Singapore's exit from Malaysia was a unique historical situation. It is hard to find another example from history when a smaller state was booted out from a larger state. Singapore's problem at independence was not unique, lack of sanitation, shortage of portable water, high employment and racial riots.
Poverty, lawlessness and political tension characterized Singapore then are what epitomizes failed states today. It was a period of uncertainty; racial riot in 1964, Konfrontasi bomb on March 1965, Malaya's booting of Singapore on August 1965. About three million people, half unemployed sandwiched between two unfriendly states. With no political hinterland, Singapore's independence was a joke. Singapore's founder was in tears in front of foreign journalists on 9th August 1965.
Lee kuan yew's team had to establish a new national identity. From ambitions of being the financial and port city of a larger country to an independent state. The term Singaporean was a term coined only in the 1980's.
With no neighbours to trade with her, she is forced to look out for opportunities and attract investments. The concept of "export-led growth" and "foreign investment" was only applied to MNCs who were exploiting cheap labour. The leaders in Singapore promoted "Globalisation" before the word was fashionable. These were applied to Singapore and it became Singapore Inc.
With no natural resources for the MNCs to tap on, Singapore had to develop it's people pool. From the labour intensive industries, to the higher level assembly plants, where there were knowledge transfer.
Another reason for Singapore's success was that it had tapped on foreign expertise. Japan industrial planners were brought in to help develop the Jurong Industial Estate, the UN Development Program helped to develop plans for the mass rapid system and Israel's military training to help toughen our forces. Today, reviews with panels of renown people in the field are frequently used in Singapore. Such as the Economic Review Council(ERC) and the Research Innovation and Entreprise Council (RIEC)
Furthermore, Singapore believed it's government should in invest and develope its infrastructure and housing. Many countries believed the fallacy that progress will trickle down eventually and that the people will built their own housing. Another factor was that Singapore's land was limited, thus forcing the government to plan ahead.
The peaceful political climate in Singapore attracted foreign investments. There was a social contract between the people and the government. The people was willing to give up freedom and work hard and the government will create the environment that will prosper and better quality of life.
The effective usage of ASEAN, UN and the Commonwealth helped create political space. Being a small nation, it cannot be left out alone. Singapore is vocal in these community bloc and aims to establish itself a reliable voice. Singapore's election into the UN Security Council as president, council of International Maritime Organisation were examples of successful creation of political clout for a small Singapore.
These together with other factors contributed to the Singapore Story. Due to the lack of space in my blog, I gtg and end this.. hehe.. good luck..
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