing now in 20 years,” adding, “Korea should create a whole new thing and make a leap.” He also said, “India will also catch up with China by 60 to 70 percent,” stressing that Korea needs to watch India.

Everyone knows that China and India are making rapid progress. However, only a few Koreans think the issue in terms of Korea’s competitive edge, just as Lee does. Lee is a leader who developed Singapore from a small port to Asia’s most competitive country during his 26-year tenure as prime minister. Korea needs to listen to his insight.

During his visit to Korea, he also offered advice by saying, “Penetrate the global market with the energy consumed for fight between labor and management and between political parties.” His remark helps Koreans, who are destroying themselves with excessive labor struggles and who are used to a dividing political strife, realize the importance of a competitive edge in the global market. It is not the sole duty of labor unions to stage a strike to share corporate profits, intervene in management and obtain job security. The political circles should also ask themselves whether it is desirable to make everything a political issue to gain political interests.

Also, Lee said, “Korea should also make a Bill Gates,” which means the country should create an environment, which could produce a CEO like Bill Gates, and offer its support. He probably meant that the country needs to nurture talent who could create jobs with their creativity and leadership and brighten Korea’s future in the world. This is something that the government should bear in mind. Those who quietly feed their people are prominent business leaders recognized in the world.

Lee offered leadership, stability of the government and consistency of policy as elements of success, saying, “Korea is seen as a ‘country of conflicts’ by other countries.” He pinpointed what we lack now but badly need. Korea’s future depends on how it accepts Lee’s valuable advice.