Next lap: to be more open, diverse, inclusive

Singapore

AS the Republic adapts to a new economic normal, it must also evolve into an open, diverse and inclusive society, business leaders urge. This is a popular view among 51 chief executives polled in The Business Times' "Singapore beyond 50" survey on their aspirations for the country's future - as Singapore turns 51.

Some 52 per cent of the respondents say that diversity (from globalisation and increasing talent mobility) is essential for economic growth, and 38.5 per cent say that it's the mark of an enlightened global city. But there are also sentiments that Singapore is crowded as it is, and diversity will change its essence.