Healthy Wealthy?

A study, spearheaded by the World Bank comparing the purchasing powers of currencies and living standards of 23 different Asian economies, revealed that Brunei was one of the richest economies based on per capita gross domestic product estimates, even beating out Singapore.

Unfortunately, they also found that we were the third highest spenders after Hongkong and Taiwan. Err... No surprise there!

It all sounds great at the outset... we are doing well compared to most of our neighbouring peers and should be grateful for the blessed prosperity. However, numbers have a funny way of shrouding other equally valid realities.

It's good to know that as 'an average figure' we're doing great but I am just as interested in the actual socioeconomic disparities within our community. Aren't you? Wouldn't you want to know how many of our kinsmen is struggling to feed their family?

What do we define as poverty in our own economy? (For those in denial, it's hard to imagine we are all doing equally well. There must be some who are more financially-downtrodden than others as is occurring in even richer, more developed nations.) If so, how many are affected? Who are affected? Is there any particular part of the population that is in more need than others?

But why bother to know?

Knowing would mean being able to direct or channel initiatives or measures to support and protect the at-risk populations from further poverty-related social afflictions such as drugs and crime, which would affect the rest of us as a nation, no?

Some may say that it is all part of a vicious cycle of poor education, upbringing and a lack of financial awareness. True, I do not disagree, it is just as much an individual issue but that does not stop Reality from rearing its ugly head i.e the role of poverty and when push comes to shove - something needs to be done to not just treat it - but STEM it from progressing further. Prevention is better than cure as any doctor would famously say... and it is way cheaper. A more productive nation, a safer country... less spending on trying to deal with social detractors. Lest we forget, "terrorism is primarily a by-product of poverty" - not guns and strong doctrines as we'd like to think. Not to say we are at risk in that context, no no... but it's a harsh reminder to us, the cost of complacency.

But what can be done to stem it? Well, my mind hasn't been bothered to stretch that far in all honesty (not at 3 am at least) but there's nothing to stop anyone from coming up with their own constructive suggestions. One could even take a leaf out of this inspiring man's book in his battle against poverty.

First steps are the most important - to simply get the numbers to first back the action is a step in the right direction. Such research only works to our own advantage and serves as an investment towards securing continued harmony and prosperity as nation. Wouldn't you agree?

'Nuff said.


Image: global moneybox by truebadour