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At the level of national development, developed country standards are full of temptation for every country that pursues development. However, near the equator of the Yellow Equator in Southeast Asia, there is a small country – Singapore – which has ample economic power but is reluctant to join the ranks of developed countries, and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East, despite its endless oil wealth, still hovers outside the threshold of developed countries. The two countries, two completely different circumstances and choices, also reflect that in the context of globalization, development is not only a competition of economic strength, but also a strategic choice.
First, let's look at Singapore, a small city-state once a British colony that emerged from the poverty and chaos of the aftermath of World War II. In a few decades, it has created the economic miracle of the "Asian Tigers", with an advanced financial system, a sound education system and efficient government management. By general standards, Singapore can already be described as a developed country. But Singapore is in no hurry to join the so-called "club of developed countries".
It has chosen to maintain its own pace of development, is well aware of the particularity of its small country, and does not pursue false names, but pays more attention to the quality and sustainability of actual development. Singapore's policies focus on technological innovation, national education, and building a harmonious society, rather than overly pursuing GDP growth. The reason why Singapore is "reluctant to enter" is that it has found a path that is more suitable for its own development, which does not need to be recognized by the outside world, but only needs its own persistence and improvement.
Another consideration behind Singapore's cautious approach to joining the ranks of developed countries is that joining the high-income bloc may come with more international responsibilities and obligations. Not only could this mean more expensive financial contributions on the global stage, but it could also face criticism and resentment from developing countries if these roles fail to meet expectations. Singapore is well aware of this balancing act and has therefore shown a cautious stance when considering whether to move into the developed world.
On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates, a country rich in oil resources, has a rapid economic development that is inseparable from the huge benefits brought by black gold. Dubai, a glamorous modern metropolis, has become a symbol of wealth and fashion in the minds of many people. However, it will not be easy for the UAE to enter the ranks of developed countries, firstly, because its economy is too dependent on oil as a resource and lacks diversification, and secondly, because its social system and human rights record still need to be upgraded and improved. The country's diversity, openness and sustainable development are one of the hallmarks of a developed country, and although the UAE is rich, this wealth has not been fully translated into the driving force of the country's comprehensive development.
In the 21st century, the UAE has gradually realized the importance and urgency of economic diversification. It has embarked on a step-by-step strategy for the development of the non-oil economy, focusing on science and technology, tourism and renewable energy. While this process did not happen overnight, it means that the UAE is moving towards a broader development path. From this step, the future of the UAE will no longer be just the future of oil, but a sustainable future for all.
The strategies and choices of Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the common denominator of affluence not only reveal the development paths of different countries, but also reflect the diverse thinking of countries in the face of development challenges in the era of globalization. Singapore insists on self-reliance, does not blindly follow, and the UAE envisions the long-term and strives for transformation. Whether it is "unwilling to enter" or "unable to enter", behind it is the careful consideration and hard work for the future of the country.
In today's ever-changing world economic pattern, whether a country is developed or not depends not only on the size of its economy, but also on social progress, cultural prosperity, political maturity and people's happiness index. The examples of Singapore and the United Arab Emirates show that each country pursuing development has its own unique national conditions and strategic choices, and only by finding its own path can it move steadily towards all-round development.
In fact, "unable to enter" and "unwilling to enter" both reflect the complexity and multidimensionality of national development in the era of globalization. Either way, we can see that different countries have the courage to explore and constantly revise their own historical trajectories. In the course of exchanges and cooperation between countries, the trend of learning from each other and making common progress is becoming more and more obvious. It is no longer a simple follow-up or rejection, but a unique and solid development path is built in the understanding of differences and collisions. Singapore's calm self-sufficiency and the UAE's continued exploration are enriching this diverse and dynamic world.
Finally, whether it is Singapore's "reluctance" or the UAE's "inability", the cases of these two rich countries serve as a reminder that development is a process of multiple values. In the pursuit of wealth growth, it is also necessary to consider how to make the fruits of development accessible to all people, and how to protect the environment, reduce social inequality, and promote overall social progress while maintaining economic growth. Only in this way can a country's development be truly strong and sustainable, and can it occupy a place on the world stage. The story of the two rich countries tells us the deeper meaning of this development.