The value of everything that we've lost

A FOREIGN friend once made this observation of Singapore and Singaporeans: "You guys are highly successful, materially speaking. You know the price of everything you have. But I'm not sure you know the value of everything you lose."

I didn't think much about his question at first. Perhaps he was just joking or just being a mite jealous, coming from a neighbouring country which is grappling with a host of problems in many areas, from social harmony to government ethics.

But on reflection, I must say he had a point.