Singapore tops ‘most competitive nations’ list

• we sacrifice

  24 May 10, 02:27

  FTP

  By Angela Lim – May 21st, 2010

  

  It’s official — Singapore is now the world’s most competitive nation.

  In the latest edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook released by the Lausanne-based Institute for Management Development (IMD), Singapore dethroned the United States  from its 16-year reign at the top.  Hong Kong comes in a close second after the Lion City.

  The yearbook is widely regarded to be the most updated and comprehensive ranking of the management of governments, businesses, people and infrastructure in industrialised and emerging nations. 58 key countries are assessed based on 320 different criteria including economic performance, government and business efficiency, exports, level of corruption and infrastructure.

  Under business efficiency, it listed key criteria such as productivity, labour market, finance, management practices as well as attitudes and values.

  Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Taiwan, Norway and Malaysia make up the Top 10 (see here for full list).

  Stephane Garelli, Director of IMD’s World Competitiveness Centre, observed that while Asian nations were as badly-hit as others by the financial crisis, they had the ability to pull themselves out of recession much faster.

  He tells TIME, “Singapore and Hong Kong suffered during the recession, but demonstrated a striking ability to rebound.”

  Compared with the Western world, both countries are reaping the benefits of strong expansion in the surrounding Asian region, he adds.

  He points out that during the first quarter of 2010, Singapore’s economy grew 13.1% and China’s 11.9%, while Europe struggled with a projected growth of only 1% this year. 

  As the largest industrialised nations like Japan, Germany and Great Britain continue to be saddled by debt, emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China are becoming more robust. 

  “For the first time, the emerging economies seem to create an economic bloc, which becomes increasingly self-sufficient and encompasses markets with a growing middle class, raw materials, money and global brands,” Garelli says.

  Check out his video.

  Yes, Singapore is tops but how about next year? Now that we’re No.1, it’s going to take even more hard work to keep our position.

• Bio-Hawk

  24 May 10, 03:29

  Another list to twist the facts!

• angel7030

  24 May 10, 08:40

  No wonder my pub business is good, people are earning well, labour market is tight and we also have to increase staffs paid inorder to hold them back, i think it will be a good year for Singapore...bearing all those euro and west crisis, Singapore should be sailing well into the next decade with a 10% GDP growth...invest now, invest now, invest now for investors, go ask for higher paid and good job for those looking or switching jobs, and for business peoples, time to make up your losses and make the best use of your talent to create a cheap, better and faster competitiveness. Its a labour now, you got to ask for more. Consumer Price index is also going to increase, maybe reaching 3%, that will be a set back for those lower income, if you pathetic paid is unable to cope up with inflation, you got to be thrifty and get a higher paid job so as to offset that 3% cost. But all in all, we will be seeing a better and bright short to long term growth for singapore, for those who are rich, they will get richer, and for those in the middle class, they might get better paid which is offset by the cost like car, house and other luxury goods which they like to buy and is certainly the biggest group of spenders, as for the lower income, just remain cool and ride with the rich to glory, upgrade both health and knowledge/skill for a better tomorrow, both in work and well being.

  by -Angel Lin-May 24

   

• βέτά

  24 May 10, 09:01

   

  All these competitiveness and growth.

   

  Does it translate to higher pay and better living conditions for the citizens?

   

  Australia's minimum wage is A$15 per hour.

   

  What is Singapore's minimum wage?

   

   

• angel7030

  24 May 10, 10:05

  Why need a minimum wage if you can command a US$50 per hour.

• dangerboi

  24 May 10, 11:28

  I foresee a widening income gap

• dangerboi

  24 May 10, 11:48

  it's also common sense that business owners want to earn big money and pay peanuts( relative to the amount that they are are earning.) 

• hasene

  24 May 10, 11:52

  Originally posted by βέτά:

   

  All these competitiveness and growth.

   

  Does it translate to higher pay and better living conditions for the citizens?

   

  Australia's minimum wage is A$15 per hour.

   

  What is Singapore's minimum wage?

   

   

  
  

  No implementation of minimum wage.   Lowest wage in Singapore is $3.50 per hour.  

  They are all working on the agenda.

• hasene

  24 May 10, 11:54

  Originally posted by dangerboi:

  I foresee a widening income gap

  
  No need foresee, it is happening now.   

• skythewood

  24 May 10, 12:01

  Originally posted by hasene:

  No implementation of minimum wage.   Lowest wage in Singapore is $3.50 per hour.  

  They are all working on the agenda.

  didn't know there is actually a published lowest wage. thought that it can go down to $1 if they really negotiate (in the US, steve jobs salary is $1 per year.)

• βέτά

  24 May 10, 12:02

  Originally posted by angel7030:

  Why need a minimum wage if you can command a US$50 per hour.

   

  Is that your per hourly charges now?

   

  Does it include the room?

   

   

• ~PEPPER~

  24 May 10, 13:08

  competion too fierce is bad. Japan more worst so many uni students. Taiwan uni students also many.

• we sacrifice

  24 May 10, 13:27

  Originally posted by angel7030:

  No wonder my pub business is good, people are earning well, labour market is tight and we also have to increase staffs paid inorder to hold them back, i think it will be a good year for Singapore...bearing all those euro and west crisis, Singapore should be sailing well into the next decade with a 10% GDP growth...invest now, invest now, invest now for investors, go ask for higher paid and good job for those looking or switching jobs, and for business peoples, time to make up your losses and make the best use of your talent to create a cheap, better and faster competitiveness. Its a labour now, you got to ask for more. Consumer Price index is also going to increase, maybe reaching 3%, that will be a set back for those lower income, if you pathetic paid is unable to cope up with inflation, you got to be thrifty and get a higher paid job so as to offset that 3% cost. But all in all, we will be seeing a better and bright short to long term growth for singapore, for those who are rich, they will get richer, and for those in the middle class, they might get better paid which is offset by the cost like car, house and other luxury goods which they like to buy and is certainly the biggest group of spenders, as for the lower income, just remain cool and ride with the rich to glory, upgrade both health and knowledge/skill for a better tomorrow, both in work and well being.

  by -Angel Lin-May 24

   

  You are . . . of no use as a human being except . . .. for offering sex . . . . and harassing by send PM to pour out rubbish  . . . .  in your role as a dirty cheap prostitute.

  Dear all posters/forumers (male), have you all received PM from  . . .. angel7030 . . . offering sex to you?

  06 May `10, 8:20PM

  angeI7030

  

  • Reply
  • Mark Read
  • Mark Unread
  • delete

  hi

  uncle.... why you everytime like to disturb me? call me cesspit all this.. you like me and want to gain my attention is it? if like that meet me at my pub la... you willing to pay i willing to play with you one... 

  20 May `10, 1:49PM

  angeI7030

  

  • Reply
  • Mark Read
  • Mark Unread
  • delete

  We

  uncle. i few days not here then when i come back you never welcome but scold me

  but okay. chinese said beating is doting scolding is loving. I know ur intention

• 11 May `10, 1:30AM

  angeI7030

  

  • Reply
  • Mark Read
  • Mark Unread
  • delete

  Re: hi

  uncle... nt slping yet ar?? lonely to slp alone? hahaz..

  Full Conversation

  07 May `10, 9:13PM
  angeI7030
  

  • Reply
  • Mark Read
  • Mark Unread
  • delete
  Re: hi

  aiya...uncle..... this one is only forum ma.... talk already and be happy then can le... y u care which account i use to send to u ya?

  I thoght you want to know me better ma.. thats y i pm u... i sad u dun like me.... make me sad...