This makes lot of sense- Lee Kuan Yew on building Singapore

- Singapore and Malaysia are working to create a cross-border special economic zone (SEZ) in southern Johor state, aiming to replicate China's success with Shenzhen. - The SEZ could attract billions in foreign investments, create 100,000 jobs in Johor, and bolster Malaysia's economy by $26 billion annually by 2030. - The initiative faces political challenges, including historical distrust and differing economic policies, but has high-level support from both nations. - The SEZ aims to ease border congestion with passport-free travel and a new rapid rail link, enhancing connectivity and economic integration. - Johor's data center boom and potential real estate surge highlight the region's growing appeal, with significant investments from tech giants and property developers. Source: [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-08-21/singapore-malaysia-want-to-build-a-shenzhen-style-special-economic-zone?srnd=homepage-asia)

I am fed up here as I don't see accountability anywhere. There was a Telugu Movie starring Mahesh Babu where he being CM says, in foreign, people are responsible and accountable and they made their lives beautiful. How amazing, right? I truly resonate with that thought We lack accountability in everything we do. - if something goes right, it's us, if wrong, it's them! - We don't hold our govt politicians on their promises, on delivering things of value - Companies go on screwing us, we don't give a damn. Refunds are processed without timelines, cases in country are backlogged for years and years - We cannot even keep our cities clean, our air pure and our water drinkable and we are least bothered by it - We cannot maintain our own infrastructure like Buses, railways, trains. We fucking are stealing mugs from railway toilets due to which it's chained (wtf!) We don't want responsibility and no one should question us. How are we really supposed to grow? Stringent laws in place helps with accountability of companies who at all times think how can I squeeze more money from people and screw them Accountability keeps everyone in check. Change my view!

Comment your book name and one liner why you are reading?

Whenever I read foreign media outlets, India is the new Asian Tiger that will outpace most emerging economies in growth. But Indian media and Indian people act like India is the worst place to be. The dichotomy is extremely confusing. Why is it that foreign media coverage on our economy is more favourable than our own hopes and aspirations from this country? PS: I am really big on Indian Exceptionalism, the belief that India's economic development and trajectory are unique or exceptional compared to other nations, driven by our large and diverse population, thriving middle class, our entrepreneurial spirit, and the emphasis on technology and innovation. Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-07/can-india-overtake-china-as-world-s-growth-engine-it-could-happen-by-2028

- Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong highlighted the economic and regional impact of rising US-China tensions in a national address. - Wong emphasized that the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is Singapore’s biggest geopolitical concern, affecting trade, security, and cooperation. - He noted that Singapore, heavily reliant on trade, is vulnerable to these tensions, with a trade to GDP ratio of 311% in 2023. - Wong warned of a changing global manufacturing landscape, with developed countries reshaping supply chains, potentially impacting Singapore’s role as a transshipment hub. - The speech, Wong’s first National Day Rally as PM, also addressed domestic policies on education, families, and housing, stressing the importance of social cohesion. Source: [Financial TImes](https://www.ft.com/content/f5c1592e-c2d6-4638-a12a-18f0355928aa)

Every year we work for almost 3+ months ONLY FOR GOVERNMENT. It really hits hard and an eye opener as we barely get anything in reverse.

Now that Christmas and New Year holidays are over. There will be less crowd at tourist destinations. Please suggest a foreign trip with a budget of 1 lac for a couple. Please mention if you have recently been to any trips and what was the total cost.