How Singapore Transformed From an Underdeveloped Nation to a Global Success Story
Singapore's Diverse Society and Unity in Diversity
Singapore is a small island nation known for its diverse population, consisting of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Taoists, Hindus, Jews, Zoroastrians, Jains, and Sikhs. Interestingly, the second-largest group is atheists. The ethnic composition includes 74.5% Chinese, 13.5% Malays, and 9% Indians, all residing in just 714.3 square kilometers (275.8 square miles). Despite this diversity, Singapore exemplifies "unity in diversity."
Widely recognized as one of the most developed countries in the world, Singapore's success stems from its advanced economy and infrastructure. However, it may surprise many that in the 1960s, Singapore was grappling with severe challenges. The country suffered from extreme poverty, a staggering 14% unemployment rate, and a GDP per capita of only USD 516. It had limited natural resources, poor infrastructure, and little access to education and healthcare. Crime rates were high, and hunger was rampant.
Yet, Singapore transformed. If a nation facing such hardships could change, there is hope for other nations too—including India.
India: A Country of Contrast
Let’s examine the current state of India:
- Geography: India is vast, covering 3,287,590 sq. km in total land area, with 2,973,190 sq. km (1,147,955 sq. miles) of this being habitable land.
- **Religious Diversity**: About 79.8% of the population practices Hinduism, 14.2% follows Islam, 2.3% adheres to Christianity, 1.7% to Sikhism, 0.7% to Buddhism, and 0.4% to Jainism.
- Population: 1.45 billion people live in India.
- Economic Status: India has taken a loan of $1.2 trillion, with external debts amounting to $5.70 billion.
- Crime Rate: According to the NCRB, in 2022, the crime rate was 422.2 per 100,000 people, making India 79th among 197 countries. Crimes against women increased by 4%.
- Unemployment: The unemployment rate increased by 8.5%.
- Suicide Rate: Suicide is a national public health issue, with 1.71 lakh suicides recorded in 2022, a rate of 12.4%. Shockingly, 13,089 students died by suicide in 2021, a 32.5% increase from 2017. Many were driven to despair by the government's handling of competitive exams and unemployment, despite having degrees.
Singapore's Journey and Strategies for Success
Let’s take a closer look at Singapore’s incredible journey and the strategies they employed:
Challenges Singapore Faced Initially:
1. Economic instability
2. Social unrest
3. Limited resources
4. Dependence on entrepôt trade
Lee Kuan Yew's Leadership
**1963**: Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, initially sought a merger with Malaysia. However, this was later rejected due to unequal rights for Malays.
**1964**: Communal tensions rose, and the merger was officially declined.
**1967**: British troops were ruling several states. When the British planned to withdraw, Lee Kuan Yew persuaded them to delay until 1971 to allow Singapore time to transition.
Amidst chaos and limited resources, he made pivotal decisions that transformed the nation.
Key Strategies for Singapore’s Transformation
1. **Establishment of ASEAN**: In 1967, Lee Kuan Yew co-founded the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This fostered regional cooperation in areas like economy, culture, and education.
2. **National Service**: Compulsory national service was imposed, ensuring social discipline and a sense of duty among the youth.
3. **Compulsory Primary Education**: Education was made affordable and mandatory, with a strong emphasis on vocational training. Secular festivals, such as the "Religious Harmony Day," celebrated annually on July 21st, reinforced social unity.
4. **Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)**: Introduced in 1989, this policy ensured an ethnic mix in neighborhoods, promoting harmony and understanding among different communities.
5. **Campaign for Cleanliness**: Singapore launched the "Keep Singapore Clean" campaign in 1968, which wasn’t just symbolic. Public waste collection, recycling, and programs like "Happy Toilet" were implemented. Strict fines were levied for littering and spitting, with repeat offenders facing higher penalties.
6. **Public Housing**: Singapore relocated 26,000 families from slums to high-rise public housing, improving their living conditions. Today, 80% of the population lives in government-provided housing.
7. **Urban Planning**: Hawkers and informal vendors were relocated to organized food centers and markets. Additionally, pig farms and duck farms were phased out for urban beautification.
8. **Healthcare Reforms**: Public and private hospitals were made affordable. Initiatives like MediShield, MediSafe, and MediFund ensured quality healthcare for all.
9. **Sustainable Economic Model**: Instead of imposing high taxes, Singapore funded its development through a government-owned company, Temasek, which invested in national and international businesses. They also encouraged foreign investments and built world-class infrastructure, like the Changi Airport.
Tackling Corruption
Singapore, now the fourth least corrupt country in the world, achieved this through:
1. High salaries for government employees and ministers to deter corruption.
2. Performance-linked salaries.
3. Strict anti-corruption laws, with severe penalties for offenders.
4. An independent Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), free from political interference.
Conclusion: Lessons for India
India can certainly draw inspiration from Singapore’s model. By focusing on education, cleanliness, and tackling corruption, India has the potential to transition from a developing to a developed nation. Let’s hope for a brighter future, where we can see our India flourish.
Comments