Have you ever heard of a book about building a nation? It’s not a manual of some kind of simulation computer games, such as Microsoft Civilization. It is a real experience anecdote about an Asian. He is Kuan Yew Lee, the almighty founding father of Singapore. Now Singapore is a nation, which always tops the ranks from the Swiss IMD world competitiveness to Transperancy International’s corruption perceptions index. Singapore is the country highly regarded for its efficient and clean government. Though it is a rather small country with about 4 million citizens whose ethnicity varies from Chinese majority to Malay and Indian minority. Because of its cosmopolitan aura, It still absorbs the region’s highly educated and talented human resources, such as Indian surgeons, Australian bankers, and Chinese actors. 

Until the very late 1960s, it was a nation that didn’t have anything to sell or export. It was an island country which didn’t have its own water supply. It was plagued by the numerous ethnic strife and violence between Chinese and Malay. It also faced Communist insurgents. It was surrounded by hostile neighbors. When its colonial ruler, British Navy and Air Force were beginning to leave it, Singapore virtually didn’t have any military forces to defend itself. It was a matter of survival. 

It wasn’t industrialized and didn’t have any natural resources. However, its geopolitical position is crucial, being at the centre of South East Asia. It is a marine transport hub of the Malacca Strait. It also had several advantages. It had colonial British heritage, such as English language and British law and institutions. Almost all its neighboring countries were ruled by authoritative dictators. They were hostile towards their former colonialist Westerners. Their people didn’t have subtle business tactics and skills to deal with their Western clients. But  Singapore was different. With its English speaking businessmen and sound legal systems, it had an edge over its neighbors. Its government officials were corruption-proof and efficient. Its British legal systems were reliable. It became a safe haven for Westerners doing business in SE Asia. Singapore quickly emerged as a regional entrepot. With its reputable credit, it attracted international banking and insurance businesses. 

Lee also restructured its universities. He thought that without any natural resources higher education should play a significant role in developing its economy. He emphasized the importance of learning mathematics and science. Soon colleges gave engineering and science studies special importance and investment. All classes had to be taught in English. The change in education transformed Singapore. Now its human resources are world-class competitive. Once exporting cheap electronic components to industrialized countries, Singapore is boasting its state-of-the-art  IT technology and pharmaceutical industry. 

Lee’s practical and down-to-earth approach towards diplomatics and economy  really helped to put his nation on the foundation. Singapore’s epic tale from Third World to First really intrigued and mesmerized me. Singapore is soly based on Lee’s ambition and enthusiasm. I am totally overwhelmed by the fact that one man can make a huge difference to the world.