SINGAPOREANS are known for pursuing the 5 Cs - cash, credit card, car, condominium and country club membership.
Unfortunately, in the pursuit of these, important values have been eroded and replaced with negative traits, which does not augur well for Singapore's future.
Two articles published last Saturday ("Culture of financial industry needs to change: Menon" and " 'More Singaporeans feel that they are owed a living' ") raised this concern.
In the first article, Monetary Authority of Singapore managing director Ravi Menon was quoted as saying: "Without sound ethics, there can be no trust. Without trust, there can be no confidence. And without confidence, there can be neither growth nor stability."
In the second article, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce chief Victor Mills said materialism has become "a key determinant of the value of human life".
Singaporeans need to develop not just competence but also character and compassion, in order for the nation to progress.
Character growth means developing moral values, ethics and the humility to learn and accept constructive feedback.
Compassion implies care and concern for others, consideration for the collective and the community, and accepting others with disabilities.
We need to be wary of conceit, covetousness and complacency in our attitudes and interactions with others.
Competence without ethics and the right values produces only unscrupulous individuals who succeed at the expense of others and society.
It is pertinent for our education system, civil service and companies to develop and nurture the right values in people. It would be short-sighted to focus only on academic results and technical know-how.
Quek Koh Choon (Dr)
Unfortunately, in the pursuit of these, important values have been eroded and replaced with negative traits, which does not augur well for Singapore's future.
Two articles published last Saturday ("Culture of financial industry needs to change: Menon" and " 'More Singaporeans feel that they are owed a living' ") raised this concern.
In the first article, Monetary Authority of Singapore managing director Ravi Menon was quoted as saying: "Without sound ethics, there can be no trust. Without trust, there can be no confidence. And without confidence, there can be neither growth nor stability."
In the second article, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce chief Victor Mills said materialism has become "a key determinant of the value of human life".
Singaporeans need to develop not just competence but also character and compassion, in order for the nation to progress.
Character growth means developing moral values, ethics and the humility to learn and accept constructive feedback.
Compassion implies care and concern for others, consideration for the collective and the community, and accepting others with disabilities.
We need to be wary of conceit, covetousness and complacency in our attitudes and interactions with others.
Competence without ethics and the right values produces only unscrupulous individuals who succeed at the expense of others and society.
It is pertinent for our education system, civil service and companies to develop and nurture the right values in people. It would be short-sighted to focus only on academic results and technical know-how.
Quek Koh Choon (Dr)
