Singapore: The Little Red Dot That Outsmarted the Giants

When people talk about Singapore's meteoric success, you often hear the typical dismissal,

"Oh, it's just a city-state, easier to manage!"

As if being smaller makes everything simpler, like keeping your kitchen tidy when you live in a studio flat. Sure, maintaining a single city sounds less chaotic than handling a sprawling, diverse nation.

But the assumption is shallow; so, let’s dig deeper, shall we?

Singapore’s ascent to one of the top countries globally, despite having no natural resources, is far more to do with vision than it does with geographical size. And trust me, the ingredients to this brew could put any Michelin-starred chef to shame.

Singapore was constructed with strategy, discipline, and policies that could give any global powerhouse a run for its money.

And it's no accident that Singapore outsmarts the giants, rather than cowering behind its lack of landmass or natural resources.

Lee Kuan Yew: The Savant Strategist

At the heart of this story stands one man; Lee Kuan Yew.

When Singapore gained independence in 1965, it wasn’t handed a golden ticket to prosperity. It was more like an unassembled flat-pack from IKEA, without instructions, tools, or a warranty.

Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern Singapore, knew the country’s survival depended on more than just managing a small state. He wasn’t about to let Singapore be known for its size or lack of resources; instead, he focused on turning it into a powerhouse by utilising the only asset they had: the people.

Lee famously said, "The Singapore that you see today is not a miracle. It is a product of a strong government and a disciplined, hardworking people."

And disciplined they were.

Under his watchful eye, every aspect of governance, education, social welfare, and infrastructure was meticulously planned and executed with military precision.

The fact that he created an environment where policies could be enforced swiftly and effectively is something even the sprawling nations, managed state by state, would do well to learn from.

Upskilling: More Than Just Polishing a Stone

In the land where chewing gum was once outlawed (yes, that Singapore), human capital became the ultimate resource. With no oil, no minerals, not even a hint of gold beneath its soil, Singapore decided to dig deep into its people instead. Upskilling became a national sport, not just a buzzword to sprinkle around in boardrooms.

Lee and his government understood that a small nation could only punch above its weight if its people were equipped with the right skills.

Starting from the early years of independence, education became a top priority.

The government invested heavily in not just basic education but also vocational training and continuous professional development.

The result? A workforce that could compete globally.

In neighbouring countries like Indonesia or Malaysia, the job markets have often felt like trying to wade through a swamp; slow, murky, and unpredictable.

In contrast, Singapore’s foresight ensured that its workforce was already ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century while others were still learning to walk in the muddy waters of bureaucracy.

It’s as if, while everyone else debated whether to build the ship, Singapore was already sailing it, with a fully trained crew and GPS on board and ever gaining momentum.

A well-known saying goes, "If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." But Singapore seems to have taken this a step further.

They didn’t just teach the man to fish; they taught him to code, manage a business, and turned him into an entrepreneur with access to global markets.

Nation-Building Lessons: Strategy, Infrastructure, and Human Capital

Building a successful nation requires more than just policies and hope.

It demands a strategic vision that encompasses infrastructure, people, and governance. Singapore's example provides several key steps for long-term nation-building:

1. Prioritise Education and Continuous Learning

Education is the backbone of a progressive society. Singapore’s early investment in its education system, vocational training, and continuous professional development ensured that the workforce could compete globally.

2. Develop Robust Infrastructure

The backbone of Singapore’s success lies in its infrastructure. From Changi Airport to its efficient sea-port. Singapore invested heavily in public utilities, ensuring the country could connect with the world. Well-maintained infrastructure is the foundation of a sustainable economy.

3. Transparent and Accountable Governance

Corruption, the virus that often halts progress in many developing countries, was eradicated in Singapore early on. By paying public officials well and promoting accountability, Singapore ensured that its civil servants worked for the country’s benefit, not their own.

4. Promote Technological Innovation

Investing in research and development allowed Singapore to become a tech hub. Initiatives like Smart Nation pushed technological integration across industries, positioning the country as a leader in innovation and development.

5. Create a Business-Friendly Environment

Low taxes, robust regulations, transparent judicial system, and business-friendly policies attracted corporations from around the world. Singapore didn’t just compete in ASEAN; it dominated, becoming a gateway between the East and the West.

Transforming the Masses: Citizens as Nation Builder

Nation-building isn’t just about infrastructure and policy; it’s about changing the mindset of citizens. It goes beyond the top-down approach; it requires a shift in the mindset of the people.

Singapore instilled a sense of discipline and responsibility in its citizens, teaching them to view themselves as critical contributors to the nation’s success.

Changing the mindset of a nation’s people is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Lee Kuan Yew’s genius was not just in his policies, but in how he instilled a culture of discipline, responsibility, and national pride among Singaporeans.

1. Foster National Pride

This starts with education.

Teaching the value of contributing to society from an early age creates a citizenry that feels responsible for the country’s success; whether it was something as small as keeping the streets clean or as large as contributing to the economy.

In Singapore, the public housing system (HDB) gave citizens a stake in the nation, promoting ownership and pride.

2. Cultivate Entrepreneurial Spirit

Nations must teach their citizens not just to be employees, but to be innovators and entrepreneurs.

Singapore empowered its people to think globally and act locally, creating a culture where starting businesses wasn’t just encouraged, but supported.

3. Promote Social Responsibility

Building a successful nation requires that citizens think beyond themselves. In Singapore, the government instilled a sense of responsibility towards the country’s future. Every citizen was a contributor, not just a beneficiary.

4. Set High Standards for Governance

People are more likely to contribute to a nation when they see their leaders acting with integrity and transparency. Singapore’s strict stance against corruption and its emphasis on accountability meant that citizens trusted their government, fostering a strong national identity.

5. Promote Meritocratic Culture

Meritocracy became the backbone of Singapore’s success. Citizens knew that hard work, talent, and perseverance were the keys to advancement. This created a culture where people were motivated to succeed based on their abilities, not their connections. Larger nations, often mired in nepotism or favouritism, could benefit greatly from adopting such a mindset.

6. Encourage Long-Term Thinking

Lee Kuan Yew’s vision for Singapore required its citizens to think beyond immediate gains and focus on the long-term prosperity of the country. Teaching citizens to adopt this mindset thinking not just for today, but for the future, is crucial for any nation that wants to build lasting success.

Public Infrastructure: Building Foundations for Success

But it wasn’t just about upskilling. Singapore invested heavily in world-class infrastructure to complement its skilled workforce. With a vision for long-term sustainability, the government poured resources into developing robust public transportation networks, airports, and ports.

Changi Airport became an air-travel hub that not only connected Singapore to the world but also turned it into a gateway for Southeast Asia. Ranked as one of the best airports globally.

Changi is a symbol of Singapore’s efficiency, blending customer service and cutting-edge technology.

Then there’s the port, which became one of the busiest and most efficient in the world, facilitating trade and ensuring Singapore remained relevant on the global shipping map.

The port’s efficiency serves as a reminder that while size may seem small, it is Singapore’s ability to think and act on a global scale that truly defines its success.

Public housing, too, became a cornerstone of Singapore’s strategy.

Lee Kuan Yew and his team knew that providing citizens with affordable, high-quality homes would not only improve living standards but also foster national pride.

The Housing Development Board (HDB) was created to ensure every citizen had access to modern housing.

Today, over 80% of Singaporeans live in well-maintained HDB flats, showcasing one of the most successful, if not the most, public housing policies in the world.

Healthcare: The Affordable Model

Singapore also understood that a healthy workforce is a productive one. It invested in a healthcare system that delivers world-class services without breaking the bank.

The "Medisave" system, where citizens are encouraged to save for their healthcare, coupled with strong government oversight, means that Singaporeans enjoy one of the best healthcare systems globally at a fraction of the cost compared to many developed nations.

Neighbours in the region, such as Malaysia and Thailand, have long looked to Singapore’s healthcare model as a benchmark of efficiency and innovation.

Engineering Powerhouse: Technology and R&D

Singapore has also positioned itself as a regional engineering and R&D powerhouse.

The government has heavily promoted innovation and technological advancement, with initiatives such as "Smart Nation," a push towards integrating technology into every aspect of public life.

The country's investment in research and development has attracted multinational corporations, setting up R&D hubs in Singapore to tap into its pool of talented engineers and scientists.

Companies that focus on biotechnology, fintech, and AI development have found a conducive environment in Singapore, further boosting the nation's economic and technological prowess. It’s not just about building bridges and skyscrapers; Singapore has become a bridge between the East and the West, a centre of innovation, and a magnet for intellectual capital.

Corruption: The Virus Singapore Vaccinated Against

Ah, corruption!

A plague that still grips many of Singapore’s neighbours. Over in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, corruption can feel as common as nasi goreng on the dinner table.

But Singapore? They took corruption, put it on trial, and then gave it a one-way ticket to oblivion.

Since the early days of Lee Kuan Yew’s administration, the message was clear: corruption would not be tolerated.

In a region where bribery often greases the wheels of bureaucracy, Singapore greased the wheels with transparency, accountability, and, perhaps most importantly, a salary structure that meant public officials were paid enough to resist temptation.

It’s hard to convince someone to take a dodgy envelope when they’ve already got a fat pay packet and career prospects that don’t depend on shady deals.

For the sceptics who think the size of Singapore made it easier to root out corruption, let’s remind ourselves that larger countries, even those managed state by state like the USA, aren't capable of maintaining low levels of corruption in well-governed states.

The key difference? Singapore made it a priority from day one, and they didn’t shy away from throwing the book at anyone; even high-level officials; who stepped out of line.

A rarity in ASEAN, where “face-saving” often overshadows accountability.

Business-Friendly Environment: Where Tax Is a Friendly Neighbour, Not a Debt Collector

Singapore has mastered the delicate art of wooing businesses while ensuring that the state coffers remain healthy. Its low-tax regime is a dream come true for companies that want to set up shop without feeling like they’re paying rent to a landlord with champagne tastes.

Corporate tax rates hover around 17%, and there’s no capital gains tax or estate duty. Contrast that with Thailand or Vietnam, where the taxman often feels like an overzealous maître d', and you start to see why businesses are packing their bags and heading to the Lion City.

But low taxation is just the beginning.

Singapore’s regulatory framework is so robust that it’s like comparing a perfectly designed IKEA chair to the creaky wooden stools you might find in an ASEAN flea market.

From infrastructure to legal systems, everything is built to last and designed with businesses in mind.

It’s a far cry from neighbouring countries where red tape can feel more like a labyrinth than a procedural formality.

The Hidden Cost of Success: The Stress Trap

Of course, all this efficiency and rapid development haven’t come without a price.

Singapore might be a haven for businesses, but for the everyday Singaporean, the pressures can be relentless. In a society that prioritises excellence in every aspect, stress has become a by-product of growth.

It’s all well and good to boast one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita, but when citizens are burning out faster than a cheap candle, you have to ask: at what cost?

The focus on economic growth has, in many ways, left little room for the softer side of life.

Leisure time? Only if you can afford it.

The pursuit of happiness? It’s there, but it’s buried under layers of career ambitions, KPIs, and financial goals.

The country’s rapid development has indeed come at a cost, with many citizens struggling to maintain the elusive work-life balance.

Singapore: Smart, Not Small, & Lasting Legacy

In the end, Singapore’s success isn’t just about being small. In the end, Singapore’s success wasn’t just about its size; it was about its smarts. It created an ecosystem of strong governance, education, infrastructure, and meritocracy that allowed it to thrive. The real question is, can other nations learn from Singapore’s blueprint?

Singapore’s journey shows that with discipline, strategic vision, and a relentless focus on human capital, even the smallest of nations can achieve greatness.

As they say, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”

But the question remains, can the larger countries in ASEAN learn from Singapore’s blueprint? Or will they continue to get tangled in their own webs of bureaucracy and corruption?

ASEAN's Watchful Eyes

While other ASEAN nations are not exactly sitting idle, they’ve often found themselves watching Singapore like a younger sibling peeking at the answers in an exam.

The difference is, Singapore studied, showed up early, and aced the test.

Meanwhile, its neighbours are still flipping through the textbook looking for page one.

If they want a fighting chance, they’d better start paying attention.

Minn Tun

September 2024