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

Besides desiring more regional unity and cooperation, Asia’s Tiger Cubs are also concerned about a search for common values. They worry that economic development has led to materialism and an erosion of values. A 2010 online poll by Reuters and opinion research firm Ipsos asked 24,000 people in 23 countries their views about money. The pollsters found that about 80 percent of respondents from South Korea, Japan, China, and India thought that money was more important to them than previously, compared with about 60 percent in the United States and in European countries. The share of Asian respondents who thought money was a sign of success was twice that of other countries. An even higher percentage of those aged below 35 placed more value on money.6

There is no doubt that economic growth has improved living standards for many in Asia. But at the same time that Asia is getting wealthier, deep-seated unhappiness remains. Events ranging from worker suicides at Foxconn (Apple’s most important manufacturer) factories in China to the protests against free trade in parts of emerging Asia reveal deep dissatisfaction with markets.

Some young Asians fear the detrimental effects of rising materialism, social disconnectedness, and the tendency toward short-term thinking. Some of these concerns are common to youth everywhere. Some of them reflect the feeling of being whipsawed as a result of living through a period of rapid changes. Farooq Jamil Alvi, 29, Pakistan, is concerned that:

Disconnected people live out a schizophrenic lifestyle devoid of the essential elements of a meaningful existence. They are characterized by the key personality traits of materialism, stubborn individualism, and a blind adherence to a day-to-day lifestyle. They are robotic in their being, limited to a struggle of not thinking outside the norm; they are followers rather than leaders, and if the latter, they are un-inspirational. Their lack of empathy, inwards-looking attitudes, and self- preservationist tendencies limit their contribution to society.

He also laments the rising consumerism that he says is rivaling the West: 

The region now boasts some of the tallest buildings in the world (57 of the world’s tallest buildings are in Asia), the tallest Ferris wheel, the biggest casinos, and a developing culture of consumerism that is rivaling the Western nations. This is probably the result of the competition the individual Asian countries are involved in. Out of all these, the rising consumerism epidemic is a direct result of social disconnect and poses the gravest danger to Asian societies.

There is recognition that a focus on short-term growth is sabotaging Asia’s long-term development. Liang Jianqiang, 26, China, says:

Short-term utilitarian behaviors and actions spoil the development of many Asian countries. For instance, many provinces in China only focus on the growth of GDP but ignore environmental protection. Consequently, environmental threats bring loss of lives and fiscal cost.

Zofishan Shahid, 22, Pakistan, diagnoses the problem as moral decay:

Asia’s biggest problem that impacts other areas and hinders growth is the moral decay in its societies. We are poor, deprived of moral education, and devoid of social values. All efforts at development are futile in a society that is selfish and looks for short-term gains.

What are effective cures for these woes? Young Asians place their confidence in the media and the education system in fostering dialogue and a change in attitudes. Alvi contends:

A workable solution needs to be based on an open and thorough discussion of the issue not only on official platforms but also amongst the common populace. It is the responsibility of the governing bodies to enable free and open debates on this topic. The media plays a central and critical role in this, not simply regurgitating the consequences of the actions of disconnected people but also informing and educating the public as to the underlying issues.

Likewise, Shahid mentions the key role of the media in changing mindsets, especially those of the young generation:

To change the mind-set of an adult and his values will require immense effort, influence and time, but a young mind is empty and vulnerable. Media is one way to change the mindset of a nation… . Using this medium that is accessible to both children and adults to teach them the importance of moral education might result in a change. Educating a child does not mean only teaching him his ABCs and 123s. It means telling the child the difference between right and wrong: to speak the truth, never to cheat, to work hard, and to stand up for what is right. If his foundations are strong, he will never waver.

Chim Chamroeun, 29, Cambodia, calls for greater investment in values education both nationwide and throughout the region:

We tend to focus more on “learning to know” and “learning to do” so that our citizens can survive economically; yet we have forgotten another two major pillars, “learning to live together” and “learning to be” which also need to be strengthened.… With values education, people can be oriented in a more positive way.

To encourage people to develop a longer-term vision for their societies, Liang suggests that “we should first invest in education, which plays a key role in changing people’s mindsets. Furthermore, we should educate the general public to realize the importance of longterm planning and show them the detrimental effects of short-term planning.” However, he is sympathetic that in some communities, “basic needs such as eating and living could not be met. It is difficult to persuade people to give up growing illegal drugs plants which could bring them quick money.” He proposes job creation activities by the government, particularly in projects that cater to the longer-term needs of communities, such as environmental protection, public construction, and healthcare.

Another solution is to emphasize the positive and common aspects of Asian values. One aspect is the pursuit of harmony and morality. Liang sees certain Confucian values and also Indian philosophies as useful in providing guidance:

One impact of China’s philosophy on Asian societies is Confucianism, which emphasizes loving one’s parents/family and following rules of governance. Although Confucianism seems to serve for the benefit of power groups, it helps build a stable, stratified, and harmonious society. Affected by Confucianism, many East Asian countries (China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore) embrace the strong, traditional family-oriented values—individuals act for the benefits of their families… . Interestingly, the philosophical thinking of India influences the Asian culture in a quite different perspective. Indian philosophy educates people to pursue quietness, morality, and nonviolence.

Another important aspect of Asian values is an emphasis of pragmatism over orthodoxy. Singh, of India, notes:

The pragmatic mindset of new-age Asian leaders is an advantage over [an] orthodox, rigid Western mentality. Asians constantly adapt and change, exemplifying versatility, a quality that comes naturally as a consequence of being born in a highly populated and competitive continent. And Asian leaders must adhere to that by coming together and forming a unified body.

Underlying these solutions is a belief that Asian countries’ institutions, including media, governments, schools, and religious institutions, can slowly shift Asian values. If this kind of idealism can spread among the broader population of young Asians, there is hope that the next generation can develop a set of ideals that shape Asia’s future leadership in resolving longer-term challenges.

Citation Source:

6. “Money Means More to People since Financial Crisis: Poll,” Reuters,

February 22, 2010, www.reuters.com/article/2010/02/22/us-poll-moneyidUSTRE61L2FK20100222?

pageNumber=1 (accessed June 9, 2011).