There is a question on the US version of Zhihu Quora: If Chinese people do not immigrate to Southeast Asia and promote economic development, then how underdeveloped will Southeast Asia be?
Let’s see how netizens answered!
Thanks to a2a. Oh my god, I can't tell you the statistics, but I guess Southeast Asia would be a poorer and less successful region without Chinese people. In my opinion, they are carrying the Southeast Asian economy. They study hard, work hard, and have a talent in business.
Take Malaysia as an example. Nearly 23% of the population is Chinese (and probably more if the Peranakans are counted), they actually bear the financial burden.
Singapore 75% are Chinese, so I think it's obvious that they are the main countries that bear this burden. You will find similar trends throughout Southeast Asia. This is not to say that other people don’t contribute – they definitely contribute. Their contribution should not be underestimated. But I believe the Chinese are the main reason why the region performs so well. This may be an unwelcome view, so I got off my soap box.
If we use cultural background, there are obviously huge differences. Chinese have been known as a very successful nation that is proficient in business since a long time ago. Southeast Asia is usually an agricultural society, living a simple life without regarding "business and money" as its life goal.
It is certain that if Chinese people do not come to Southeast Asia, this country will be even more underdeveloped and there will be more small businessmen. However, since the Chinese did not come, it may also give some indigenous people the opportunity to fill the gap in the business class, so indigenous people do not have to compete with the Chinese.
India is a good example, India has a strong local trader and business class, because not many Chinese immigrants immigrate to India.
