Fast forward to half a century later and the red dot is still little, but it has created a big name for itself on the global map by punching well above its weight. The republic is known for its clean and effective government, litter-free walkways and garden city image, skyscraper buildings, and the award-winning Changi Airport. Collectively, these developments have led Singapore to the top of country rankings where aptitude and economic competitiveness are the chosen yardsticks.
Having transformed from a Third to First World nation in slightly more than half a century, Singapore today is confronted with a similar set of challenges while facing Covid-19. How can it transform itself to stay relevant for the next 50 years?
Singapore (Aug 7): Fifty-five years ago in 1965, the idea of an independent Singapore was a political, economic and geographic absurdity, the republic’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once remarked. At that time, the small nation lacked the resources and know-how needed to transform itself from a fishing village to a modern metropolis.
