Manu Bhaskaran, founding director and head of Centennial Asia Advisors, returns to Kopi Time ahead of Singapore’s 61st birthday. We begin by taking stock of Singapore’s recent economic performance, with growth accelerating and investments surging. Manu walks us through the sectoral outcomes and productivity developments, noting that while the electronics industry is leading the charge, growth is more broad-based. We then talk about health and education outcomes, demographic challenges, and the thorny issue of inequality. Manu shares his ideas on social safety expansion, especially with respect to the cost of childcare, but also elderly care. We transition to Singapore’s symbiosis with neighbouring jurisdictions, particularly Johor. We conclude with geopolitics, and the challenges of balancing great power rivalry.

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