"PM announces measures to encourage people to have more children"
Not a new eye catching policy to improve our government's standing in the polls but a headline in a Singaporean newspaper. So different is the approach of this South East Asian nation's government to low fertility rates that it funds several dating agencies.
While culturally there are differences there are strong business and educational links between the UK and Singapore and many more areas of common interest. During a short visit I was struck by the determination of an Islamic school not only to ensure good academic standards but to develop their own religious leaders who understood modern Singapore and are therefore best able to help young people live out their faith. Similarly, in the UK, there is a lot of work underway to develop the leadership skills of young people led by Muslim community organisations.
I also met Foreign Minister, George Yeo who as Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations played an important part in getting Burma to accept international aid following cyclone Nargis. We discussed the future for Burma and what role neighbouring countries could play in trying to encourage greater democracy.
Posted at 11:50 20 August 2008 by Meg Munn | Comments[0]
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