We met the president of Singapore and went on a night safari

Cary:



Tuesday began bright and early with a wake up call at 7:15 a.m. or 6:15 p.m. back on the east coast. Breakfast lasted from 8-8:50 and is done in a very western style. They serve eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, croissants, and many other breakfast items one might find back in the United States. The buses left promptly at 9:00 for the opening ceremony of the Voices of the Future program. As we have all learned, the Singaporeans place a huge emphasis on punctuality and following the predetermined schedule. It seems that every fifteen minutes of the day is planned out. We arrived at Singapore Management University to hear the speakers for the day. The first was Dr. Vivian Balikrishnan, the Minister of Community Development. He spoke about the global economic recession and the measures the global economies are taking to address the problems. Also, he emphasized the role that the youth would play in building a better future. After he spoke a tea break ensued, and Dez, Kelly, and I met him with Dr. Gordon. Hannah was not present because she was being interviewed by a Chinese television station. Following tea, Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, the CEO of Banyan Tree Holdings, a prominent Asian hotel corporation, spoke and provided a great deal of shock to the audience. He gave a very blunt speech and led off with the question: How can the youth listen to the older generation when they have created the current problems of climate change and the global economic recession? He emphasized a need for greater social entrepreneurship and a return of morals to the business world. He probably articulated his disdain for investment bankers at least three times during his speech. A panel discussion ensued with two other businessmen from Singapore and the students were allowed to ask questions. Kelly and I both took advantage of the opportunity. Following the panel discussion, we had lunch even though they seem to feed us at every break. I will probably gain some weight on this trip. Our opportunity to meet the president of Singapore came after lunch when we went to The Istana, official state grounds where many Heads of State are met by the Singaporean president. President S R Nathan arrived around three o'clock. He took the time to shake everyone students hand. After the president completed his rounds, I had the opportunity to approach Dr. Balikrishnan again because he had accompanied the president to The Istana. I asked him about race relations in his country, and how the lessons Singaporeans have learned could be applied in the United States. After meeting the president everyone returned to the hotel to get ready for the Night Safari and dinner. We all had a buffet dinner at the night safari that had dishes from most of the member economies. Once people finished their dinner, the night safari awaited. On the night safari there were a number of different animals from tropical areas in Asia, Africa, and South America. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and the native tribal dancers who continuously walked around the park beating their drums and dancing. Tuesday was a great day for the entire Furman APEC group, and Wednesday promises to be quite exciting as it is the first day of the ABAC meetings.