They say Rome was not built in a day. It comes true in the story of Singapore’s rise. Once plagued by poverty, unemployment, food shortages, malnutrition, and social instability—along with drug abuse, prostitution, and frequent riots—Singapore seemed destined for a long hardship. Overpopulation, illiteracy, and widespread despair further compounded its challenges.
However, this difficult phase did not last long. Much of Singapore’s troubled history predates 1965. In the 25 years that followed independence, the country underwent a remarkable transformation. By 1990, Singapore had emerged as a highly developed, high-income nation, and today it ranks among the wealthiest countries globally.
Singapore is not only prosperous but also widely recognized for its cleanliness, low corruption, and strong law and order. Much of this transformation is credited to Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s founding prime minister and a central figure in its nation-building journey. Leading a multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural, and multireligious society, he navigated tensions, particularly between Chinese and Malays, that would usually lead to violent clashes.
Despite its small land area and high population density, Singapore managed to set its development in motion while still grappling with poverty. Strong leadership, determination, and strategic planning played a crucial role in this progress. Since becoming a republic in 1965, Singapore has transformed from a tiny, often overlooked island into a global economic powerhouse. Today, about 5.7 million people live within roughly 710 square kilometers making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
In terms of financial strength, Singapore is one of Asia’s “tiger” economies, alongside South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Its development model demonstrates that opportunity and prosperity can be widely shared. Despite its diversity, the country has avoided ethnic or religious conflict in recent decades. Its population includes Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Taoists, and Hindus, along with smaller communities such as Jews, Zoroastrians, Jains, and Sikhs. A significant portion of the population also identifies as non-religious.
Ethnically, Singapore is composed of about 74.5% Chinese, 13.5% Malays, and 9% Indians, with the remaining 3% including Europeans and Arabs. The indigenous Orang Laut people are also an important part of its heritage. Today, Singapore stands as a model of unity in diversity, built on social harmony, tolerance, and inclusive growth.
Singapore’s history dates back to a small island trading outpost. In its early history, Malay, Indian, Thai, Arab, Japanese, and Chinese traders frequented the island. For a long period, Singapore was under the control of Indonesian rulers. It also came under Portuguese influence through the East India Company, before the island was finally established as a British trading post by the British East India Company in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor. This marked the beginning of British rule and the establishment of Singapore as a free port. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 significantly shortened sea routes by eliminating the need to sail around Africa. This led to a sharp increase in ship traffic through Singapore. The island became an important refueling station and a key transit hub, especially for Malaya’s tin and rubber exports. Over time, Singapore developed into a major global rubber trading center.
The East India Company cultivated opium in Bengal and supplied it to Singapore for processing. Chinese laborers were heavily employed in this industry. Living far from home and with limited access to entertainment or social support, many Chinese workers became addicted to opium. As addiction spread, crime rates rose, with theft, violence, and disorder becoming widespread concerns.
On February 15, 1942, Japanese forces invaded and captured Singapore and Malaya. Singapore remained under Japanese occupation for nearly four years. This period was marked by extreme brutality, including mass executions, torture, and widespread persecution of civilians and prisoners of war. The local Chinese population, in particular, suffered heavily during massacres and systematic repression.
Thousands of people were subjected to forced labor, while women from Korea, China, Indonesia, and Malaya were coerced into serving in “comfort stations.” When Japan surrendered in 1945, Singapore was left devastated—economically ruined, with widespread poverty, unemployment, disease, and social disorder. Opium addiction, prostitution, and crime had become deeply entrenched, while food shortages and malnutrition were widespread.
After the war, Britain reclaimed control over Singapore and introduced a military administration to stabilize the situation and restore basic services. Compared to other colonies, many Singaporeans viewed British rule more favorably during this period due to the restoration of order and essential supplies. Political changes in Britain, including the rise of the Labour Party in 1945, also led to a gradual shift toward decolonization, and Singapore began moving toward self-governance.
In 1948, limited elections were held for certain seats and the constitution was framed. Full elections were conducted in 1959, resulting in a landslide victory for the People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Lee Kuan Yew, who became Singapore’s first Prime Minister. Initially, Lee believed that Singapore could not survive as an independent nation without regional support.
In 1963, Singapore became a part of the Federation of Malaysia. However, the union was short-lived due to political and economic disagreements. Under the merger agreement, Singapore was required to contribute 40% of its revenue to the federal government and provide substantial development loans to North Borneo and Sarawak. Many Singaporeans felt this arrangement was unfair, especially given their smaller share of the population.
Tensions were further aggravated by policies such as Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution, which granted special privileges to Malays. Many in Singapore viewed this as discriminatory. Lee Kuan Yew advocated for a “Malaysian Malaysia” based on equality rather than ethnic preference, instead of the “Malay Malaysia.”
This partiality led to racial riots in 1964 and Singapore decided to separate from Malaysia in 1965 and became an independent republic. The British government announced in 1967 that it would withdraw its military forces from Singapore.
While many countries celebrate the end of foreign rule, Singapore faced uncertainty, as the British military presence had provided jobs and security. Concerned about defense and stability, Lee requested a delay in the withdrawal, which was extended until 1971.
At independence, Singapore faced immense challenges like poverty, unemployment, social unrest, and limited natural resources. However, Lee Kuan Yew initiated a series of transformative policies as financial conditions, skilled human resources and natural resources were not supportive enough.
In 1967, Singapore became a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. ASEAN aimed to promote cooperation in economic, social, cultural, technological, and educational fields. The purpose of this cooperation was to promote reciprocal cooperation across multiple fields that could establish peace, security and stability in the whole region.
Lee also introduced the National Service program in the same year. Under the program, youths aged 16 and a half were required to enroll and after two years of training, they had the option of joining the armed forces or other defence services. This policy helped instill discipline and a sense of national duty among young citizens.
At the same time, Lee placed strong emphasis on education as the foundation for national development. He promoted compulsory primary education and invested heavily in high-quality public schooling, with a focus on science, technology, and vocational training. Singapore moved toward providing nearly free education for its citizens. Recognizing that practical and technical skills are essential for development, the country aligned its education system accordingly.
Singapore is a highly diverse society, comprising multiple ethnic groups, religions, and languages. The population includes 43% Malays, 41% Chinese, 10% Hindus and some other Eurasian, Sinhalese and other ethnicities. To address potential ethnic tensions, Lee adopted proactive policies for social integration. One notable measure was the ethnic integration policy in public housing, where residential units were allocated based on ethnic proportions. This ensured that different communities lived side by side. Over time, this reduced mistrust and fostered a shared national identity. It proved to be a major step toward long-term social harmony.
Singapore also invested in institutional mechanisms to preserve this harmony. The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, enacted in 1990, established a Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, with representatives from major religious groups. In addition, Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on July 21. On this day, schoolchildren wear the traditional attire of other communities and learn about mutual respect and coexistence. From an early age, citizens are taught the importance of diversity and national unity.
Cleanliness was another pillar of Singapore’s development strategy. The government promoted the idea that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and made it a hallmark of civilization. On October 1, 1968, the nationwide “Keep Singapore Clean” campaign was launched. Unlike symbolic campaigns elsewhere, this initiative involved concrete measures: licensed waste collectors, widespread availability of public toilets, recycling systems, and programs such as the “Happy Toilet” initiative.
Strict laws were enforced to maintain cleanliness. Chewing gum was banned in 1992, and heavy fines were imposed for littering and spitting in public. These measures transformed Singapore into one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Urban development was another major focus. The government relocated more than 26,000 slum dwellers into modern high-rise public housing equipped with essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. By 2021, around 80 percent of the population lived in government-provided housing, virtually eliminating homelessness.
The government also reorganized the informal sector. Street vendors were relocated to organized food centres, and new wholesale markets were established. Polluting activities, such as pig and poultry farming near water catchment areas, were phased out. Rivers and waterways were cleaned, contributing to both environmental sustainability and urban aesthetics.
Water security was a strategic priority. Lee recognized that dependence on external water sources could undermine national sovereignty. As a result, Singapore pursued policies aimed at achieving water independence through innovation and long-term planning.
Industrial and healthcare reforms further strengthened the country. Industries were relocated and regulated, while both public and private healthcare systems were made affordable and efficient. Government hospitals were upgraded, and nationwide health financing systems were introduced.
Given Singapore’s limited land, the government adopted strict policies to control vehicle ownership. High taxes on private cars and restrictions on new registrations encouraged the use of public transport. As a result, Singapore developed one of the most efficient and affordable public transportation systems in the world.
Despite these extensive public investments, Singapore maintains relatively low income tax rates, ranging from 2-24%. Government revenue is supported by state-owned enterprises, targeted taxes (such as on vehicles and property), and a strong emphasis on fiscal discipline. The government consistently runs budget surpluses. All these are guided by constitutional principles that prioritize sustainability and prudent financial management.
To encourage financial discipline among people, especially those prone to high consumption and low savings, Singapore introduced a compulsory savings policy through the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Today, around 2.4 million people are enrolled as contributors. This system has helped Singapore achieve one of the highest savings rates in the world, ranking just behind countries like Ireland and Norway.
As an island nation surrounded by the sea, Singapore lacks natural resources. At the time of independence, it was economically fragile and underdeveloped. To kick-start growth, the government pursued a two-pronged strategy: heavy public investment in infrastructure and an open-door policy toward foreign investment. Significant public funds were invested in building world-class infrastructure, including a highly efficient port and a globally renowned airport, which functions almost like a mini-city. Public housing projects, led by the Housing Development Board (HDB), provided homes for workers while also generating large-scale employment. These initiatives not only improved living standards but also created jobs and became a backbone of the national economy.
Singapore’s strategic location has long made it a hub for international trade, and this advantage continues today. Its advanced airport and port facilities have strengthened its position as a global transportation and logistics centre.
To attract foreign investment, the government focused on creating a stable and business-friendly environment. Taxes were reduced, bureaucratic hurdles minimized, and a single-window system was introduced to simplify trade procedures. Inefficient and corrupt officials were removed from public service to improve governance and ease of doing business. As a result, Singapore is now consistently ranked among the top countries globally for ease of doing business, second only to New Zealand.
A crucial pillar of this success has been the fight against corruption. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the least corrupt countries in the world and the only Asian nation consistently ranked among the top ten in terms of development over the past decade. Competitive salaries were introduced across public service—from top leadership to junior staff—to reduce incentives for bribery and corruption.
Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1960, individuals found guilty of corruption can face fines of up to S$100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), the country’s main anti-corruption agency, operates with significant autonomy. Although it falls under the Prime Minister’s Office, it functions independently, and no one—including the Prime Minister—can interfere in its investigations. This ensures accountability at all levels, including among political leaders.
Environmental sustainability has also been a national priority. In 1972, Singapore launched Tree Planting Day, encouraging citizens to participate in greening the country. The initiative was highly successful, and within a decade, the number of trees planted matched the population. Today, Singapore is known for its lush greenery and well-maintained urban environment, which also enhances its appeal as a tourist destination.
Economically, Singapore began with industries such as textiles and petrochemicals but quickly moved up the value chain. Lee was determined that Singapore should not remain a low-cost manufacturing base. Instead, he emphasized skill development and technical education. Employers were required to contribute to a Skill Development Fund through a monthly levy. The amount was used to finance workforce training programs.
By the 1990s, Singapore had become an integral part of the global high-tech supply chain. Key industries now include biotechnology, engineering, aerospace, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. This transformation demonstrates how a country can overcome resource constraints by investing in human capital and innovation.
Despite his transformative role, Lee Kuan Yew consciously avoided cultivating a personality cult. He focused on nation-building rather than personal glorification. There are no grand statues or monuments dedicated to him in Singapore. Reflecting this, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in April 2015, shortly after Lee’s death, that he had explicitly rejected the idea of monuments in his honor.
Lee’s leadership style was pragmatic and grounded. He remained open to new ideas, listened carefully to others, and avoided rigid ideological positions. As he once said, “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards! This is your life and mine! I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this, and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.”
