How Singapore Made Itself Asia’s Most OP Country
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Date: 2025-01-19
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Comments and reviews: 20
biocapsule7311
Speaking as a Singaporean. This clip is incorrect on several important points. The problem with the clip is that you use too much Western/US terms and mindsets in the wrong way to describe us.
1) We are not 'Low Regulation'. We are 'Strategically Regulated'. You do not get stability with a lax of regulations and rules. If you want to use US terms, Singapore is the Biggest Government for it's size. Your clip pointed out as much, the Government itself are heavily invested in almost every aspect. Education, healthcare, labour etc. You think the PAP can keep people happy if any of our labour laws are laxing But you will not see the government denying the term 'Low Regulations', because it's something the West likes to hear. But regulations is about priorities. The rules have to fit the purpose. It's why US gun regulation doesn't work, because the priority is not gun control, it's not preventing death. It's to maintain the status quo of gun ownership and the 2nd amendment.
They don't call us the most over-planned city in the world, for nothing. Priorities and goals have to be clear, with the amount of regulations and intervention to match. The US have to 50 sets of different laws and regulations, where most country only have 1. Hence all the bureaucracy they claim to hate. While it is logical to have diverse regulations for different region in such a huge land mass, that is not their priority. Their priority is to maintain freedom of choosing not to have the same rules. Why does a country even need 50 different sets of age of marriage or consent. When every country settle with one. That's 50 times the complexity needed. Because arbitrary notions of 'freedom' for each State is more important then function. If American conservatives actually understood what we do, they would be calling us Socialists, with the amount of government intervention that is involved. But they don't, because it suited their narrative to call us low tax, low regulation because they want to promote low tax, low regulation.
2) We are relatively 'low tax' only by nature of our size, which comes with both pros and cons. We don't have much resources which also means we don't have much land mass that needs to spend money on. Also means predatory equity firms don't buy up resources and expect to extract them with low pay labours. We are mainly a middleman in most global trade activities. A lot of things we do are possible because we have no 'fly over' territory to be concern about, but that also limit the choices we have.
3) Sir Stanford Raffles, is the only Brit that saw the potential of Singapore. He have to fought his superiors to make Singapore a colony, when there is no interest. That's why he is the only Brit we honored. That's why Singapore didn't developed much when the Brits were here, and why most of the success you describe comes with the 'post-British' attachment. The HDB being one of the prime example of both the British disinterest and why Western countries has housing crisis even with their low population density. Singapore build housing, because housing people, are the priority. As oppose to the West, where they have to be concern of lowering property prices if too many house got build or concern about the profitability of landlords. Western mentality, public housing is something you 'grew out of' when you got rich or something to be disdain by the rich, instead of something developed for all. And you can apply this to almost every aspect of our development.
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Speaking as a Singaporean. This clip is incorrect on several important points. The problem with the clip is that you use too much Western/US terms and mindsets in the wrong way to describe us.
1) We are not 'Low Regulation'. We are 'Strategically Regulated'. You do not get stability with a lax of regulations and rules. If you want to use US terms, Singapore is the Biggest Government for it's size. Your clip pointed out as much, the Government itself are heavily invested in almost every aspect. Education, healthcare, labour etc. You think the PAP can keep people happy if any of our labour laws are laxing But you will not see the government denying the term 'Low Regulations', because it's something the West likes to hear. But regulations is about priorities. The rules have to fit the purpose. It's why US gun regulation doesn't work, because the priority is not gun control, it's not preventing death. It's to maintain the status quo of gun ownership and the 2nd amendment.
They don't call us the most over-planned city in the world, for nothing. Priorities and goals have to be clear, with the amount of regulations and intervention to match. The US have to 50 sets of different laws and regulations, where most country only have 1. Hence all the bureaucracy they claim to hate. While it is logical to have diverse regulations for different region in such a huge land mass, that is not their priority. Their priority is to maintain freedom of choosing not to have the same rules. Why does a country even need 50 different sets of age of marriage or consent. When every country settle with one. That's 50 times the complexity needed. Because arbitrary notions of 'freedom' for each State is more important then function. If American conservatives actually understood what we do, they would be calling us Socialists, with the amount of government intervention that is involved. But they don't, because it suited their narrative to call us low tax, low regulation because they want to promote low tax, low regulation.
2) We are relatively 'low tax' only by nature of our size, which comes with both pros and cons. We don't have much resources which also means we don't have much land mass that needs to spend money on. Also means predatory equity firms don't buy up resources and expect to extract them with low pay labours. We are mainly a middleman in most global trade activities. A lot of things we do are possible because we have no 'fly over' territory to be concern about, but that also limit the choices we have.
3) Sir Stanford Raffles, is the only Brit that saw the potential of Singapore. He have to fought his superiors to make Singapore a colony, when there is no interest. That's why he is the only Brit we honored. That's why Singapore didn't developed much when the Brits were here, and why most of the success you describe comes with the 'post-British' attachment. The HDB being one of the prime example of both the British disinterest and why Western countries has housing crisis even with their low population density. Singapore build housing, because housing people, are the priority. As oppose to the West, where they have to be concern of lowering property prices if too many house got build or concern about the profitability of landlords. Western mentality, public housing is something you 'grew out of' when you got rich or something to be disdain by the rich, instead of something developed for all. And you can apply this to almost every aspect of our development.
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danielch6662
Imagine if Britain left the EU and became its own country. What it could achieve would be off the charts. oh wait, did I say Britain. I meant to say London. Yeah. Singapore was the London of British Malaya.
In 1965, GDP per capita for Singapore was $516. For Malaysia, it was $325. Philippines was $199. I'm not saying LKY did not produce a miracle. But let's not exaggerate it OK. It isn't necessary. Lies makes what they achieve shine less bright. Singapore was not some poor backward fishing village. It was the most urbanized most developed part of Southeast Asia right from the start.
It's like Elon claiming that he started from nothing. Well, not quite. His father had an emerald mine. Lots of people who's father had valuable jewel mines achieved nothing. But if Elon was born a poor black man in Bophuthatswana, he couldn't be where he is today. We need a lot of luck, hard work, determination, smarts, and a little bit of a leg up at the start. South Korea and China's miracles were no less amazing. They are not as rich now, but they started from a lower level.
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Imagine if Britain left the EU and became its own country. What it could achieve would be off the charts. oh wait, did I say Britain. I meant to say London. Yeah. Singapore was the London of British Malaya.
In 1965, GDP per capita for Singapore was $516. For Malaysia, it was $325. Philippines was $199. I'm not saying LKY did not produce a miracle. But let's not exaggerate it OK. It isn't necessary. Lies makes what they achieve shine less bright. Singapore was not some poor backward fishing village. It was the most urbanized most developed part of Southeast Asia right from the start.
It's like Elon claiming that he started from nothing. Well, not quite. His father had an emerald mine. Lots of people who's father had valuable jewel mines achieved nothing. But if Elon was born a poor black man in Bophuthatswana, he couldn't be where he is today. We need a lot of luck, hard work, determination, smarts, and a little bit of a leg up at the start. South Korea and China's miracles were no less amazing. They are not as rich now, but they started from a lower level.
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johnanthony8053
Yeah I think the video at the start really captures the struggle of Singapore. And that is that we are different people who do not have a sense of belonging to this land. Unlike I think everywhere in the world (maybe only America, you can imagine some sort of nationalist, largely homogenous group of people with a sense of identity about who they are. Think any country in Asia, and Europe. I also think that’s why some people here gravitate to the change in cultural trends or even anti police/ law mentality that’s happening in the US because it fits into our race/ demographic/ wealth whatever quite well. I think one of the reasons why we aren’t socialist (I think they are throwing more money at the poor now haha, it’s because the majority wouldn’t want to give money to a group of people they don’t associate with.
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Yeah I think the video at the start really captures the struggle of Singapore. And that is that we are different people who do not have a sense of belonging to this land. Unlike I think everywhere in the world (maybe only America, you can imagine some sort of nationalist, largely homogenous group of people with a sense of identity about who they are. Think any country in Asia, and Europe. I also think that’s why some people here gravitate to the change in cultural trends or even anti police/ law mentality that’s happening in the US because it fits into our race/ demographic/ wealth whatever quite well. I think one of the reasons why we aren’t socialist (I think they are throwing more money at the poor now haha, it’s because the majority wouldn’t want to give money to a group of people they don’t associate with.
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jeannetitor
resource poor bro singapore had ZERO natural resources. ZERO. all they had was physical labour. i don't think people understand just how much of a management miracle singapore is/was under LKY's leadership, a true visionary who understood cultural differences. we would unironically have true world peace if every leader learned from LKY. a perfect example of a country to prove a point that former colonies don't have to have it bad, it's its citizens that make or break it. instead we constantly have a team blue team red mentality in the west instead of uniting, constantly pointing fingers towards the other team when something isn't going exactly the way you want it.
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resource poor bro singapore had ZERO natural resources. ZERO. all they had was physical labour. i don't think people understand just how much of a management miracle singapore is/was under LKY's leadership, a true visionary who understood cultural differences. we would unironically have true world peace if every leader learned from LKY. a perfect example of a country to prove a point that former colonies don't have to have it bad, it's its citizens that make or break it. instead we constantly have a team blue team red mentality in the west instead of uniting, constantly pointing fingers towards the other team when something isn't going exactly the way you want it.
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GayGHvain87
Ok so through quite the rough rules towards its own people and workers AND OWN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, Singapore managed to get itself out of poverty, into incredible wealth, political stability, and global graces among people AND companies AND armies. Nice. They did become the poisonous shrimp they needed to be, so as not to get eaten.
When you said 99y treaty for using the river's freshwater in the north in Malaysia, I was like uh oh, need to desalinate water QUICK. and that's exactly what they do. Nice move there.
And who could ruin it all for them That's right, US and China. Again. It's aaaaaalways them _
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Ok so through quite the rough rules towards its own people and workers AND OWN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, Singapore managed to get itself out of poverty, into incredible wealth, political stability, and global graces among people AND companies AND armies. Nice. They did become the poisonous shrimp they needed to be, so as not to get eaten.
When you said 99y treaty for using the river's freshwater in the north in Malaysia, I was like uh oh, need to desalinate water QUICK. and that's exactly what they do. Nice move there.
And who could ruin it all for them That's right, US and China. Again. It's aaaaaalways them _
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oooodles3
Singaporeans overwhelming (like > 97%) support of death penalty for minor offences makes the population one of the most authoritarian (without realizing it) groups of people on earth. Despite their education level these people have a near zero understanding of how their governments monopoly on the use of force contrasts with how other governments have achieved rule of law without resorting to such gross violations of the rights of man. That my Singaporean friends have absolutely no recourse when confronted with this argument has showed me they really have their feet up their asses.
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Singaporeans overwhelming (like > 97%) support of death penalty for minor offences makes the population one of the most authoritarian (without realizing it) groups of people on earth. Despite their education level these people have a near zero understanding of how their governments monopoly on the use of force contrasts with how other governments have achieved rule of law without resorting to such gross violations of the rights of man. That my Singaporean friends have absolutely no recourse when confronted with this argument has showed me they really have their feet up their asses.
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SpacedogD
As a singaporean, this video is amazing. I'm in the generation that grew up when Singapore is stable, but not exactly super rich like we are now. Currently in the middle age working class, I can see that the mindset of current generation Singaporeans is very different compared to the past. To be honest, I'm not very certain we can keep up our prowess in the next generation, but can only hope we can remain so.
This video is amazing and its a worthy watch for all Singaporeans. I think it has its place in our Social Studies classroom.
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As a singaporean, this video is amazing. I'm in the generation that grew up when Singapore is stable, but not exactly super rich like we are now. Currently in the middle age working class, I can see that the mindset of current generation Singaporeans is very different compared to the past. To be honest, I'm not very certain we can keep up our prowess in the next generation, but can only hope we can remain so.
This video is amazing and its a worthy watch for all Singaporeans. I think it has its place in our Social Studies classroom.
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TatsumiOga682
If you look at the 3 nations that went from rags to riches in a few decades - China, South Korea and Singapore, these countries focused on economic growth instead of democracy. This proves that autocracy is THE best form of government, as long as the people in power have the best interest of the country in mind. Democracy only works if a country is already rich and educated because quite frankly, most of the citizens vote for what is better for them in the short term instead of the long term benefit of the country
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If you look at the 3 nations that went from rags to riches in a few decades - China, South Korea and Singapore, these countries focused on economic growth instead of democracy. This proves that autocracy is THE best form of government, as long as the people in power have the best interest of the country in mind. Democracy only works if a country is already rich and educated because quite frankly, most of the citizens vote for what is better for them in the short term instead of the long term benefit of the country
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teresasun-ss8mt
I like and adore S-pore I've spent a couple of years on the Island, as well as Indonesia and Malaysia while my most adored Leader Lee Kuan Yew organised the small Country.
However, other Countries like Mongolia ought to be amongst the healthiest and wealthiest places on Earth.
Needless to mention, but with leadership controlled by foreign Countries, nothing EVER could possibly change the outcome of today's misery.
Therefore, all nations should have the guts to say: Get out of my Country.
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I like and adore S-pore I've spent a couple of years on the Island, as well as Indonesia and Malaysia while my most adored Leader Lee Kuan Yew organised the small Country.
However, other Countries like Mongolia ought to be amongst the healthiest and wealthiest places on Earth.
Needless to mention, but with leadership controlled by foreign Countries, nothing EVER could possibly change the outcome of today's misery.
Therefore, all nations should have the guts to say: Get out of my Country.
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yasuhirojay7146
The country is small and easy to manage, and without resources, generally no country will want to do anything to this country. As long as no war or internal problems in this country, they can develop normally. Moreover, China’s blockade of Hong Kong has given the country huge economic returns. You know, the fisherman gets a profit. I don't think there's much to admire. In fact, as long as there is no war, no discrimination, no hatred, no arrogance in the world, all countries will be fine.
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The country is small and easy to manage, and without resources, generally no country will want to do anything to this country. As long as no war or internal problems in this country, they can develop normally. Moreover, China’s blockade of Hong Kong has given the country huge economic returns. You know, the fisherman gets a profit. I don't think there's much to admire. In fact, as long as there is no war, no discrimination, no hatred, no arrogance in the world, all countries will be fine.
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user-em8fq2ev4b
The polls probably had alot of older Singaporeans (who were poorly or not educated. This was also mentioned in the wikipedia article that cited the figures for the positive views on china.
The younger generation, (40 and below) grew up on western media/culture. We are ethically chinese, nationally Singaporean. If China were really to wage war on Taiwan. I'm not sure what our govt would do. But I am sure what I would do if our govt would ask its citizen to help with the war.
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The polls probably had alot of older Singaporeans (who were poorly or not educated. This was also mentioned in the wikipedia article that cited the figures for the positive views on china.
The younger generation, (40 and below) grew up on western media/culture. We are ethically chinese, nationally Singaporean. If China were really to wage war on Taiwan. I'm not sure what our govt would do. But I am sure what I would do if our govt would ask its citizen to help with the war.
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reallifelore
ASEAN NOT SYRIA, PHILIPPINES NOT ASEAN.
Marcos betrayed the regional brotherhood by reintroducing the stench of colonialists back into the region. Really hope that the amnesia inregards to the MORO struggles and all the efforts made by Philippines neighbours to get a peaceful settlements are revisited as too with awareness on all those endeavours in keeping Al Qaeda & IS obsolete in the region by the ASEAN community as a whole.
I am no mens slave. Periyar
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ASEAN NOT SYRIA, PHILIPPINES NOT ASEAN.
Marcos betrayed the regional brotherhood by reintroducing the stench of colonialists back into the region. Really hope that the amnesia inregards to the MORO struggles and all the efforts made by Philippines neighbours to get a peaceful settlements are revisited as too with awareness on all those endeavours in keeping Al Qaeda & IS obsolete in the region by the ASEAN community as a whole.
I am no mens slave. Periyar
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MsMikeytt
Their strategic trade location, re-inventing themselves as a financial services centre (like London, speaking English, British style Law and Government all set the foundations for their success. Their former leader was also educated and heavily influenced by the Brits too. It's no accident that Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and formerly Hong Kong were all successful because of their foundations (all set up by the British)
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Their strategic trade location, re-inventing themselves as a financial services centre (like London, speaking English, British style Law and Government all set the foundations for their success. Their former leader was also educated and heavily influenced by the Brits too. It's no accident that Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and formerly Hong Kong were all successful because of their foundations (all set up by the British)
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ragsoh
Our Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was probably the greatest Prime Minister in the modern era. He ruled the country with zero tolerance for corruption, attracted foreign investment and build a strong armed force. I witnessed in my lifetime my country's rise from poverty to one of the wealthiest countries on the face of the Earth. I am very grateful to live in this tiny island - it punches above its weight to this day!
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Our Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was probably the greatest Prime Minister in the modern era. He ruled the country with zero tolerance for corruption, attracted foreign investment and build a strong armed force. I witnessed in my lifetime my country's rise from poverty to one of the wealthiest countries on the face of the Earth. I am very grateful to live in this tiny island - it punches above its weight to this day!
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Yippeedee
Many people think Singapore is too restricted and there’s no freedom of speech. Well, it is considered a crime to publicly insult another persons race, religion, and the government. Personally, I think that’s precisely how Singapore has more freedom than many other countries. No guns, no public demonstrations, and most importantly, you don’t see junkies, hobos, and no turf wars.
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Many people think Singapore is too restricted and there’s no freedom of speech. Well, it is considered a crime to publicly insult another persons race, religion, and the government. Personally, I think that’s precisely how Singapore has more freedom than many other countries. No guns, no public demonstrations, and most importantly, you don’t see junkies, hobos, and no turf wars.
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reallifelore
It is a city that desperately need a hinterland for retreating purpose especially when your youth and vitality have run out or you have created a family. It has its good but it has its bad too. If you fail in it or cant keep pace anymore you really need that option to get out of it before it grind you to the bone. For workers and workaholics though it is a good city.
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It is a city that desperately need a hinterland for retreating purpose especially when your youth and vitality have run out or you have created a family. It has its good but it has its bad too. If you fail in it or cant keep pace anymore you really need that option to get out of it before it grind you to the bone. For workers and workaholics though it is a good city.
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rayne5368
Singapore, as a small country, finds it easier to achieve development. It remains humble and ensures wealth is shared among its population. Politically, it maintains a neutral stance while promoting diversity. For years, different religions and the LGBT community have coexisted harmoniously. No single group is allowed to dominate the country for personal gain.
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Singapore, as a small country, finds it easier to achieve development. It remains humble and ensures wealth is shared among its population. Politically, it maintains a neutral stance while promoting diversity. For years, different religions and the LGBT community have coexisted harmoniously. No single group is allowed to dominate the country for personal gain.
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user-em8fq2ev4b
Lee Kuan Yew, is a miracle of a leader/person. It is easy, or common, to have a genius leader, who is thinks for the good of the citizen and the nation. But after obtaining that kind of power. To actually give it up. To put in place systems to limit his and his parties power. That is rare, to me, that is what makes him a true legend.
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Lee Kuan Yew, is a miracle of a leader/person. It is easy, or common, to have a genius leader, who is thinks for the good of the citizen and the nation. But after obtaining that kind of power. To actually give it up. To put in place systems to limit his and his parties power. That is rare, to me, that is what makes him a true legend.
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ImNotDante87
Strategic position is just a bonus. The real reason is LKY and his team’s dedication to transform Singapore.
Malaysia and Indonesia are also strategically located with Malacca strait (with plenty of natural resources) but their rampant corruptions and poor policies cost the their countries and people
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Strategic position is just a bonus. The real reason is LKY and his team’s dedication to transform Singapore.
Malaysia and Indonesia are also strategically located with Malacca strait (with plenty of natural resources) but their rampant corruptions and poor policies cost the their countries and people
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Wasnt-1
egyp would've also capitalized on it's suez canal revenue it would've used it to improve it's economy because all the shipping logistics from asia to europe north america and vice versa must all pass thru the cabal but sadly egypt failed to turn that infinite money glitch to establish overpowered economy
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egyp would've also capitalized on it's suez canal revenue it would've used it to improve it's economy because all the shipping logistics from asia to europe north america and vice versa must all pass thru the cabal but sadly egypt failed to turn that infinite money glitch to establish overpowered economy
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