#53: Desmond Wong: A Singaporean perspective on an economy of hope and well-being

Desmond Wong (a 34 year-old Singaporean) and I discuss the opportunities that Singapore presents to the world as an emerging Asian model for an economy of well-being. Having visited Singapore twice in 2018 I came to a deep appreciation of the the potential of this small Asian nation to become one of the most successful working models of an economy of well-being. We also cover the important influence of German philosopher Max Scheler (1874-1928) whose writings on ethics and values influenced the thinking of Pope John Paul II. on his own notion of a Civilization of Love. Who is Desmond Wong? He is a Singaporean Catholic who pursued his calling into the plural sector, from “grassroots and boots” to consulting for charities, government, and philanthropists. He has presented case studies on community operational research (OR) in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Desmond believes that purpose must inform our apparatus and actions, and that only people have phenomenal value, in every sense of the phrase. Rather than Pilatian listening to the crowds, we would do better by revisiting what is meaningful to us as living communities. Rather than ideology, we would do better in the light of both faith and reason, and the experience of love that takes us out of our comfort zone and sends us into the world. Desmond holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration, University of Hull, United Kingdom, a Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Psychology, Executive Education from Harvard University, United States, and is Full Member of the Singapore Psychological Society. “If we do not face our wounds, we will inflict wounds on others … We need to be found and carried … by someone who will leave the 99 … why? The shepherd says … ‘You may be a wounded sheep or a lost, useless coin, but … Here I AM … have no fear … your wounds, your sins can never diminish your worth for me’.” – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle