As I was leaving the colonial building of the Raffles Hotel and elbowed my way through a long line of consular vehicles, I could not help thinking about the contrast between this (lovely) brunch and the Hip Hop presentation and simple speech delivered by Elim Chew on Friday's networking event.

More info on the store available at www.my77thstreet.com
More info on Elim on http://www.rsi.com.sg/english/singaporescene/view/20031210160421/1/.html

Do I like luxury? Mmmm...Perhaps as a special treat once in a while if it is accompanied by good taste and respectful manners.

The Minister of Trade and Industry had an acute sense of humor by the way. Most government officials in Singapore are brilliant people, sometimes educated in some of the best universities abroad and extremely easy to access - even by foreigners like myself.

Here is an example of a conversation that went on during the event

-" Mr Minister, your grant system for entrepreneurs is a mess [more about the mess]. What are you going to do about that?" - consultant on grant for entrepreneur
- "well, I have a very simple solution. If grants are too complex, we will stop giving away grants. No grant, no problem. It will also solve the problem that it might make things appear too easy if you get something for nothing. Seriously, we are simplifying the system [more on how the system is being simplified] but you do realize that this process is putting you out of business, don't you?" Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry