Shift Happens

Joy of joys, it pleases me to no end and I'm happy to report that the Saks Fifth Avenue website now ships to Brunei. Aren't the fruits of globalisation just scrumptious?  

For a small developing country like ours, globalisation and advances in communication, technology and travel are welcomed because it has given us access to things that we would not otherwise have. 

At a press of a button or a touch of a screen, the internet and its network of social media provide a wider range of foreign products (sometimes in view of lax observance of copyright laws, illegal). We catch the news almost as it happens on Twitter and Facebook. We download stuff. Fewer things may be less exciting than seeing 'Brunei' on an international shopping website's Shipping page but I sat next to an elderly lady at a wedding recently who was happily browsing washable silk from Guangzhou on Facebook (FB) on her little Nokia. Tag-happy local FB entrepreneurs sell everything from breast feeding aids, to cheap chiffon and sequined Jubahs, payable on a monthly instalment plan with free delivery. Sprouting like wild flowers outside the FB mall are Brunei shopping websites that sell desserts, books, make-up, shoes, handbags and electronics. 

An open skies policy means more air travel and trade. Almost everyone has been to Shenzhen, lugging home cheap goods in a $30 LV suitcase. We pay homage to shops in Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia buying head scarves, materials, wedding attire and its accoutrements. 

Even our local taste buds have become rather cosmopolitan. On a good day you can get Maguro at your local Japanese. Korean drama fanatics can now satisfy a hankering for Bulgogi. From Astro's AFC we learn of wagyu and we are thankful to a local's initiative for importing beef from a yummier cow. 

Incidentally, for having one McDonald's and a few KFCs we must thank our small population. A counterpoint is that big named stores are reluctant to set up shop here. But rice from Thailand is abundant and cheap. And dairy, meat and vegetables are imported by supermarkets to supplement our locally produced ones. 

Inevitably foreign produce found in our supermarkets will disrupt the rice bowls local farmers who have traditionally earned a living by working their land growing vegetables and poultry for sale at the local tamu. Similarly foreign entertainment is at your fingertips, so local entertainers work hard for a tough local audience.  

It does more than this. International trade exposes us to foreign things. This can bring about changes in our own culture that lead to a faster paced environment and a consumer culture which differs from the lifestyle we are used to. 

But change is inevitable unless you are Dorian Gray. An effect of a shift in the balance is often felt by a society. The counterpoint to all this change is what I'd like to call a civilised society; a society that will realign the thirst for newer foreign things with encouraging local endeavors, values and traditions. 

Take a break and not worry too much about consumption and consider improving the relations of the community around you by engaging in less self-serving endeavors and more humanitarian ones. This alongside a robust religious and spiritual life.  

As a society I believe we have the spirit of helping the environment and those in need. NGOs, voluntary alliances, the individual, encourage our society to care for the environment, social welfare and to value our own things. By the voices of a civilised society the government is gently pressured to provide a cleaner environment. Reminded to protect traditional cultures and local businesses in liberalisation ventures.  

I think we adapt to changes well and many of us find that balance. Local entertainers brave the World Wide Web and post their songs, short films online. A few weeks ago young Aziz Harun, songwriter at age 11, was given rave reviews by Malaysian indie singer Yuna Zarai for his song (available on YouTube) Peace and Harmony.  

And then we have the earth, a victim of globalisation, to think about. So these days it’s all about consuming what we produce and be mindful of our carbon footprint. Farmers and the food that they produce would benefit from our support. Be conscious that before you click 'Checkout' that the silk scarf from the Saks Fifth Avenue website has made a round trip to North America and back to South East Asia. Saving electricity and growing more trees will help us, as are displaying civic pride and good manners.  

I don't think a civilised society is the antidote to globalisation, but when a shift in the balance happens it reacts as guardians who protect our values that are ironically often universal. 

@emmagoodegg

Illustration by Cuboi Art.

For the edited online version click here.

Comments

[emmagoodegg]

Thank you Ms M :) xx

[Maurina]

i love love this! Welcome back to wRiting!