Through the Eyes of Tiger Cubs: Views of Asia's Next Generation

Young Asian ideas from the Asia’s Challenge 2020 essay contest are showcased in a new book, Through the Eyes of Tiger Cubs: Views of Asia’s Next Generation

A new generation is coming to power in Asia. Where their parents’ lives too often were defined by hunger, war, and revolution, Asia’s youth have grown up in the midst of the biggest economic boom in history.  Today’s young Asians are better-fed, better-educated, and have access to the world through the Internet in a way that would have been unthinkable at the time they were born. What are their worries, and what are their ideas for solving Asia's many challenges?

To answer these questions, the Asia Business Council, Time, and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore sponsored a contest asking young Asians to choose Asia’s most pressing ten-year problem and put forth solutions.

Nearly 400 contestants from 21 countries and economies answered the call. This book looks at the world through the eyes of these Tiger Cubs.

One set of challenges centers on Asia’s people. More Asians than ever before are in school, but young Asians worry that educational systems lag the needs of tomorrow’s economy. Despite high economic growth, many people are left behind. Tiger Cubs in South and Southeast Asia worry about too many people; many others, especially those in East Asia, worry about too few people and aging societies.

Another group of challenges involves Asia as a region. Environmental stress is growing. Governance is too often corrupt and inefficient. Armed conflict still simmers in too many places.

These key issues—and their solutions—are the heart of this book. It offers a unique perspective on Asia’s challenges through the eyes of the generation that will be taking the reins of power.

Mark L. Clifford and Janet Pau of the Asia Business Council have combined essay excerpts with Council research to highlight young Asians’ concerns. Along with excerpts from more than 80 essayists, the book includes winning essays. These are:

• ‘I Have a Dollar. My Neighbor Has a Million’ by Sarabjit Singh from India
• ‘Healthcare in Asia: A Roadmap for the Next Decade’ by Gemlyn George from India
• ‘Asia’s Challenge 2020: Getting the Basics Right’ by Rohit Pathak, from India
• ‘Decoupling from the West’ by Loh Su Hsing from Singapore

For more info about Asia Business Council, visit: http://www.asiabusinesscouncil.org/