Singapore!
Who has been to Singapore? It is worth a visit. Do not believe the anti-hype, Singapore is not “boring”. There is much to see and do here—however, that is not what I am going to talk about today. Singapore to me represents an enviable success that demonstrates that people can live together peacefully and prosper.
Singapore is one of the great unnoticed success stories of the post-Second World War era. After WW2 and the Japanese occupation, it was devastated. A small island with no resources, no friends, part of the fading British Empire, and lacking in just about every necessity. Now it is a busy, prosperous, and (mostly) democratic country. A complete turnaround.
In addition to its economic and political success Singapore has found a way for several distinct cultural groups (Malay Muslims, Indians, Chinese, and a few others) to live together harmoniously. When you visit Sing you will notice many different people, some living in distinct areas (“Little India”), but all busy and working.
To me, this is a great achievement. One many other countries failed to do? Why? There are many reasons.
First, the people of Singapore have a pro-education history. An educated populace is necessary for economic success. Then there was Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (1965-90). He was not the greatest fan of democracy, but he guided Singapore along the path of economic prosperity with policies that provided public services and ensured that economic success was shared.
At first, Singapore produced basic goods and services but then quickly progressed to advanced technologies, as well as always relying on tourism as an economic topup. Singapore became a centre of trade, commerce, and research as well as a hub for shipping, aviation, and finance.
Singapore is an example for the rest of Asia and the world in creating a modern nation-state. One that is tolerant, peaceful, democratic, and prosperous.
