Our prime minister and many other people across the world have praised Singapore and tried to cope with their model. How can such a small nation create such large changes, which is inspiring all the developing nations in the world today? Singapore is 4571 times smaller than India, with a small land area with coastal regions surrounded with islands and ports. The history of Singapore was extremely complex and crucial due to 30% of world trade happening from the Singapore region. It is a strategically located at an important place. The Portuguese and Dutch always had conflicts over occupying the Strait of Malacca, Sunda route and showing dominance over ports. Eventually, the British East India company occupied the Singapore region.
Due to British influence, the trade routes got popular. Most of the routes were only used for British trade purposes. The port of Singapore was the base area, which became ports hub back then. The British only thought of trade and extracting money but never about the local people and society. Which turned Singapore into extreme poverty, hunger, violence, crime, drugs etc. People started seeing it as a place of crime. The state was also complex in terms of population and regions, many communities were divided.
After the British left, the Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew took charge of the country. He made a massive transformation from a British colony to Singapore. He established the national flag and anthem and united the people first. Due to the Chinese presence, local tribes and other communities had massive differences, which led to frequent protests. Lee established firm policies to stop all corrupt and illegal practices in the state. Development and foreign direct investments were allowed and EDB was created for economic purposes. From extreme circumstances to one of the safest countries in the world with a great economy. The government schools which have been created with less resources and quality education by the Delhi government were copied from Singapore. The impact of such a small island nation is truly inspirational to the world, many countries adapting policies from Singapore.
Today, Singapore is one of the top countries to have the best business environment and tax planning system and has a strong work ethic and quality in terms of administration. It is one of the safest and most expensive cities, from struggle to one of the safest cities. PM Modi said it is an inspiration to all developing countries and the contribution of Lee, its leadership and Singapore as leading nation in the new era.
