I鈥檓 currently visiting the nation of Singapore as part of a delegation from the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce.聽 This is my first visit to this tiny island nation and it鈥檚 been a truly eye-opening experience on a number of fronts.
Born as a nation in 1965 after more than a century of British colonial rule, this city-state of less than 6 million people has rapidly become one of the most advanced nations in the world with architecture and infrastructure that is truly 21st century and an economy based on global trade and knowledge-based industries committed to innovation.聽 It鈥檚 a place where research universities like the National University of Singapore work hand in hand with government and business to advance the industries of tomorrow.聽 From clean energy, to artificial intelligence to smart cities to biomedical research, Singapore is pulling together in the same direction and it鈥檚 quite astounding to see.
I鈥檓 well aware that democracy in Singapore does not flourish quite the same way it does in the U.S. or other western democracies and that dissent is not well-tolerated.聽 However, the amount of money that the government puts into 鈥渃ommon good鈥� needs like housing, mass transportation, parks and green spaces and health care is admirable and ensures that basic needs of citizens are well provided for.
Tonight we will have a reception at the U.S. ambassador鈥檚 residence where I will have a chance to meet some of our 91探花alumni who live and work in Singapore.聽 We have more than 500 Huskies in the country and I鈥檓 anxious to meet them and learn more about this amazing place where innovation is happening everyday.