UOB bank
The seminal novel by Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities opens with "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity." These words certainly resonate with how the coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted and transformed our lives in multi-faceted ways.
For our Digest Literature this month, we take a look at the transformative sparks of engineering ingenuity, as well as a global Cambrian explosion in how artistic creativity has been grafted upon Internet technology and the various ways that businesses, individuals and social groups have rallied in these trying times to aid their communities.
Like for instance, how luxury perfume brands (CBS New) are repurposing their factories to make hand sanitisers while car companies (CNBC) including Formula 1 racing teams have re-directed their resources during their downtime to produce respiratory parts for ventilators and personal protection equipment. Even youngsters are getting into the act with this 12-year old boy in Canada (The Globe and Mail) putting his 3D printer to use to make ear-guards for health workers.
On the arts and entertainment scene, artistes across the globe have adapted to stay in touch with their audiences by migrating to the digital arena (World Economic Forum). Like for instance, this YouTube video of violinist, Lena Yokohama on a rooftop in Cremona, aptly playing a tune from the movie The Mission which you can find a fuller version here on the clarinet. She was playing tribute to hospital staff in Italy which brings us to this South China Morning Post article that reminds us to reach out to the most vulnerable among us if we are to build a better tomorrow after the bad times pass.
You may want to play your part by donating to a fundraiser (www.projectpostcardsg.com) by visual arts graduates from the School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) for the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME). The funds will go directly to projects assisting migrant workers in Singapore (The Straits Times).
This publication shall not be copied or disseminated, or relied upon by any person for whatever purpose. The information herein is given on a general basis without obligation and is strictly for information only. This publication is not an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice to buy or sell any investment product, including any collective investment schemes or shares of companies mentioned within. Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, UOB Asset Management Ltd ("UOBAM") and its employees shall not be held liable for any error, inaccuracy and/or omission, howsoever caused, or for any decision or action taken based on views expressed or information in this publication. The information contained in this publication, including any data, projections and underlying assumptions are based upon certain assumptions, management forecasts and analysis of information available and reflects prevailing conditions and our views as of the date of this publication, all of which are subject to change at any time without notice. Please note that the graphs, charts, formulae or other devices set out or referred to in this document cannot, in and of itself, be used to determine and will not assist any person in deciding which investment product to buy or sell, or when to buy or sell an investment product. UOBAM does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, timeliness or completeness of the information herein for any particular purpose, and expressly disclaims liability for any error, inaccuracy or omission. Any opinion, projection and other forward-looking statement regarding future events or performance of, including but not limited to, countries, markets or companies is not necessarily indicative of, and may differ from actual events or results. Nothing in this publication constitutes accounting, legal, regulatory, tax or other advice. The information herein has no regard to the specific objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. The contents of the above books are not endorsed or approved by UOBAM and do not represent UOBAM's views. YYou may wish to seek advice from a professional or an independent financial adviser about the issues discussed herein or before investing in any investment or insurance product. Should you choose not to seek such advice, you should consider carefully whether the investment or insurance product in question is suitable for you.
Invest in your mind. Receive our curated insights in your inbox.
Subscribe