You no doubt remember the famous catch-cry from 19th century America, “Go West, young man!” Well, surely that catch-cry should be amended now to, “Go East, to Asia, young guy and girl!”
If you’ve came across my previous entry written 20 minutes ago, you may be under the mistaken belief that I’m some kind of Asiaphobe, who believes nationalism, intolerance, conflict and corruption is going to bury Asia before she rises, well frankly, you couldn’t be further from the truth. For I’m a firm believer in Asia – despite all her many and varied challenges – and believe that when this century’s out, it will be in Asia where the best decisions are made, where the young, beautiful and talented flock to, and where the poor, needy and aspiring hope to migrate. It’s already all around now and we’re only into the ninth year of the century!
Now, Asia’s got a mountain of challenges, issues and tensions which will take a mountain of courage, skill, determination and patience to overcome. But, these virtues Asia has in abundance. I’m a firm believer in the human resources of Asia’s rich, varied and hardworking populace. Here is where the bulk of this century’s geniuses, entrepreneurs and stars will be born. This is where hope will be inspired, this is where the poor will rise given the chance. Quite simply, Asia is the 21st century’s America of the 20th century.
But, for this to occur it will require Asia to move together towards a common, united and prosperous future such as that which the bulk of Europe have united towards. But, if you think it’s been nothing but a struggle getting Europe together – with her several millennia of painful history- you ain’t seen nothing yet. But, Asia needs to do this to prosper and I firmly believe that Asia’s incredibly strong desire to prosper will unite the bulk of the continent – particularly the eastern half – towards a common future of prosperity not seen before. For, it will be – and already is – Asia with the largest, most populous cities and centres of employment, technology and industry. Each year, China and India combine graduate nearly as many university students as the population of Australia. Now, anywhere with that number of educated, intelligent young people entering the workforce has a brilliant future. And, although many are having trouble finding work at present, particularly in China, this is all but a temporary trend, and the Chinese dragon will flex her might again very soon.
As mentioned earlier, Asia faces challenges. And, that’s putting it extremely mildly. Never before in the history of mankind has there been a continent with as many people, with as much as overcrowding, with as much and increasing environmental degradation, with as much as illness and disease, and with as grinding poverty. But, as East Asia has and continues to show, it is possible to overcome such challenges with a committed, focused, industrious, well-educated, talented and hardworking population. China, India and the SE Asian nations of Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia are closely following in the footsteps of Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan; and many others will soon follow suit.
Not to overlook West Asia and the Middle East where small nation-states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are showing the way by taking creative steps and diversifying their wealth for the inevitable decline of oil wealth. Other Middle East nations and nearby nations such as Iran will no doubt eventually follow suit and modernise, whilst also becoming more accommodating and secular to move towards a brighter, more even and prosperous future.
Now, you may think this is pie in the sky optimism – or that I’ve just taken some illicit substances. But, I honestly believe Asia will become a more united, wealthy and prosperous continent matching and eventually overtaking the traditional realms of wealth and influence – Europe and North America, who will not wither, just not prosper at the same exponential rates as Asia.
There will be some areas, some countries and some pockets of Asia in which the bubble of prosperity will not either not arrive or not be realised to the same magnitude as elsewhere for a myriad of reasons. But, the same is true for Europe and North America now. Look at Albania in Europe, or more tellingly, Haiti in North America. Growth and wealth distribution will not be even and for every Asian success story this century, there are bound to be a few Albanias and Haitis to go along with it. But, all in all, the Asian future now is a lot brighter than it has been for the last 400 years.
When I think of my 18-month old nephew in Australia I can’t help but think that his future will be intricately connected with Asia through one way or another. It is Australia that is in a prime position to take full advantage of Asia’s prosperity being the largest Western nation close to Asia. Australia’s future – like my nephew’s – will be increasingly linked with Asia’s, and if Australia is to prosper it needs to strategically and carefully manqge to hitch a ride without jeopardising its own future, core beliefs or prosperity in doing so. I really hope my nephew learns an Asian language at a young age to get a headstart in jumping on the Asian bandwagon. Maybe that’s where I come in as the Korean tutor. 
Make no mistake, the future is Asian. If you have kids, get them learning an Asian language, if you have money look to Asia for opportunities to increase it, if you have nothing going look towards Asia, perhaps it can give you a job or opportunity you never thought existed. That’s what it did to me six years ago. Now, I’ve just got to be more pro-active and work on this opportunity I’ve been provided in the most exciting and dynamic corner of the planet.
