Thanks for your video. Africa is such a rich and wonderful country, with wonderful people. In my humble opinion, the number 1 problem you face is corruption. Solve that, and Africa will be far stronger than Singapore and many other nations can ever be.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree that corruption is Africa's number one problem, and tackling it could truly unlock the continent's immense potential. I personally think that one of the root causes of this corruption lies in the current democratic systems adopted by most African countries. The enormous cost of running for elections plays a significant role in this. Campaigning requires a lot of money, and candidates often rely on wealthy backers or investors who expect a return on their investment once the candidate is in power. This creates a system where elected leaders feel obligated to prioritize the interests of their financial supporters, often at the expense of the public good. Additionally, politicians also feel the need to recoup their own campaign expenses, leading to practices like embezzlement or awarding contracts to cronies. This cycle makes it difficult for genuine, reform-minded leaders to rise, as elections often just replace one group of corrupt individuals with another. I want to think that Singapore’s leadership avoided this by adopting a system of governance that minimized such vulnerabilities. Africa could draw some lessons from that.
@@explorewithkojo You need a benevolent dictator to implement harsh policies to jump start the process of reforming the country for the greater good. Sadly, most dictators are in it only for their own personal benefit.
And i wonder what causes corruption... the individual 😂😂😂😂 it all comes down to the culture and people. Their leaders are the best that they elected 😂 no matter how many layers you want to cover it up with 😂 why do you think the only east asian majority in southeast asia just so happens to be the most developed? 😂 did they have a headstart and many natural resources etc to help them? 😂
There are people in the west that calls lee kuan yew a dictator. Well, you can call him that. But the biggest difference between him and any other dictator is that he is patriotic, and never self serving. Every decision made is for the country to prosper. He wants a better country and better people, which in turn make the country even better.
@BennnWJK ahem what was it against? Communism. LKY knew communism was the wrong direction and they had to get rid of people that aligned in that direction. Again, to better the country. Which still aligns with the points I'm making.
As a Singaporean, I'm grateful for your kind words. However one thing most people forgot is that Lee Kuan Yew had to be ruthless when needed and an eye for talent. Singapore, during the early years, was full of strife. There were plenty of issues and he had to iron out fast. He hired the right people to sort out housing, infrastructure, water etc. Ruthless towards his political adversaries because he needed to make sure his vision of Singapore can be reached (even if it made himself enemy to plenty). And he made sure that ruthlessness extends to the law. For sure, many called him dictator early on but he didn't care because his goal was his vision of Singapore
@Anarkey Your comment struck a chord with me because it reminds me so much of Ghana's own version of Lee Kuan Yew-Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the founding father of my country. Like LKY, Dr. Nkrumah was a visionary leader who believed in the need for strong and sometimes ruthless leadership to transform a nation. Unfortunately, he was betrayed by some of his own people and violently overthrown, despite the fact that he was rapidly transforming Ghana in a very positive way. Dr. Nkrumah, like LKY, believed that true development requires an unwavering commitment to one's vision, even if it means making tough and unpopular decisions. One of my favorite quotes from LKY is, 'Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him.' Reading your comment and reflecting on both leaders’ legacies only reinforces how much I admire what they stood for. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring perspective!
i think nowadays bc some ppl are too sensitive + cancel culture, not many politicians, presidents etc are scared of being hated online and sometimes even irl just for putting their foot down to make theor country great again. i feel bad for those who want to do good yet are scared of the unreasonable backlash they might face.
Singaporean here. I believe many countries have the potential to grow and be like us. I think the fundamental problem for most is corruption. Every nation needs someone who is willing to make difficult decisions. It will take time, but I am sure if there is a will, there is a way. Africa has some much potential. Your continent just needs the right people to run their respective country. I wish the people of Africa well and the day great things will come for everyone.
And i wonder what causes corruption... the individual 😂😂😂😂 it all comes down to the culture and people. Their leaders are the best that they elected 😂 no matter how many layers you want to cover it up with 😂 why do you think the only east asian majority in southeast asia just so happens to be the most developed? 😂 did they have a headstart and many natural resources etc to help them? 😂
To erase corruptions, we need to elect pragmatic statesmen and leaders to lead the country. We need need to build the country together despite our differences. Share the country's wealth amongst the people and improve their living standards.
You are right. I have actually had the opportunity to travel to many countries across the globe, including in Europe and Asia and I'm yet to come across a country as brilliantly designed as Singapore. So yes, not just African countries but also many so called developed countries, can learn a number of things from SG.
Try giving him a landmass the size of Africa-let’s see if he can handle that! Lol😂 I dare you guys to actually use LANDMASS as baseline, NO BULLSHIT, NO EXCUSE!
@@criticap-jo9dlhe builded a poor city that had nothing no water no food no resources not a lot of land and got just separated from Malaysia into what it is today . If he can do It in Singapore I had no doubt he might very well can do It in Africa with have more land more resources.
The answer is very simple - LEE KUAN YEW because he emphasised on the importance of British based Education. Although his past polictical power was tough and brutal but he had to do it that way in order to bring Singapore today. And most importantly, he knew the importance of bringing foreign investors into Singapore by offering them great incentives. A salutation to a great man MR LEE KUAN YEW for making Singapore great today. 🖖🖖🖖
I'm Singaporean, and I have a friend from Ghana who often shares his frustrations about his government, citing poor governance and constant corruption. I empathize deeply with him and sincerely hope for positive change in Ghana whether soon or in the near future. It will take committed and visionary leaders to make such a change happen. Other than that, I really wish to visit Ghana one day! (:
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! It’s 100% true that Ghana (like many other less developed places around the world) needs committed and visionary leaders to drive real change. This is the only way a positive change can come. And if you ever visit Ghana, I’m sure you’ll love it! The people, culture, and food are amazing but the leaders aren't. I hope you get to experience it someday!
Point on, when u mention that a good leader is critical ... but he needs to be visionary too ... Under the reign of LKY, he faces many struggles too, like any other new born nation. Each struggle was an uphill struggle for the survival of Singapore, but they (his team & himself) held on to the pain & bite the bullet ... Taking on only 1 fight at a time ...
Dear Sir, you are spot-on in your analysis. In fact, Douglas Murray said exactly the same thing not long ago. He said that although Singapore was a former colony, it succeeded because it had good leadership that was visionary and corruption free. Thus, Singapore was able to build upon the infrastructure that was left behind and make things work. I have been to a few African countries and people there have shared your same frustration. I wish you and your country well. Best wishes.
Thank you for sharing that perspective! It's so true that good leadership makes all the difference. The story of SG's success never stops inspiring me. It shows us what vision and zero tolerance for corruption can achieve. I deeply appreciate your kind wishes, and I hope that with time and effort, African nations can also rise above these challenges.
I was born in Singapore and I am proud to be a Singaporean. I am eternally grateful to Mr Lee Kuan Yew who had great clear vision for Singapore's future and implemented policies to achieve it. Mr Lee Kuan Yew created economic development, maintained social stability and promoted racial harmony.
Lee Kuan Yew's vision and leadership truly transformed Singapore into what it is today. It’s inspiring to see the pride Singaporeans have in their country. Thanks for sharing this! 😊
I am very touched by your love for your country. You are a true patriot. I hope you will be one of the people who will make your country prosper and grow into a nation which the whole world will marvel and love. Best wishes.
Thank you so much, @lingkwong7789, for your kind words and encouragement! I deeply believe in the potential of my country and many other underdeveloped parts of the world that have been made so by bad leadership. I hope to contribute, in my own small way, to the growth and prosperity of my community. Thanks once again for the encouragement.
@Geethepancake Thank you so much for the warm welcome! Singapore has been such an amazing experience, and I’m truly enjoying every moment here. Your hospitality means a lot!
Thank you so much! You’re absolutely right-I love my homeland and want to see Africa thrive. I’ve traveled around Africa and it deeply saddens me to see the sheer amount of poverty, especially knowing how blessed the continent is with an abundance of resources and wealth. It’s my hope that through reflection and learning from others, we can take steps toward greatness.
As a Singaporean who had been to Ghana and 13 other African countries I have some advice for you; represent your country and not the entire African continent. Singapore being the only developed country in Southeast Asia may not be where it is today if we waited around for the rest.
@@elsabishop7669 we had NOTHING to loot. And when Malaysia did not want us, we did not even have fresh water! And yes, we did not blame Colonialism and even make English (as it was a business language of the world, then) our official main language for school. We definitely had LKY and his band of smart (merry) men and their very educated wives behind them to support!
A smart and aspiring young man, kojo. Keep up with the curiosity,interest in innovation and progress. My opinion is also the same as many others, the need to weed out corruption is essential. It’s a need not a want. Best regards from Singapore!💪🏻
Hi Aurora, I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! It really means a lot to me. And I completely agree-tackling corruption is absolutely essential for real progress anywhere in the world. Also, I can't thank you enough for your generosity! Your support is truly appreciated. Sending my best regards back to you!
Very good. I like your analysis. I wish the African countries (like Ghana) all the best in finding their way. I really hope they can realize their full potential.
Singaporean here. A big part of our story is just the strategic genius and benevolence of our leader Lee Kuan Yew who was himself uncorrupt, and thus built a legacy shunning corruption. Of course, reality is complex and multifaceted, but this is to me the main reason in a nutshell that made Singapore what it is today.
My opinion is this: Get the basics right. 1) Corruption. Has to be eliminated. Corruption, as you note, bleeds the country and the people. It is an insidious cost that no nation or people should endure. But some countries trying to learn from Singapore, use "anti-corruption measures" to persecute their political opponents. Which is another form orf corruption. 2) Leadership. Singapore was blessed with good, honest leadership. Partly because Singapore had NO "blessings" of natural resources that leaders could steal, exploit and enrich themselves. 3) Rule of Law. This is not so obvious, but the law has to be paramount. Singapore is often described as "authoritarian". Look up the definition of "Authoritarian", and it seems to me that what it means is that what is the law is applied without fear or favour. Whereas in the "less authoritarian" societies, the law can mandate that people wear masks during the height of the COVID pandemic, but some idiots who "did their own research" can flout these laws/rules. 4) Essential Services - housing, communication/roads, power, gas, education, etc - these needs to be addressed. Then plan for the future 1) Prepare to be of service to the world. Singapore split from Malaysia because at that time Malaysia wanted a Malay Malaysia, with the Malay language and people being the paramount focus of the Malaysian govt. So when the Chinese-majority Singapore became independent, the Chinese in Singapore thought that Singapore should make Chinese the national language. Lee Kuan Yew said no. That would be inward looking, and meant that Singapore would be less useful to the world. He made English the common language of govt, and business. 2) Make the world your oyster. In the 60s, the shared knowledge was that newly independent countries should adopt "Import substitution" to grow. Singapore tried that for a while and that didn't work. So we invited MNCs to invest in Singapore, establish factories, and teach Singaporeans how to make their products to sell to the world. Singapore was "globalised" before globalisation was the fad. 3) Jobs for the educated. Singapore escaped the middle income trap by getting jobs for the more highly educated people - in finance, administration, etc. But first, get the basics right.
Thanks for such a thoughtful and detailed comment! You’re right about ensuring that a society get the basics right. This is key, and eliminating corruption is a huge part of that. It’s frustrating to see how some countries use ‘anti-corruption measures’ as a tool to go after political opponents, which just adds another layer of corruption. I also agree with your point about leadership and how Singapore’s lack of natural resources forced its leaders to think differently. That’s something a lot of resource-rich countries (especially right here in Africa) can learn from. Thanks for sharing this-it’s a fantastic breakdown of what other countries can learn!
Thanks for the kind words of our nation. Your analysis is spot on as to why we are able to thrive. In every country and every developed nation, there will be citizens who struggle. But here in Singapore, we are at least guaranteed a roof over our head with housing subsidies. If we failed to get a job, there is help readily available with career guidance etc. Yes! We are truly blessed with a visionary leader in Lee Kuan Yew.
Coming from my part of the world, and visiting Singapore and seeing how these systems work here leaves you absolutely flabbergasted! It really shows what strong leadership and a well-thought-out vision can achieve!
To me your video is on point. Factual and inspiring. As a Singaporean i would have to agree with u that we suffered colonialism but on that spectrum i think Africa as a continent had it worse than us. In my opinion why Singapore works is largely two main factors. 1. Meritocracy society as a whole. 2. Trust from the citizens. And all these need that top down driven focus. So as much as the focus-work needs to be driven top down from our governments, the people also needs to play our part. Lastly if we compare with what Africa has to us, your continent is a landmass of wealth and talent in every aspect. With that, Africa can surpass us Singapore in a single leap if u guys put the right mind, heart and soul into it.
I want to use this opportunity to thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring comment! I completely agree-Africa’s experience with colonialism was incredibly devastating. I also love your point about the need for both governments and citizens to work together-true change really does require everyone playing their part. Your optimism about Africa’s potential means a lot. I wish more Africans will see your comment and be inspired by it. And I truly believe with the right focus, mindset, and effort, Africa can come out of this mess we find ourselves in. I often travel around Africa and get very shocked by some of the things I see in terms of severe poverty and underdevelopment. Thanks again for sharing such a powerful perspective!
@@explorewithkojo , thanks for your compliment and high praises for my country. Keep up your good work on spreading the bright future vision Africa could have. U and i might just be a matchstick but we can start an explosion. God bless u my brother!
Nice but have you been to Ghana? When experience the airport authorities trying all sorts of antics to extra a bribe from you, I think your tone be different.
@@NewmaticKe You visit as tourist or worked in Africa? I had worked in Africa for 5 years (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Chad Central African Republic and Namibia). Tanzania is my favorite.
Kojo, you have analysed well the chief ingredients of Singapore's success. The short answer is: Leadership. We were blessed to have a leader like LKY (as we call him - we like acronyms here in Singapore). He was very clear in his thinking and goalsl, very passionate about wanting the best for Singapore. He cracked down hard on corruption, and insisted that everyone had to work hard, especially civil servants. He set the tone, leading by example, He gathered a team of brilliant men around him, and inspired them with his vision. Singapore could not have succeeded without the contributions of his team. The small size of Singapore made it easier for him to establish his policies and govern well. But look at China, so many times larger than Singapore in terms of population and land mass, with so many more problems to overcome. Yet China succeeded in lifting 700 million people out of extreme poverty, while creating the economic miracle it is today. The means are different, but the answer also lies in its leadership. I hope your country and other states of Africa might one day also raise strong, dedicated, visionary leaders to help African people develop their potential and build better lives for themselves. And if you are still in Singapore for a few days, let's meet and share experiences.
Welcome to Singapore, I am humbled by your description of our tiny Island state, I am sure Africa can do better if enough people put their heart and mind together ❤
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! ❤️ I’m deeply inspired by what Singapore has achieved. I truly believe Africa has so much potential, and with enough unity and determination, we can make incredible progress too. 🌍✨ Sending love from my side!
A small country with no natural resources, Singapore had visionary, uncorrupted and selfless leaders to bring the people together to strive and progress.
Absolutely! You are totally right. Singapore’s story is beyond inspiring-having visionary, selfless, and uncorrupted leaders made all the difference. I have been to SG multiple times, and I am always left in awe at the things I see - how strong leadership and unity can transform even a small country with no natural resources into a global success story. My dream is to someday see African countries corruption-free and with selfless leaders and people who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to take Africa out of "hole" we are currently in. Thanks for sharing this with us.
@@explorewithkojowrong. The Singapore makes corruption acceptable n very open they don't even hide it. It's in our daily life you don't even question it at all. The government has total control over everything. It's also unsafe because you can get into trouble over little things you say. It's not a safe country because the government has absolute control over your life.
Thank you for your kind words. Hope more of your fellloe countryman watch your videos and feel inspired to make your country the best it can be. I’m a Singaporean but I have to say, if not for lee kuan yew our founding prime minister, we may not be here today. Yes some people may say we blindly “worship” him and that he is a “dictator”, But honestly when I look around me now in Singapore, I feel so thankful he played such a pivatol role in shaping our nation.
I really, really hope so too. I always try my best to open the eyes of my people to understand that we are the ones standing in our own way to progress but sometimes people react negatively when you feed them the truth. And regarding Lee Kuan Yew, I'm glad to hear that most Singaporeans are grateful to him for the immense role he played in transforming SG into the success story that it is today. I can only imagine that sacrifices he and the people had to make to get to where you guys are today. Beyond inspiring.
Perhaps you can look somewhere closer to home? Rwanda is often called "the Singapore of Africa". From the news, it looks they have made great strides in modernising their infrastructure too.
I'm glad you mentioned Rwanda. According to information released from the local media, the country is experiencing significant positive transformation thanks to their current leader who has ruled the country for more than 20 YEARS. I hope to visit that country soon to see things for myself.
Thanks! Singapore was truly an unforgettable experience. I have actually been lucky to visit SG multiple times and every time I visit, I am left pleasantly speechless (:
Thank you for your kind words about Singapore.No countries are perfect.We can pray and hope Africa will be successful like UK and US.Slowly but surely.
My dear friend, thank you for that glowing review of my island country. I'd always believed that if Africa could overcome its religious and cultural differences and even tribal mindset, it would be a powerhouse rivalling Europe and Asia. I wish the 2nd half of this century belongs to Africa.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Africa has immense potential, and overcoming those differences might unlock something extraordinary. Your vision for Africa is both inspiring and hopeful. Here's to a brighter future for the continent and for all of humanity as well!
Welcome to Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew said the progress of Singapore can be repeated in any country in his autobiography. He also said corruption is like a cancer for countries. I'm in Singapore. Kenya and Rwanda are both doing good too with good leadership. Good luck for the progress in Ghana.
Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing those insights! Hopefully, Ghana and many other "underdeveloped" and "developing" societies can learn from these examples and make significant progress too. I truly appreciate your encouragement!
Singapore has always been the role model of many countries. We outshine hongkong by far even, as hongkong is just a city, but we are a nation. Our wise governments, strong bodied and smart people has built our nation from the ground up, achieving a remarkable feat for all to follow, to lead the world into a new era. No more drugs, crime, corruption and disorder is commonly found in singapore, as we maximise the use of our resources.
Singaporean here. Unfortunately I feel most of the locals here have taken what Lee Kuan Yew built for granted, and increased caplitalism and immigration has killed out our originality and soul. I remember back in the 90s when strangers will be so gracious and greet each other freely, there was a bigger sense of appreciation for what we had. Now Singapore are suffering from the typical effects of being a first-world country, but thanks for your kind review here!
@cathhl2440 Thing is, that might just be a by-product of immigration. We've seen how the leftists in the West tried to leverage them to win their votes blatantly, and I'm sure the PAP isn't as innocent as they seem...none of them even addressed the Keppel scandal incident till today. How can we have a strong psychological defense when foreigners are more rewarded with better starting salaries and having more and less the same privileges as locals in terms of public housing and cars...these are not affordable to the average local.
Is that your experience? Most of my Singaporean friends are eternally grateful to Lee Kuan Yew for what we have today and hope our current generation of leaders will continue to govern wisely, taking care that no one is left behind. 🙏
Absolutely! Lee Kuan Yew was truly one of a kind, and Singapore was indeed fortunate to have his visionary leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire generations worldwide!
I worked in Ghana for 6 months in the early 1970's. I was with an American company, who then transferred me to Singapore. Even back then there were big differences between the two countries. Singapore is small with a small population, and this is a big advantage. Having a strong and visionary leader was important, and in particular one who focused on the fight against corruption. That is the biggest enemy you have back in Africa. Rwanda has modelled itself on some aspects of Singapore and seems to be on the way up. It is a start at least.
If you go residential areas in to visit food & fresh produce morning markets .. it can be noisy and chaotic too with vehicles honking and aunties shouting
Apart from LKY's well-known books like "hard truths to keep singapore going", I'd also recommend "from ideas to reality" by S. Rajaratnam and "liberalism disavowed" by Chua Beng Huat to get a deeper understanding of Singapore's history and secret to success You made a very good observation - singapore had a very different relationship with its colonial masters as our economy has always relied on free trade as opposed to the extraction of resources. That's why there was a much more peaceful transfer of power when we gained independence, and the lack of a power vacuum made it possible to implement systems to prevent corruption.
I see Singapore’s small size as an advantage in management actually. Nationwide changes are easy to implement, criminals are easily caught, and to a certain extent work gets done quicker by virtue of short traveling time within the country.
For those who miss his description while walking on the clean orderly street, he meant Singapore has no soul vs his native country 0:50. I suggest we should search our souls in Singapore ...Lost our soul due to busy schedule, upgrading our homes or on pursuit of money and status?😢
Wow, Yaokongqi, that's incredible! Where I come from, power cuts are unfortunately so common that we’ve almost come to expect them regularly. It’s really amazing how efficient things can be with the right systems in place!
That's a great video! I love the way you analyze it. Interestingly, from what I know, Rwanda, under Paul Kagame, has been looking to Singapore as a role model. They've made significant progress and are often referred to as the 'Singapore of Africa.' I think their development is worth studying as well.
Welcome to Singapore sir. I love African people and hope to see more Africans travelling to Singapore in the future. Don't be disheartened, Singapore had some things that were beneficial to it becoming a first world country, such as its location and small size which sort of worked for it.
I'm struck by Lee Kuan Yew's nation building policies that actually follow Confucius' teachings. Confucius was the ancient Chinese philosopher who taught to promote the best, have a clean government, stamp out nepotism, rule of law, value education, family values...
You are a very insightful and well-read man. Basics : As you have noted, you have more resources than Spore. You cannot ask for more. Spore started with no natural resources, poor and uneducated people or menial workers. What happened? We were lucky and blessed with an intelligent man who had a passion to dedicate his life to build up Spore, at all costs. The pioneer generation was uneducated. Lee and his govt sent every child to school, free of charge, free school fees, free text books. Spore was built by the educated children of the uneducated first generation. Solution for Ghana: Pray for a man who is willing to build Ghana at all costs. ❤❤❤ Really, we started with nothing. So, it is the passion of a man to create Ghana as his own child. Nothing else needs to be said. They are mere details. God bless you for coming to Spore, my friend.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. Your encouragement means a lot, and I hope we can all play our small roles in helping our society grow into a shining example, just as Singapore has. God bless you too, my friend! ❤️🙏
Find and choose a strategic location in Ghana. Start small . Industrialised it and train the best people to be that workforce . China started with Suzhou with Singapore showing the way though I don’t have the full history and the know how but that’s the idea . Once it’s successful , use it as a success model to duplicate it elsewhere to spread wealth , skills and build on the experiences and mistakes learned . All the best ! Ghana can do it !
I'm in this beautiful country, Singapore. We keep improving and evolving, which makes us better over time, unlike many other countries, which are stuck in some recursive loop due to various factors. So don't call Lee Kuan Yew a dictator. His leadership was correct or appropriate during those years.
As a Singaporean who's been in the UK for over 20 years, my colleagues, amongst them Africans, and people I know deeply admire our late PM Lee KY, who completely managed the island state into a dynamic nation as what it is today. Now that I am back after just as many years, I do feel like a foreigner at times, trying to navigate myself like one! Singapore is just too efficient that every move is like being monitored by Big Brother! ( some brands it's too stifling). I believe this is what countries, especially in Africa, lack, and hence corruption thrives. With all the progress and shining fronts built in such a record time, Singapore does share its own set of problems. Problems commonly seen in the UK, like scammed marriages, have now started to crop up here as well. But then, we always need to mindful of the geopolitical of each country. And Ghana, or possibly any other country in Africa is massive. Imagine being a teacher in classroom of tens of millions? Throw in a corrupted leader as well? And for someone who loves nature, I see Africa as such an amazingly beautiful and rich continent, and like my African colleagues have shown, full of gracious and colourful souls.
A good place to start would be to read the book "From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000". I found that his book tells you a lot about the mindset and the solutions taken to transform this little island.
Thanks for the recommendation. You are actually the fourth person to recommend this book, which I have just ordered online. Really looking forward to reading it (:
@@Ian-hn8ty Interestingly, this is the second or third time someone has brought up the idea of culture playing a big role, especially in the context of Chinese values and the drive for success. It’s definitely something worth reflecting on when looking at the bigger picture! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
@HelenN-v8o You’re absolutely right-character is indeed a cornerstone of successful leadership and nation-building. However, I also think the system of governance plays a crucial role in either curbing or fostering corruption. Many African nations have adopted a democratic model from the West, but unfortunately, in our context, it often breeds corruption. Every election cycle, political parties spend enormous amounts of money (hundreds of millions of dollars) to secure power, often backed by businessmen who expect major returns on their 'investment.' Without transparency and integrity, this leads to corrupt practices once leaders are in office. Take my country Ghana, for example: elections are held every four years, and more often than not, we end up replacing one group of corrupt leaders with another. The question we need to ask is-how do we break this cycle? I think it starts with paying a close attention to the form of government we have adopted. For example, this form of government makes it totally impossible for upright men and women who have the interest of the nation at heart to assume leadership positions without the backing of businessmen. How can a society curb corruption with this kind of political system?
@explorewithkojo The system of governance .. as you rightly describe .. boils down to character. In singapore , we know that corruption will rot the govt n industry. The citizens will not tolerate this. We hv no natural resources .. only people. Thank God .. a bunch of good men .. make laws that are just , who stand against wrongdoing bc .. where wd we go .. if we dont succeed ? Into the sea .. hehe
@@explorewithkojo There is no form of governance that will work if the people and leadership are corrupt. We have corrupt democracies, corrupt military dictators that ruined nations, corrupt monarchs, corrupt theocracies etc. I'm sorry but Africans are corrupt minded and that needs to change.The corruption is partly a function of poverty and mental laziness where they see government as an avenue for enrichment and promoting their tribesmen/cronies rather than service and uplifting the entire Nation. The leaders have no vision and are still stuck in a very tribal mindset rather than a National/Nation building mindset. What i'll give you is that the colonial masters putting different tribes and ethnicities with different goals and aspirations in a Nation hasn't helped Africa since there isn't much National loyalty, you have a situation where different tribes are jostling for power and dominance rather than what is best for the Nation. There is a leadership and a follower-ship crises in Africa, with too many Africans stuck in the past complaining about colonialism while their leaders rob them blind.Too many African men shrug their shoulders at the rot and are not willing to make any sacrifice to save their nations. Stop blaming colonialism and rather self reflect. Africans must change their ways and mindset. Africa also needs scientists and intelligent problem solvers not more dancing and singing.
Please go and talk to as many Filipinos as you can. Philippines has started ahead of Singapore, but lost it's way, but they have gotten the hang of it and catching back up. It all boils down to what's in people' heart and the culture they choose to carry within themselves. The society will reflect that. So, when you talk about visionary leaders and such, that send shivers down my spine, because they is the wrong way to go. You cannot push people to where you want to lead them, you need to slow explain to them and have them internalize it themselves.
You make a really important point about how culture and what’s in people’s hearts shape a society. Indeed true change needs to come from within, and people have to embrace it themselves for it to be sustainable. And from the looks of things the vast majority of my people might not be ready for change yet.
I'm a Singaporean. Thank you for doing a video on Singapore. On corruption, I think the proverb "Charity begins at home" is application here. Singaporeans aren't corrupt even when they aren't being watched, in general. Of course, the government has zero tolerance for corruption, but even so, in our dealings both private and public we won't tolerate corruption. It is so inbuilt into our society that it is rare to encounter corruption. My humble advice to your beautiful country Ghana and continent Africa is to look at oneself and change one's attitude towards corruption. If sufficient numbers of people won't tolerate corruption, then it will certainly help Ghana to improve. Thanks again for your interest in Singapore and I wish you all the best.
My African friend... Thxs for friendly words about Singapore, my country... Our success isn't easy or without sacrifice or hard work... Ghana... And the rest of Africa has every possibility to be like Singapore. In fact, with natural resources and a much bigger population... The continent could easily overtake Singapore in every way... And you have highlighted the reasons holding Africa back... Namely... Corruption and the Rule of Law... You can educate the people... But if corruption is widespread and the average common man and woman have to... as Singaporean would say, give coffee money, inorder to get anything done... Nothing will change. Best wishes to your Country and Africa...
Perfectly said. The continent has a great potential thanks to its abundant blessings but corruption has practically crippled the continent plunging the ordinary people into poverty. And sometimes it gets very frustrating trying to make the ordinary Africans like myself understand these basic things in order to hold the leaders accountable. I dream of a day when the average African opens their eyes and wakes up from this deep sleep.
I am a Singaporean and just happen to come across your TH-cam channel and subscribed. For me Singapore has no soul at all . The feeling was gone since early 2010 in my experiences living here. The 80s and 90s vibe were a lot more fun and carefree unlike today. The 80s and 90s were simpler and less expensive times , I really miss those days and moments and it is sad that we can never get that back EVER AGAIN.
Exactly what a loser who can’t keep up with time would say, go to some laid back countryside and lebak one corner and soak into the culture, smoke some weed and do nothing and complain all day everyday, the only thing people like you could achieve
So you are implicitly telling him that Ghana should stay poor so that it will not lose its soul? Maybe Singapore has not lost its soul , it is you who has not keep up with the pace of the new soul of Singapore. Remember you are 40 to 30 years younger with less responsibility and financial commitments in the 80's and 90's , that is why you feel more fun and carefree but now you are 3 to 4 decades older, so of course you can never get that back EVER AGAIN.
Hi Kentang, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I really, really appreciate you subscribing to the channel! I totally understand where you're coming from. It can be confusing and tough when the vibe of a place you call home changes over the years. The 80s and 90s sound like such a special time-simpler, more carefree, and full of life. I can see why you’d miss those days. Hopefully, we can all find ways to hold onto the good memories while creating new ones in today’s world.
@@explorewithkojo I disagree with him. That's just nostalgia of a happy youth. Soul of a country begins from home and we have a vibrant city, a hub, where to anywhere, is a short hob away. I live as a teenager in the 80s, university and work in the 90s and an Entrepreneur in the 2000s til now and we have progressed and prospered. Set government and increasing population aside, we have become a nation to be proud of, nostalgia aside. As a woman, I love the fact I can go out for supper alone at night, walk the dog @ 3am or sit by the beach @ 2 am sipping tea and still enjoy the city state and feel safe.
Thanks for your comment! I completely understand where you're coming from-it might seem unusual to compare a city-state like Singapore to a continent as vast as Africa. However, in the video, my focus isn’t on a direct comparison but rather on what we can learn from Singapore's incredible transformation. The goal is to reflect on the factors that have propelled Singapore forward and think about how countries in Africa, like my home Ghana, can be inspired to apply similar strategies for growth and development. The truth is, there are multiple lessons to take away, such as drastically curbing corruption and managing our vast resources properly. These steps could help African nations break free from the vicious cycle of poverty.
@@explorewithkojo That was a great piece actually. I reacted to the title without watching it thinking it was one of those “they stole our resources” posts. I learned a lot and thanks for sharing.
In Ghana for example, our leaders actually have the ability to bring real change to the country. However, for some reason, they actually go out of their way to choose not to do this. Tackling corruption is such a crucial step. Corruption holds back so much potential, and it’s something that I hope during my lifetime Africans will work together to overcome. Thanks for highlighting this important point!
@@explorewithkojo - yes this is complex. Leaders are human too and have their weaknesses or fear (of offending someone, some group etc) One often have to put their own or even families' safety at risk if they want to counter corruptions.
Your country needs a leader that is not corrupt and a group of ministers that is not corrupt too in order to make changes to your country. If only the leader is not corrupt, it's hard to make changes. Most leader alone find it hard to make changes as there is a saying "can't win them, join them."
Hi Chee, outside of the obvious which is Accra (the capital city), I would really recommend visiting Cape Coast. It is another city not very far away from Accra - roughly about 2 and half hours drive from Accra. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. You might need up to 2 days to thoroughly explore that city. Then if you have more time, you can head up to the northern part of Ghana to a city called Tamale, which is a sharp contrast from the southern part of Ghana. NOTE: if you go by road, it would take you up to15 hours to get there so I recommend going by air, which is only just about an hour or so. The thing about Ghana and most parts of Africa is that despite there being severe poverty, the people are generally nice and friendly and would go out of their way to treat you well. And Ghana is also very, very peaceful and naturally beautiful (:
I went China recently. Corruption is still on-going despite efforts to eradicate, yet they prosper because the gov has a will to be rich and powerful economy.
Welcome to Singapore. This was a very good analysis. A lot of governments nowadays are fundamentally broken because being a politician isn't to earn money and status, but to represent the people of the state and work to improve their lives. Many governments nowadays are overly focused on the short term earnings, on their public image and staying on the chair instead of actually working for the country. We need more people like Lee Kuan Yew who have the guts to make hard decisions for the people for the sake of the country. I believe Africans have the power to do a lot of great things too. Projects in your continent like the Great Green Wall in the Sahel really show your potential to do change to better yourselves.
You are totally right about Rwanda. The Rwandan leader has been smart enough to use a different kind of system of governance that wouldn't be considered proper "democracy" in the eyes of the West. For example, their leader has found a way of modifying the country's constitution to allow him rule for for more than 20 years. And from all indications he is not stepping down soon. It is very likely that if he is allowed to run his country for another 10 years, Rwanda would progress even more.
The British get bad rep for "colonialism" but imagine what these countries were like before that happened. The courts, monetary, government, legal systems came from the British and were a base that Singapore used to form its own independent standing...
My conclusion is that corruption destroys everything. It does not matter if democracy or republic or a king or queen is ruling the country. At the centre of it all it has to be the interest to advance the people and the country. As long leadership is selfserving only, it consumes everything. I do believe, no matter what some voices say LKY loved his country and its people and did what he did because he believed it was in the best interest of both.
Well said, Felix! Corruption truly does consume everything in its path, and leadership rooted in selflessness and genuine care for the people is what makes the difference. Lee Kuan Yew’s vision and actions, though debated by some, undeniably transformed Singapore into what it is today.
Thank you so much for the generous gift, Aurora! I truly appreciate your kindness and support-it means a lot to me. Sending warm regards and gratitude your way!
I don’t know if I’d say “they suffered under colonialism.” The British built up the city, created wealth, built hospitals, schools, rule of law, which created a foundation for growth. That’s came with some racial and social disparity of course, but that was also part of for the times. The Singaporeans fought together after the British left, to build a safe and prosperous home, low in corruption and invested in smart infrastructure and homes for citizens. In short, they had a leader rise up who truly had the people mind and he executed on that despite the doubt at the time
@riverpines8549 You bring up an interesting perspective, and I appreciate your insight. According to most Singaporeans I’ve interviewed, they don’t view their colonial past as entirely negative. It seems that while there were challenges, they also recognize some foundational structures, like schools and rule of law, were built during that time. Of course, the real transformation happened post-independence, with strong leadership and unity driving the country forward. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful viewpoint!
Thanks for your video. Africa is such a rich and wonderful country, with wonderful people. In my humble opinion, the number 1 problem you face is corruption. Solve that, and Africa will be far stronger than Singapore and many other nations can ever be.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree that corruption is Africa's number one problem, and tackling it could truly unlock the continent's immense potential. I personally think that one of the root causes of this corruption lies in the current democratic systems adopted by most African countries.
The enormous cost of running for elections plays a significant role in this. Campaigning requires a lot of money, and candidates often rely on wealthy backers or investors who expect a return on their investment once the candidate is in power. This creates a system where elected leaders feel obligated to prioritize the interests of their financial supporters, often at the expense of the public good. Additionally, politicians also feel the need to recoup their own campaign expenses, leading to practices like embezzlement or awarding contracts to cronies.
This cycle makes it difficult for genuine, reform-minded leaders to rise, as elections often just replace one group of corrupt individuals with another. I want to think that Singapore’s leadership avoided this by adopting a system of governance that minimized such vulnerabilities. Africa could draw some lessons from that.
@@explorewithkojo You need a benevolent dictator to implement harsh policies to jump start the process of reforming the country for the greater good. Sadly, most dictators are in it only for their own personal benefit.
lol no
Loser trying so hard to glaze and downplaying his own country. 😂
And i wonder what causes corruption... the individual 😂😂😂😂 it all comes down to the culture and people. Their leaders are the best that they elected 😂 no matter how many layers you want to cover it up with 😂 why do you think the only east asian majority in southeast asia just so happens to be the most developed? 😂 did they have a headstart and many natural resources etc to help them? 😂
There are people in the west that calls lee kuan yew a dictator. Well, you can call him that. But the biggest difference between him and any other dictator is that he is patriotic, and never self serving. Every decision made is for the country to prosper. He wants a better country and better people, which in turn make the country even better.
He was a human rights abuser. Why would you worship someone like that?
Yeah well said. He might have been the only benevolent dictator to have lived (don’t quote me, I’m bad at history)
Thank your for your opinion, Mr Lee
*ahem* Operation Cold Store
@BennnWJK ahem what was it against? Communism. LKY knew communism was the wrong direction and they had to get rid of people that aligned in that direction. Again, to better the country. Which still aligns with the points I'm making.
As a Singaporean, I'm grateful for your kind words. However one thing most people forgot is that Lee Kuan Yew had to be ruthless when needed and an eye for talent. Singapore, during the early years, was full of strife. There were plenty of issues and he had to iron out fast. He hired the right people to sort out housing, infrastructure, water etc. Ruthless towards his political adversaries because he needed to make sure his vision of Singapore can be reached (even if it made himself enemy to plenty). And he made sure that ruthlessness extends to the law.
For sure, many called him dictator early on but he didn't care because his goal was his vision of Singapore
@Anarkey Your comment struck a chord with me because it reminds me so much of Ghana's own version of Lee Kuan Yew-Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the founding father of my country. Like LKY, Dr. Nkrumah was a visionary leader who believed in the need for strong and sometimes ruthless leadership to transform a nation. Unfortunately, he was betrayed by some of his own people and violently overthrown, despite the fact that he was rapidly transforming Ghana in a very positive way.
Dr. Nkrumah, like LKY, believed that true development requires an unwavering commitment to one's vision, even if it means making tough and unpopular decisions. One of my favorite quotes from LKY is, 'Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him.' Reading your comment and reflecting on both leaders’ legacies only reinforces how much I admire what they stood for. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring perspective!
i think nowadays bc some ppl are too sensitive + cancel culture, not many politicians, presidents etc are scared of being hated online and sometimes even irl just for putting their foot down to make theor country great again. i feel bad for those who want to do good yet are scared of the unreasonable backlash they might face.
Singaporean here. I believe many countries have the potential to grow and be like us. I think the fundamental problem for most is corruption. Every nation needs someone who is willing to make difficult decisions. It will take time, but I am sure if there is a will, there is a way. Africa has some much potential. Your continent just needs the right people to run their respective country. I wish the people of Africa well and the day great things will come for everyone.
Thanks for your encouragement and positivity.
And i wonder what causes corruption... the individual 😂😂😂😂 it all comes down to the culture and people. Their leaders are the best that they elected 😂 no matter how many layers you want to cover it up with 😂 why do you think the only east asian majority in southeast asia just so happens to be the most developed? 😂 did they have a headstart and many natural resources etc to help them? 😂
Africa, you can start by stopping sale of Blood diamonds 💎 to De beers et al.
Africa can be a great properous country if all of Africa unites...your market will be super size but first remove corrupted leaders
To erase corruptions, we need to elect pragmatic statesmen and leaders to lead the country. We need need to build the country together despite our differences. Share the country's wealth amongst the people and improve their living standards.
Lee Kuan Yew is probably the world's greatest statesman to have ever lived. The whole world can learn so much from Singapore.
You are right. I have actually had the opportunity to travel to many countries across the globe, including in Europe and Asia and I'm yet to come across a country as brilliantly designed as Singapore. So yes, not just African countries but also many so called developed countries, can learn a number of things from SG.
Try giving him a landmass the size of Africa-let’s see if he can handle that! Lol😂
I dare you guys to actually use LANDMASS as baseline, NO BULLSHIT, NO EXCUSE!
@@criticap-jo9dl He might very well be able to; we will never know.
@@criticap-jo9dlu jealous? 😂
@@criticap-jo9dlhe builded a poor city that had nothing no water no food no resources not a lot of land and got just separated from Malaysia into what it is today . If he can do
It in Singapore I had no doubt he might very well can do
It in Africa with have more land more resources.
The answer is very simple - LEE KUAN YEW because he emphasised on the importance of British based Education.
Although his past polictical power was tough and brutal but he had to do it that way in order to bring Singapore today.
And most importantly, he knew the importance of bringing foreign investors into Singapore by offering them great incentives.
A salutation to a great man MR LEE KUAN YEW for making Singapore great today. 🖖🖖🖖
Totally agree
I'm Singaporean, and I have a friend from Ghana who often shares his frustrations about his government, citing poor governance and constant corruption. I empathize deeply with him and sincerely hope for positive change in Ghana whether soon or in the near future. It will take committed and visionary leaders to make such a change happen. Other than that, I really wish to visit Ghana one day! (:
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! It’s 100% true that Ghana (like many other less developed places around the world) needs committed and visionary leaders to drive real change. This is the only way a positive change can come. And if you ever visit Ghana, I’m sure you’ll love it! The people, culture, and food are amazing but the leaders aren't. I hope you get to experience it someday!
Point on, when u mention that a good leader is critical ... but he needs to be visionary too ...
Under the reign of LKY, he faces many struggles too, like any other new born nation.
Each struggle was an uphill struggle for the survival of Singapore, but they (his team & himself) held on to the pain & bite the bullet ...
Taking on only 1 fight at a time ...
Plus emphasizing on education, even for the low income families. Rid of gangs, illegal drugs and enforcement of laws.
Key reason: Chinese majority nation.
Look at Chinese majority cities, usually it is well managed.
@@双木林-y3qsounds racist to me. Your comment smacks of a sense of racial superiority.
Dear Sir, you are spot-on in your analysis. In fact, Douglas Murray said exactly the same thing not long ago. He said that although Singapore was a former colony, it succeeded because it had good leadership that was visionary and corruption free. Thus, Singapore was able to build upon the infrastructure that was left behind and make things work. I have been to a few African countries and people there have shared your same frustration. I wish you and your country well. Best wishes.
Thank you for sharing that perspective! It's so true that good leadership makes all the difference. The story of SG's success never stops inspiring me. It shows us what vision and zero tolerance for corruption can achieve. I deeply appreciate your kind wishes, and I hope that with time and effort, African nations can also rise above these challenges.
Good & competent governance. I don't take that for granted! Proud to be a Singaporean😊
You definitely should be proud! Good and competent governance is such a blessing, and it’s amazing how much SG has achieved because of it.
I was born in Singapore and I am proud to be a Singaporean. I am eternally grateful to Mr Lee Kuan Yew who had great clear vision for Singapore's future and implemented policies to achieve it. Mr Lee Kuan Yew created economic development, maintained social stability and promoted racial harmony.
Lee Kuan Yew's vision and leadership truly transformed Singapore into what it is today. It’s inspiring to see the pride Singaporeans have in their country. Thanks for sharing this! 😊
I am very touched by your love for your country. You are a true patriot. I hope you will be one of the people who will make your country prosper and grow into a nation which the whole world will marvel and love. Best wishes.
Thank you so much, @lingkwong7789, for your kind words and encouragement! I deeply believe in the potential of my country and many other underdeveloped parts of the world that have been made so by bad leadership. I hope to contribute, in my own small way, to the growth and prosperity of my community. Thanks once again for the encouragement.
Welcome to Singapore! Happy to have you here!
@Geethepancake Thank you so much for the warm welcome! Singapore has been such an amazing experience, and I’m truly enjoying every moment here. Your hospitality means a lot!
I can feel your love for your homeland. You want Africa to be great!
Thank you so much! You’re absolutely right-I love my homeland and want to see Africa thrive. I’ve traveled around Africa and it deeply saddens me to see the sheer amount of poverty, especially knowing how blessed the continent is with an abundance of resources and wealth. It’s my hope that through reflection and learning from others, we can take steps toward greatness.
@explorewithkojo perhaps one key answer is to change the political leaders. To get the leaders who are genuine lover of the people and country.
As a Singaporean who had been to Ghana and 13 other African countries I have some advice for you; represent your country and not the entire African continent. Singapore being the only developed country in Southeast Asia may not be where it is today if we waited around for the rest.
@@NewmaticKe You have a solid point here. And by the way, how was your visit to Ghana 🇬🇭? Hope you enjoyed it.
What an intelligent comment..kudos ...
They didn't loot their treasury or spend time blaming Colonialism
@@elsabishop7669 we had NOTHING to loot. And when Malaysia did not want us, we did not even have fresh water! And yes, we did not blame Colonialism and even make English (as it was a business language of the world, then) our official main language for school. We definitely had LKY and his band of smart (merry) men and their very educated wives behind them to support!
Singapore is just 709 SQKM😂
A smart and aspiring young man, kojo. Keep up with the curiosity,interest in innovation and progress. My opinion is also the same as many others, the need to weed out corruption is essential. It’s a need not a want. Best regards from Singapore!💪🏻
Hi Aurora, I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! It really means a lot to me. And I completely agree-tackling corruption is absolutely essential for real progress anywhere in the world. Also, I can't thank you enough for your generosity! Your support is truly appreciated. Sending my best regards back to you!
Love this video. Thanks for your kind words, proud to be a Singaporean and hope for better days for the People in Africa. Cheers!
Greeting from Singapore .. All the best to you Kojo and all the people of Ghana... cheers!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words and warm greetings from Singapore! Wishing you and everyone in Singapore all the best as well. Cheers! 😊
I am v impressed by your indepth analysis. You started from education, an aspect that not many looked at.
I am beyond happy you enjoyed watching the video. Thank you very much.
Very good. I like your analysis. I wish the African countries (like Ghana) all the best in finding their way. I really hope they can realize their full potential.
Thanks and I really, really hope so too.
This is a great video bro. It’s just on point 👍
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the kind words-it means a lot to me. And I’m glad the video resonated with you.
Thank you for loving Singapore as much as we do!
@@CatandKenneth It's a great country.
Hi we were on the same boat. Fortunately we had and have good honest governance in our country. I wish you well and good luck to you and your country.
@yanmuikam6160 thanks for the positive message 🙏
Singaporean here. May The Lord God Almighty bless Ghana with His direction n raise leaders to prosper like Singapore
Thank you so much, Doris! 🙏 I truly appreciate your kind words and prayers for Ghana.
Singaporean here. A big part of our story is just the strategic genius and benevolence of our leader Lee Kuan Yew who was himself uncorrupt, and thus built a legacy shunning corruption. Of course, reality is complex and multifaceted, but this is to me the main reason in a nutshell that made Singapore what it is today.
That's very true. Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership and strong stance against corruption were definitely pivotal in shaping the Singapore we all admire today.
Good job, mate! Lots of nuances and details, which are hard to put into a video, you managed to cover many of the main points.
Thanks so much, Ronald! I really appreciate the kind words.
Thanks!
Wow, thank you so much for your generosity and support! It truly means the world to me. I’m incredibly grateful for your kindness-thank you again!
My opinion is this:
Get the basics right.
1) Corruption. Has to be eliminated. Corruption, as you note, bleeds the country and the people. It is an insidious cost that no nation or people should endure. But some countries trying to learn from Singapore, use "anti-corruption measures" to persecute their political opponents. Which is another form orf corruption.
2) Leadership. Singapore was blessed with good, honest leadership. Partly because Singapore had NO "blessings" of natural resources that leaders could steal, exploit and enrich themselves.
3) Rule of Law. This is not so obvious, but the law has to be paramount. Singapore is often described as "authoritarian". Look up the definition of "Authoritarian", and it seems to me that what it means is that what is the law is applied without fear or favour. Whereas in the "less authoritarian" societies, the law can mandate that people wear masks during the height of the COVID pandemic, but some idiots who "did their own research" can flout these laws/rules.
4) Essential Services - housing, communication/roads, power, gas, education, etc - these needs to be addressed.
Then plan for the future
1) Prepare to be of service to the world. Singapore split from Malaysia because at that time Malaysia wanted a Malay Malaysia, with the Malay language and people being the paramount focus of the Malaysian govt. So when the Chinese-majority Singapore became independent, the Chinese in Singapore thought that Singapore should make Chinese the national language. Lee Kuan Yew said no. That would be inward looking, and meant that Singapore would be less useful to the world. He made English the common language of govt, and business.
2) Make the world your oyster. In the 60s, the shared knowledge was that newly independent countries should adopt "Import substitution" to grow. Singapore tried that for a while and that didn't work. So we invited MNCs to invest in Singapore, establish factories, and teach Singaporeans how to make their products to sell to the world. Singapore was "globalised" before globalisation was the fad.
3) Jobs for the educated. Singapore escaped the middle income trap by getting jobs for the more highly educated people - in finance, administration, etc.
But first, get the basics right.
Government for the People
Thanks for such a thoughtful and detailed comment! You’re right about ensuring that a society get the basics right. This is key, and eliminating corruption is a huge part of that. It’s frustrating to see how some countries use ‘anti-corruption measures’ as a tool to go after political opponents, which just adds another layer of corruption.
I also agree with your point about leadership and how Singapore’s lack of natural resources forced its leaders to think differently. That’s something a lot of resource-rich countries (especially right here in Africa) can learn from.
Thanks for sharing this-it’s a fantastic breakdown of what other countries can learn!
Simple. We have a great man, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Asking yourself the question is a great start.
In Ghana, there must be others like you craving for success. Your country will make it!
Thanks for the kind words of our nation. Your analysis is spot on as to why we are able to thrive. In every country and every developed nation, there will be citizens who struggle. But here in Singapore, we are at least guaranteed a roof over our head with housing subsidies. If we failed to get a job, there is help readily available with career guidance etc. Yes! We are truly blessed with a visionary leader in Lee Kuan Yew.
Coming from my part of the world, and visiting Singapore and seeing how these systems work here leaves you absolutely flabbergasted! It really shows what strong leadership and a well-thought-out vision can achieve!
Welcome to Singapore!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much. SG is such a lovely place 💕
To me your video is on point. Factual and inspiring. As a Singaporean i would have to agree with u that we suffered colonialism but on that spectrum i think Africa as a continent had it worse than us.
In my opinion why Singapore works is largely two main factors.
1. Meritocracy society as a whole.
2. Trust from the citizens.
And all these need that top down driven focus. So as much as the focus-work needs to be driven top down from our governments, the people also needs to play our part.
Lastly if we compare with what Africa has to us, your continent is a landmass of wealth and talent in every aspect.
With that, Africa can surpass us Singapore in a single leap if u guys put the right mind, heart and soul into it.
I want to use this opportunity to thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring comment! I completely agree-Africa’s experience with colonialism was incredibly devastating. I also love your point about the need for both governments and citizens to work together-true change really does require everyone playing their part. Your optimism about Africa’s potential means a lot. I wish more Africans will see your comment and be inspired by it. And I truly believe with the right focus, mindset, and effort, Africa can come out of this mess we find ourselves in. I often travel around Africa and get very shocked by some of the things I see in terms of severe poverty and underdevelopment. Thanks again for sharing such a powerful perspective!
@@explorewithkojo , thanks for your compliment and high praises for my country. Keep up your good work on spreading the bright future vision Africa could have. U and i might just be a matchstick but we can start an explosion. God bless u my brother!
Nice but have you been to Ghana? When experience the airport authorities trying all sorts of antics to extra a bribe from you, I think your tone be different.
@@NewmaticKe You visit as tourist or worked in Africa? I had worked in Africa for 5 years (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Chad Central African Republic and Namibia). Tanzania is my favorite.
Kojo, you have analysed well the chief ingredients of Singapore's success. The short answer is: Leadership. We were blessed to have a leader like LKY (as we call him - we like acronyms here in Singapore). He was very clear in his thinking and goalsl, very passionate about wanting the best for Singapore. He cracked down hard on corruption, and insisted that everyone had to work hard, especially civil servants. He set the tone, leading by example, He gathered a team of brilliant men around him, and inspired them with his vision. Singapore could not have succeeded without the contributions of his team.
The small size of Singapore made it easier for him to establish his policies and govern well. But look at China, so many times larger than Singapore in terms of population and land mass, with so many more problems to overcome. Yet China succeeded in lifting 700 million people out of extreme poverty, while creating the economic miracle it is today. The means are different, but the answer also lies in its leadership.
I hope your country and other states of Africa might one day also raise strong, dedicated, visionary leaders to help African people develop their potential and build better lives for themselves.
And if you are still in Singapore for a few days, let's meet and share experiences.
Welcome to Singapore, I am humbled by your description of our tiny Island state, I am sure Africa can do better if enough people put their heart and mind together ❤
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! ❤️ I’m deeply inspired by what Singapore has achieved. I truly believe Africa has so much potential, and with enough unity and determination, we can make incredible progress too. 🌍✨ Sending love from my side!
Glad to hear someone else’s thoughts about Singapore as I’m someone who’s lived in both Ghana and Singapore
A small country the size of a bus depot taking on an entire continent? Surely, this is a must-watch TH-cam video.
Watching every yt talking about sg makes me appreciate sg more
@deathshadow660 that's nice to hear (:
Welcome to Singapore 🎉!!!!
Thanks for the warm welcome. SG is an amazing country.
A small country with no natural resources, Singapore had visionary, uncorrupted and selfless leaders to bring the people together to strive and progress.
Absolutely! You are totally right. Singapore’s story is beyond inspiring-having visionary, selfless, and uncorrupted leaders made all the difference. I have been to SG multiple times, and I am always left in awe at the things I see - how strong leadership and unity can transform even a small country with no natural resources into a global success story. My dream is to someday see African countries corruption-free and with selfless leaders and people who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to take Africa out of "hole" we are currently in. Thanks for sharing this with us.
It has its geographical location and port. Otherwise why would the British go there?
@@explorewithkojowrong. The Singapore makes corruption acceptable n very open they don't even hide it. It's in our daily life you don't even question it at all. The government has total control over everything. It's also unsafe because you can get into trouble over little things you say. It's not a safe country because the government has absolute control over your life.
Thank you for your kind words.
Hope more of your fellloe countryman watch your videos and feel inspired to make your country the best it can be.
I’m a Singaporean but I have to say, if not for lee kuan yew our founding prime minister, we may not be here today.
Yes some people may say we blindly “worship” him and that he is a “dictator”,
But honestly when I look around me now in Singapore, I feel so thankful he played such a pivatol role in shaping our nation.
I really, really hope so too. I always try my best to open the eyes of my people to understand that we are the ones standing in our own way to progress but sometimes people react negatively when you feed them the truth. And regarding Lee Kuan Yew, I'm glad to hear that most Singaporeans are grateful to him for the immense role he played in transforming SG into the success story that it is today. I can only imagine that sacrifices he and the people had to make to get to where you guys are today. Beyond inspiring.
Hope more people visit clean and safety country 😊
Explore With Kojo ！ Your country can depend on you in the future!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! I hope I can continue to make a positive impact and contribute in any way I can.
Perhaps you can look somewhere closer to home? Rwanda is often called "the Singapore of Africa". From the news, it looks they have made great strides in modernising their infrastructure too.
I'm glad you mentioned Rwanda. According to information released from the local media, the country is experiencing significant positive transformation thanks to their current leader who has ruled the country for more than 20 YEARS. I hope to visit that country soon to see things for myself.
I think i saw it somewhere b4....
Hi from Singapore 🇸🇬. Hope u had a great time here
Thanks! Singapore was truly an unforgettable experience. I have actually been lucky to visit SG multiple times and every time I visit, I am left pleasantly speechless (:
Thank you for your kind words about Singapore.No countries are perfect.We can pray and hope Africa will be successful like UK and US.Slowly but surely.
My dear friend, thank you for that glowing review of my island country. I'd always believed that if Africa could overcome its religious and cultural differences and even tribal mindset, it would be a powerhouse rivalling Europe and Asia. I wish the 2nd half of this century belongs to Africa.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Africa has immense potential, and overcoming those differences might unlock something extraordinary. Your vision for Africa is both inspiring and hopeful. Here's to a brighter future for the continent and for all of humanity as well!
incredible video!!
Thanks for watching! I'm excited that you found it interesting!
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you too for watching (:
Wow! You speak clear and crisp England..
My friend welcome to little red-dot..😎
Welcome to Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew said the progress of Singapore can be repeated in any country in his autobiography. He also said corruption is like a cancer for countries. I'm in Singapore. Kenya and Rwanda are both doing good too with good leadership. Good luck for the progress in Ghana.
Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing those insights! Hopefully, Ghana and many other "underdeveloped" and "developing" societies can learn from these examples and make significant progress too. I truly appreciate your encouragement!
“Why Nations fail”, a reference book.
Singapore has always been the role model of many countries. We outshine hongkong by far even, as hongkong is just a city, but we are a nation. Our wise governments, strong bodied and smart people has built our nation from the ground up, achieving a remarkable feat for all to follow, to lead the world into a new era. No more drugs, crime, corruption and disorder is commonly found in singapore, as we maximise the use of our resources.
Singaporean here.
Unfortunately I feel most of the locals here have taken what Lee Kuan Yew built for granted, and increased caplitalism and immigration has killed out our originality and soul.
I remember back in the 90s when strangers will be so gracious and greet each other freely, there was a bigger sense of appreciation for what we had. Now Singapore are suffering from the typical effects of being a first-world country, but thanks for your kind review here!
@cathhl2440 Thing is, that might just be a by-product of immigration.
We've seen how the leftists in the West tried to leverage them to win their votes blatantly, and I'm sure the PAP isn't as innocent as they seem...none of them even addressed the Keppel scandal incident till today.
How can we have a strong psychological defense when foreigners are more rewarded with better starting salaries and having more and less the same privileges as locals in terms of public housing and cars...these are not affordable to the average local.
Is that your experience? Most of my Singaporean friends are eternally grateful to Lee Kuan Yew for what we have today and hope our current generation of leaders will continue to govern wisely, taking care that no one is left behind. 🙏
1:21very cool statement it's like poetry
Thank you so much, @MakLim-w7c! 😊 I’m glad you found it enjoyable - it means a lot to me that the video resonated with you!
That’s why I am so very proud to be a Singaporean 💪
Because there was only one LKY in this world...and SG was so lucky to have him...
Absolutely! Lee Kuan Yew was truly one of a kind, and Singapore was indeed fortunate to have his visionary leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire generations worldwide!
He would not have succeeded in Africa as the people there don't have the mindset Asians have. It worked here due to our culture, way of thinking
Bro subbed to u very nice insight n gd videos! Keep it up
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
The gold was the people! N God's Grace.
I wish yoor country well.
Success also depends on culture of discipline, importance of education, efficient civil service and strong laws on corruption deterrence.
You have a point there.
Thank you . The African culture generally lacks discipline, doesn't value good education and is too materialistic.
Kigali is doing well as well. Perhaps we can have a discussion over coffee some day. Happy to visit Accra with your guidance as well. :)
I worked in Ghana for 6 months in the early 1970's. I was with an American company, who then transferred me to Singapore. Even back then there were big differences between the two countries. Singapore is small with a small population, and this is a big advantage. Having a strong and visionary leader was important, and in particular one who focused on the fight against corruption. That is the biggest enemy you have back in Africa. Rwanda has modelled itself on some aspects of Singapore and seems to be on the way up. It is a start at least.
If you go residential areas in to visit food & fresh produce morning markets .. it can be noisy and chaotic too with vehicles honking and aunties shouting
Apart from LKY's well-known books like "hard truths to keep singapore going", I'd also recommend "from ideas to reality" by S. Rajaratnam and "liberalism disavowed" by Chua Beng Huat to get a deeper understanding of Singapore's history and secret to success
You made a very good observation - singapore had a very different relationship with its colonial masters as our economy has always relied on free trade as opposed to the extraction of resources. That's why there was a much more peaceful transfer of power when we gained independence, and the lack of a power vacuum made it possible to implement systems to prevent corruption.
I see Singapore’s small size as an advantage in management actually. Nationwide changes are easy to implement, criminals are easily caught, and to a certain extent work gets done quicker by virtue of short traveling time within the country.
For those who miss his description while walking on the clean orderly street, he meant Singapore has no soul vs his native country 0:50. I suggest we should search our souls in Singapore ...Lost our soul due to busy schedule, upgrading our homes or on pursuit of money and status?😢
I have been living in Singapore for 17 years, and I have never experienced even one power cut.
Wow, Yaokongqi, that's incredible! Where I come from, power cuts are unfortunately so common that we’ve almost come to expect them regularly. It’s really amazing how efficient things can be with the right systems in place!
That's a great video! I love the way you analyze it. Interestingly, from what I know, Rwanda, under Paul Kagame, has been looking to Singapore as a role model. They've made significant progress and are often referred to as the 'Singapore of Africa.' I think their development is worth studying as well.
Welcome to Singapore sir. I love African people and hope to see more Africans travelling to Singapore in the future. Don't be disheartened, Singapore had some things that were beneficial to it becoming a first world country, such as its location and small size which sort of worked for it.
Nice video...thank you brother..❤
Some Singaporean don't know how to appreciate the beautiful dcrner
Welcome to my country Singapore!!! enjoy!!!!
I'm struck by Lee Kuan Yew's nation building policies that actually follow Confucius' teachings. Confucius was the ancient Chinese philosopher who taught to promote the best, have a clean government, stamp out nepotism, rule of law, value education, family values...
You are a very insightful and well-read man.
Basics : As you have noted, you have more resources than Spore. You cannot ask for more.
Spore started with no natural resources, poor and uneducated people or menial workers.
What happened?
We were lucky and blessed with an intelligent man who had a passion to dedicate his life to build up Spore, at all costs.
The pioneer generation was uneducated. Lee and his govt sent every child to school, free of charge, free school fees, free text books.
Spore was built by the educated children of the uneducated first generation.
Solution for Ghana: Pray for a man who is willing to build Ghana at all costs. ❤❤❤
Really, we started with nothing. So, it is the passion of a man to create Ghana as his own child. Nothing else needs to be said. They are mere details.
God bless you for coming to Spore, my friend.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. Your encouragement means a lot, and I hope we can all play our small roles in helping our society grow into a shining example, just as Singapore has. God bless you too, my friend! ❤️🙏
Find and choose a strategic location in Ghana. Start small . Industrialised it and train the best people to be that workforce . China started with Suzhou with Singapore showing the way though I don’t have the full history and the know how but that’s the idea . Once it’s successful , use it as a success model to duplicate it elsewhere to spread wealth , skills and build on the experiences and mistakes learned . All the best ! Ghana can do it !
Thank you so much
I'm in this beautiful country, Singapore. We keep improving and evolving, which makes us better over time, unlike many other countries, which are stuck in some recursive loop due to various factors. So don't call Lee Kuan Yew a dictator. His leadership was correct or appropriate during those years.
May your dreams come true bro...
As a Singaporean who's been in the UK for over 20 years, my colleagues, amongst them Africans, and people I know deeply admire our late PM Lee KY, who completely managed the island state into a dynamic nation as what it is today. Now that I am back after just as many years, I do feel like a foreigner at times, trying to navigate myself like one! Singapore is just too efficient that every move is like being monitored by Big Brother! ( some brands it's too stifling). I believe this is what countries, especially in Africa, lack, and hence corruption thrives. With all the progress and shining fronts built in such a record time, Singapore does share its own set of problems. Problems commonly seen in the UK, like scammed marriages, have now started to crop up here as well. But then, we always need to mindful of the geopolitical of each country. And Ghana, or possibly any other country in Africa is massive. Imagine being a teacher in classroom of tens of millions? Throw in a corrupted leader as well? And for someone who loves nature, I see Africa as such an amazingly beautiful and rich continent, and like my African colleagues have shown, full of gracious and colourful souls.
Welcome to Singapore!
Thank you so much (:
A good place to start would be to read the book "From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000". I found that his book tells you a lot about the mindset and the solutions taken to transform this little island.
Thanks for the recommendation. You are actually the fourth person to recommend this book, which I have just ordered online. Really looking forward to reading it (:
just read about chinese culture. thats it. its all about the culture. chinese love money, they want success more. its part of culture.
@@Ian-hn8ty Interestingly, this is the second or third time someone has brought up the idea of culture playing a big role, especially in the context of Chinese values and the drive for success. It’s definitely something worth reflecting on when looking at the bigger picture! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
It boils down to character. The character of our leaders n our peoples .. is the secret to success.
Upright men n women .. will never die.
@HelenN-v8o You’re absolutely right-character is indeed a cornerstone of successful leadership and nation-building. However, I also think the system of governance plays a crucial role in either curbing or fostering corruption. Many African nations have adopted a democratic model from the West, but unfortunately, in our context, it often breeds corruption. Every election cycle, political parties spend enormous amounts of money (hundreds of millions of dollars) to secure power, often backed by businessmen who expect major returns on their 'investment.' Without transparency and integrity, this leads to corrupt practices once leaders are in office.
Take my country Ghana, for example: elections are held every four years, and more often than not, we end up replacing one group of corrupt leaders with another. The question we need to ask is-how do we break this cycle? I think it starts with paying a close attention to the form of government we have adopted. For example, this form of government makes it totally impossible for upright men and women who have the interest of the nation at heart to assume leadership positions without the backing of businessmen. How can a society curb corruption with this kind of political system?
@explorewithkojo
The system of governance .. as you rightly describe .. boils down to character. In singapore , we know that corruption will rot the govt n industry. The citizens will not tolerate this.
We hv no natural resources .. only people.
Thank God .. a bunch of good men .. make laws that are just , who stand against wrongdoing bc .. where wd we go .. if we dont succeed ? Into the sea .. hehe
@@explorewithkojo There is no form of governance that will work if the people and leadership are corrupt. We have corrupt democracies, corrupt military dictators that ruined nations, corrupt monarchs, corrupt theocracies etc. I'm sorry but Africans are corrupt minded and that needs to change.The corruption is partly a function of poverty and mental laziness where they see government as an avenue for enrichment and promoting their tribesmen/cronies rather than service and uplifting the entire Nation. The leaders have no vision and are still stuck in a very tribal mindset rather than a National/Nation building mindset. What i'll give you is that the colonial masters putting different tribes and ethnicities with different goals and aspirations in a Nation hasn't helped Africa since there isn't much National loyalty, you have a situation where different tribes are jostling for power and dominance rather than what is best for the Nation.
There is a leadership and a follower-ship crises in Africa, with too many Africans stuck in the past complaining about colonialism while their leaders rob them blind.Too many African men shrug their shoulders at the rot and are not willing to make any sacrifice to save their nations. Stop blaming colonialism and rather self reflect. Africans must change their ways and mindset. Africa also needs scientists and intelligent problem solvers not more dancing and singing.
Please go and talk to as many Filipinos as you can. Philippines has started ahead of Singapore, but lost it's way, but they have gotten the hang of it and catching back up. It all boils down to what's in people' heart and the culture they choose to carry within themselves. The society will reflect that. So, when you talk about visionary leaders and such, that send shivers down my spine, because they is the wrong way to go. You cannot push people to where you want to lead them, you need to slow explain to them and have them internalize it themselves.
You make a really important point about how culture and what’s in people’s hearts shape a society. Indeed true change needs to come from within, and people have to embrace it themselves for it to be sustainable. And from the looks of things the vast majority of my people might not be ready for change yet.
I'm a Singaporean. Thank you for doing a video on Singapore. On corruption, I think the proverb "Charity begins at home" is application here. Singaporeans aren't corrupt even when they aren't being watched, in general. Of course, the government has zero tolerance for corruption, but even so, in our dealings both private and public we won't tolerate corruption. It is so inbuilt into our society that it is rare to encounter corruption. My humble advice to your beautiful country Ghana and continent Africa is to look at oneself and change one's attitude towards corruption. If sufficient numbers of people won't tolerate corruption, then it will certainly help Ghana to improve. Thanks again for your interest in Singapore and I wish you all the best.
My African friend... Thxs for friendly words about Singapore, my country... Our success isn't easy or without sacrifice or hard work...
Ghana... And the rest of Africa has every possibility to be like Singapore. In fact, with natural resources and a much bigger population... The continent could easily overtake Singapore in every way...
And you have highlighted the reasons holding Africa back... Namely... Corruption and the Rule of Law... You can educate the people... But if corruption is widespread and the average common man and woman have to... as Singaporean would say, give coffee money, inorder to get anything done... Nothing will change.
Best wishes to your Country and Africa...
Perfectly said. The continent has a great potential thanks to its abundant blessings but corruption has practically crippled the continent plunging the ordinary people into poverty. And sometimes it gets very frustrating trying to make the ordinary Africans like myself understand these basic things in order to hold the leaders accountable. I dream of a day when the average African opens their eyes and wakes up from this deep sleep.
I am a Singaporean and just happen to come across your TH-cam channel and subscribed. For me Singapore has no soul at all . The feeling was gone since early 2010 in my experiences living here. The 80s and 90s vibe were a lot more fun and carefree unlike today. The 80s and 90s were simpler and less expensive times , I really miss those days and moments and it is sad that we can never get that back EVER AGAIN.
Exactly what a loser who can’t keep up with time would say, go to some laid back countryside and lebak one corner and soak into the culture, smoke some weed and do nothing and complain all day everyday, the only thing people like you could achieve
So you are implicitly telling him that Ghana should stay poor so that it will not lose its soul? Maybe Singapore has not lost its soul , it is you who has not keep up with the pace of the new soul of Singapore. Remember you are 40 to 30 years younger with less responsibility and financial commitments in the 80's and 90's , that is why you feel more fun and carefree but now you are 3 to 4 decades older, so of course you can never get that back EVER AGAIN.
Hi Kentang, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I really, really appreciate you subscribing to the channel! I totally understand where you're coming from. It can be confusing and tough when the vibe of a place you call home changes over the years. The 80s and 90s sound like such a special time-simpler, more carefree, and full of life. I can see why you’d miss those days. Hopefully, we can all find ways to hold onto the good memories while creating new ones in today’s world.
@@explorewithkojo I disagree with him. That's just nostalgia of a happy youth. Soul of a country begins from home and we have a vibrant city, a hub, where to anywhere, is a short hob away. I live as a teenager in the 80s, university and work in the 90s and an Entrepreneur in the 2000s til now and we have progressed and prospered. Set government and increasing population aside, we have become a nation to be proud of, nostalgia aside. As a woman, I love the fact I can go out for supper alone at night, walk the dog @ 3am or sit by the beach @ 2 am sipping tea and still enjoy the city state and feel safe.
Welcome to Singapore
Thank you so much
This came across my timeline, but comparing a continent to a city state blows my mind.
Thanks for your comment! I completely understand where you're coming from-it might seem unusual to compare a city-state like Singapore to a continent as vast as Africa. However, in the video, my focus isn’t on a direct comparison but rather on what we can learn from Singapore's incredible transformation.
The goal is to reflect on the factors that have propelled Singapore forward and think about how countries in Africa, like my home Ghana, can be inspired to apply similar strategies for growth and development. The truth is, there are multiple lessons to take away, such as drastically curbing corruption and managing our vast resources properly. These steps could help African nations break free from the vicious cycle of poverty.
What should he compare it to? Lazy ppl
@@explorewithkojo That was a great piece actually. I reacted to the title without watching it thinking it was one of those “they stole our resources” posts. I learned a lot and thanks for sharing.
the people with power can make a change in Ghana - corruption is something that hold a country down.
In Ghana for example, our leaders actually have the ability to bring real change to the country. However, for some reason, they actually go out of their way to choose not to do this. Tackling corruption is such a crucial step. Corruption holds back so much potential, and it’s something that I hope during my lifetime Africans will work together to overcome. Thanks for highlighting this important point!
@@explorewithkojo - yes this is complex. Leaders are human too and have their weaknesses or fear (of offending someone, some group etc) One often have to put their own or even families' safety at risk if they want to counter corruptions.
Your country needs a leader that is not corrupt and a group of ministers that is not corrupt too in order to make changes to your country. If only the leader is not corrupt, it's hard to make changes. Most leader alone find it hard to make changes as there is a saying "can't win them, join them."
Your english is so damn good, thanks for visiting my country :)
Thank you too so much (:
Where in Ghana would you recommend visiting?
Hi Chee, outside of the obvious which is Accra (the capital city), I would really recommend visiting Cape Coast. It is another city not very far away from Accra - roughly about 2 and half hours drive from Accra. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. You might need up to 2 days to thoroughly explore that city. Then if you have more time, you can head up to the northern part of Ghana to a city called Tamale, which is a sharp contrast from the southern part of Ghana. NOTE: if you go by road, it would take you up to15 hours to get there so I recommend going by air, which is only just about an hour or so.
The thing about Ghana and most parts of Africa is that despite there being severe poverty, the people are generally nice and friendly and would go out of their way to treat you well. And Ghana is also very, very peaceful and naturally beautiful (:
I went China recently. Corruption is still on-going despite efforts to eradicate, yet they prosper because the gov has a will to be rich and powerful economy.
Welcome to Singapore. This was a very good analysis. A lot of governments nowadays are fundamentally broken because being a politician isn't to earn money and status, but to represent the people of the state and work to improve their lives. Many governments nowadays are overly focused on the short term earnings, on their public image and staying on the chair instead of actually working for the country. We need more people like Lee Kuan Yew who have the guts to make hard decisions for the people for the sake of the country. I believe Africans have the power to do a lot of great things too. Projects in your continent like the Great Green Wall in the Sahel really show your potential to do change to better yourselves.
What about Rwanda? I heard people online saying Rwanda is the Singapore of Africa.
You are totally right about Rwanda. The Rwandan leader has been smart enough to use a different kind of system of governance that wouldn't be considered proper "democracy" in the eyes of the West. For example, their leader has found a way of modifying the country's constitution to allow him rule for for more than 20 years. And from all indications he is not stepping down soon. It is very likely that if he is allowed to run his country for another 10 years, Rwanda would progress even more.
The British get bad rep for "colonialism" but imagine what these countries were like before that happened. The courts, monetary, government, legal systems came from the British and were a base that Singapore used to form its own independent standing...
My conclusion is that corruption destroys everything. It does not matter if democracy or republic or a king or queen is ruling the country. At the centre of it all it has to be the interest to advance the people and the country. As long leadership is selfserving only, it consumes everything. I do believe, no matter what some voices say LKY loved his country and its people and did what he did because he believed it was in the best interest of both.
Well said, Felix! Corruption truly does consume everything in its path, and leadership rooted in selflessness and genuine care for the people is what makes the difference. Lee Kuan Yew’s vision and actions, though debated by some, undeniably transformed Singapore into what it is today.
💪🏻💪🏻❤
Thank you so much for the generous gift, Aurora! I truly appreciate your kindness and support-it means a lot to me. Sending warm regards and gratitude your way!
We are but a small tiny island nation, your people and country can do it too. ❤👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much for the positivity and encouragement! It really means a lot. Your words inspire hope-thank you! ❤🙏
I don’t know if I’d say “they suffered under colonialism.” The British built up the city, created wealth, built hospitals, schools, rule of law, which created a foundation for growth. That’s came with some racial and social disparity of course, but that was also part of for the times. The Singaporeans fought together after the British left, to build a safe and prosperous home, low in corruption and invested in smart infrastructure and homes for citizens. In short, they had a leader rise up who truly had the people mind and he executed on that despite the doubt at the time
@riverpines8549 You bring up an interesting perspective, and I appreciate your insight. According to most Singaporeans I’ve interviewed, they don’t view their colonial past as entirely negative. It seems that while there were challenges, they also recognize some foundational structures, like schools and rule of law, were built during that time. Of course, the real transformation happened post-independence, with strong leadership and unity driving the country forward. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful viewpoint!
@ hope you enjoyed your trip!! And a good video btw
@riverpines8549 I absolutely did. I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you so much (:
Yes, I believe African countries can achieve, you need a strong leader. All the best.
Awesome....
Thank you so much for watching!
You are most welcome.
The best thing I like about Singapore is safety and rules of law, I feel safe wherever I go, it’s amazing country.
I couldn't agree more with you on that. A truly safe, organized and disciplined society.