Singapore’s success story: how meritocracy, pluralism and trade built global powerhouse

As Singapore celebrates its National Day, experts from across Asia reflect on the island nation’s disciplined rise—driven by clean governance, inclusive policies, and a relentless focus on economic openness

Mushfiq Ahmed

KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) – As the red-and-white flags flutter across Singapore on its 59th National Day, the city-state’s quiet but resolute success is once again under global spotlight.

What makes a tiny island of just over 700 square kilometers—without oil, water or a hinterland—become a global trade and finance hub in less than six decades?

Experts say the answer lies in Singapore’s deeply institutionalized principles: secular governance, merit-based systems, non-alignment in foreign policy, and a near-religious commitment to trade and rule of law.

“Singapore is a country that doesn’t go to war and doesn’t take sides in others’ wars,” says Zafar Sheikh, a former Pakistani diplomat.

“This neutrality has helped it become a safe and efficient business hub. They only maintain a small self-defence force.”

Founded as an independent state in 1965 after a bitter separation from Malaysia, Singapore was described by its founding father Lee Kuan Yew as a “third world country in a first world region.”

But under his leadership, and the tight policies of his successors, the country today boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, a world-class education system, and a corruption-free bureaucracy.

“Lee Kuan Yew treated Singapore as his baby,” Sheikh notes. “His focus on institutional strength, public service discipline, and economic liberalism laid the foundation for everything that followed.”

Among the most praised aspects of Singapore’s system is its meritocratic bureaucracy. Sanaullah, Pakistan’s former ambassador to ASEAN, says appointments in Singapore are made purely on the basis of qualifications and efficiency. “They reward merit,” he explains. “This makes their bureaucracy strong and respected.”

Just as important is Singapore’s famed intolerance for corruption. “There is a ruthless accountability system,” Sana adds. “Even minor financial misconduct is swiftly punished, regardless of the person’s rank.”

 Framework with room for identity

Singapore’s model of governance is often held up as a blueprint for multicultural nations. In a country where Chinese, Malays, Indians, and others live side by side, race and religion are legally and administratively respected in public life.

“There is total equality when it comes to religion,” says Sanaullah. “There is no bigotry. Muslims have their mosques, Buddhists their temples. Everyone can practice freely.”

Samina Saeed, a political science professor and Dean Faculty of Arts at Karachi University, says the country’s success lies in how it balances diversity with cohesion.

“They’ve created a system where all religions are respected, and yet, there’s a strong national identity that binds everyone together,” she observes. “Muslims are free to worship, but their integration into the broader society is also encouraged.”

Azam Ali, a Pakistani who moved to Singapore in 1989 and became a citizen in 1997, describes an “invisible system” that guards against extremism. “Mosque sermons are monitored, but this isn’t limited to Muslims,” he says. “Recently someone was prosecuted for writing inflammatory posts about Islam.”

“Slaughter on Eid is arranged in mosques, but not allowed at homes or streets. The idea is to maintain order and mutual respect.”

If there’s one engine that has powered Singapore’s extraordinary journey, it’s trade. The numbers speak for themselves. According to Dr Aamir Hussain Siddiqui of Karachi University’s Applied Economics Research Centre, Singapore’s export-to-GDP ratio is 179%, and its trade-to-GDP ratio stands at a staggering 330%.

“It is a trade-driven economy, much like Hong Kong or the UAE,” he explains. “This means it is deeply integrated with the global economy, which ensures high levels of income and investment.”

The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest in the world, and the country ranks consistently among the top in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index.

Hidden struggles beneath shine

Yet beneath Singapore’s gleaming skyline and statistical success, there are simmering concerns about inequality, housing, and social mobility—especially for foreigners or long-term residents who haven’t secured permanent residency or citizenship.

Ali notes that acquiring permanent residence is far more difficult today than in the 1990s. “People have worked here for over a decade and still don’t have PR. Until you get it, life is unstable. Healthcare, housing, and education are expensive unless you’re a citizen.”

He says middle-class families often struggle unless they land high-paying jobs at multinational firms. “For many, it’s not the Singapore dream—it’s Singapore survival.”

Even with these challenges, many experts see Singapore as a beacon for developing countries trying to navigate pluralism, modernity, and economic growth.

“There’s no utopia,” says Prof. Saeed. “But Singapore shows how a disciplined, forward-thinking government can build a prosperous, harmonious society—if it stays focused on inclusion, fairness, and global integration.”

And that may be the ultimate message of Singapore’s National Day in 2025: a small state with big ideas, and the political will to follow through.