As a typical Singaporean, I too complained about our G n all the policies..I really valued my country after living in the US..Oh boy, I will never ever trade my citizenship for any country!!!!
Some locals do not appreciate Singapore more. I used to take things for granted in Singapore. Once I started going to the US and Europe, I started to think like Dharni. I don't have to be afraid of scammers, human trafficking syndicates, thieves, pickpockets, loose gun laws, loose actions such as racial remarks and stares to Asian, etc. Like Dharni said, you don't have to constantly watch your back if you are in Singapore.
Spent few years down under as a student, my house was burgled, friend was rob drawing money from ATM, another had car stereo stolen then 1 week after he installed a new one, same time same place got stolen again, etc. There are certainly good things being there but it's just not a place for me. I still enjoy the convenience and safety in Singapore. Only thing i miss about there was the customer service.
It's disheartening to see such an obviously intelligent and articulate young man continuing to propagate the other great Singapore myth (the most pernicious is the ridiculous narrative of SG just being a fishing village at the time of independence); that of us having no natural resources. Singapore has a natural harbour free from typhoons, earthquakes and ice. It is wonderfully located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world and that is an inexhaustible resource. I can guarantee you that if our government and population were instead located in Vanuatu or the Shetlands, we would have nothing like the levels of affluence.
@@ianstreet5724thats the power National Education has in brainwashing singaporeans like him. Also to say that sgpore is void of human/illegal trafficking syndicates & lack of racially tinged remarks more evidence of sgeans living in a bubble!
There are not only USA or Europe where it's safe and clean or organized..I live in Iceland, and Japan, it's very safe there like Singapore and even in Europe many places are also safe like Switzerland and Poland according to our guest.. So Singapore isn't the only one place with such characteristics. The cons for me was the size of Singapore like our guest say, it's a box and he needed to go out to see something else. I am not an artist but I felt this feeling of living in s box while I was living/working in Singapore. !!.. Everything was fine but too much controlled with rules for this and that for everything😮; it's good for people who like to follow them. 😊
I like the fact that he was straight about not having the chance to meet the stars that he opened their performance for. This guy is grounded and humble.
This is a nice video. Singapore is no doubt a nice place to live in but be aware that living in Singapore is somewhat like a plant growing up in a greenhouse; a fairly sheltered growing environment with most decisions and choices taken by the government for you. It is not a bad thing, and many countries will give anything to have an environment like Singapore. As a Singaporean who have lived in Australia and is now living in US, I want to encourage my fellow Singaporeans to consider experiencing life outside of Asia. Yes, it will not be easy and you will face challenges; but that is how you grow as an individual, by overcoming difficulties and obstacles. You will have to be resourceful, tough and independent. IMO, this is a great thing for Singaporeans as you will evolve into someone who doesn't depend on the government but instead, someone the government can depend on.
My fourth visit to Singapore over Christmas and I love the country, community and people. I agree with so much you are saying. I am happy you are back in your country and can appreciate what Singapore has to offer.
Talking about safety, yah if you're used to the lifestyle in SG (Dharni mentioned about not having to always watch your back), then you might find anywhere outside of SG 'dangerous'. But I also think many Singaporeans over-think the 'dangerous' part. It's not like you're going to be attacked constantly, you just have to be more careful than you usually are - bcos in SG, you can just be careless all the time. :-P I agree with Dharni that while SG is a good place to live, Singaporeans should go out and meet people of other cultures. And it's also a perfect process for knowing yourself better.
Great energy and perspective. All the best young man. So proud of you. Can only say I agree so much with you with similar experiences on living abroad, appreciating Singapore. Getting out to stretch your creativity 👊🏽
Singapore is a very small country, a lot of people comment is boring, expensive to live, no democracy, even HDB is only 99 years leased, etc. But please go out and experience it for oneself to truly appreciate what Singapore has to offer. I am able to have a home over my head, my kids are safe to take public bus home from school everyday, I dun have to worry about getting wet from MRT or bus station to home… Well, but then again there are still plenty of people who might disagree with these. So dun complaint, just move on and live the life ones adore. Nobody is stoping anybody😊
Saw him during last year RUclipsr event. Always notice something super unique about this guy. Glad to hear his story . I am gonna learn from his attitude in life . Yes I am also 20 years old ! On my second birthday of 20 years old😂😂😂🎉
This guy is awesome. This video should show to those who always complain about our government. Go out to the world n explore, u will find the difference that our government v do the best to our ppl. Sorry it might not be the best , but at least v thought of our ppl.
Singapore is one of the best designed cities in the world because it is designed for a people-centric philosophy. He is right, the Singapore government is logical, rational and highly composed and disciplined. The results speak for itself.
Live miserable lives? With roof over yr head? How abt the Gazans now, they are many times worse. When life is too peaceful and comfortable, people tend to look for things to complain.
Not everybody can live on a small crowded island in tiny apartments with monotonous weather. Neither is it suitable for people who like freedom to own guns privately or smoke weed & laze around. There are great things one can find abroad like the cheap but good quality wines & fresh produce in Germany and Australia ie 2 Euros for cheap wine vs 24+ SGD. Berries of various sorts are obviously expensive in Sg. No towering mountains or temperate forests to trek in or turquoise lake/bay waters with cheap fresh water fish/oysters. You can't find thousand year old temples or monumental architecture of bygone empires. However you can earn good money through low tax rates, grow your wealth if you are smart with $ and enjoy the powerful passport that can bring you to those places mentioned.
Dharni spoke my mind as a Singaporean expat living 8 years in Australia and 6 years in Germany. It is only when one leaves Singapore, one will quickly learn how great and efficient Singapore is as a country. At the same time, I do not regret leaving Singapore. The experiences that came with it, one can never put a price tag on. Great content Max, it feels sooooooo good to know that someone else in my "kampong" felt the same.
Strange. I am a Sporean in MEL and I realize how great AU is. Living in a bigger country brings alot of benefits. Definitely lower cost of living and higher quality of life for me here. Cheers!
It's fun when the desert is an occasional adventure. Eg I had an experience in Wadi Rum of having the desert camp's solar powered light & heated water going dead on me in the night. Good thing it isn't something we have to deal with on a daily basis, blackouts are terribly rare in SG.
Humans are complacent beings by nature. That's why experience is always the best teacher. Only a handful of people could do without much experience, these people study and map out logic with multiple perspectives before making a conclusion. It's rare because its time consuming
My fellow Ninja Company mate. I think it was essentially the change in maturity and family values to appreciate singapore, but respect is due for a singaporean who went out to explore.
Interesting ... thanks :-) And I agree with him about getting out in the world to explore and discover and broaden your horizons so to speak. I am Australian and for years it has been a popular thing for young Aussies to travel, and live in other places to grow into themselves ;-) And I think they would agree that you appreciate your home country (if its a good one) more, once you return. But, as wonderful as Singapore is, there actually are homeless people there ... Whee was this video shot? It looked like a marina in the background ...
the neighbour is eyeing for singapore, some even claiming its stolen land, and applauded houthi for attacking singapore ships due to its close relations with israel/us
8:24 “But in America it’s natural to to watch your back all the time” (video shows 4 black kids talking to each other, wow scary). I mean, I knew East Asians/SE Asians are generally not very fond of people of African descent but I did not know that was a Russian thing as well?
Yep. I noticed that too. Whenever the topic is negative, just show footage of Black people to illustrate the point. Not saying that Black people never do the wrong thing but clearly an over representation. Even in this day and age, the unconscious bias is very much REAL Unfortunately. 😔
why go to poland/ East EU for thrill adrenaline and some challenge/danger? just come to Indonesia, when ull worries about everything, except for being chinese . . . and Indonesia often being and been a dominant voice in many sosmed = social media, especially twitter. . . u look too far and forgot the closest challenging hood also like Timor-Leste, Palau, French-NewCaledonia-PNG
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣20% gst or so and still "takes low,oh yes right..logical,does not always means.."right" there are homeless in singapore,but they are not allowed to be seen!! the cheap rice,and some eggs,maybe fake,synthetics. highly stressed,little pay for blue collar worker.. doctors that think with their emotions and not their brain..
It's disheartening to see such an obviously intelligent and articulate young man continuing to propagate the other great Singapore myth (the most pernicious is the ridiculous narrative of SG just being a fishing village at the time of independence); that of us having no natural resources. Singapore has a natural harbour free from typhoons, earthquakes and ice. It is wonderfully located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world and that is an inexhaustible resource. I can guarantee you that if our government and population were instead located in Vanuatu or the Shetlands, we would have nothing like the levels of affluence. "Singapore is at the southern tip of Asia, the crossroads between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the half-way point between Northern Asia and Southern Australasia, and a key communications centre. It is not due to any special virtue or attractiveness of my people that we receive considerable attention from the Americans, the Soviet Union, the Chinese and the Europeans, who were first there". Lee Kuan Yew, Ottawa, 1973.
Give credit where it’s due. Geography doesn’t explain everything. If SG’s success can be explained purely by geographical location, then our close neighbours eg Batam and Riau should also be like SG - but they are not. Why? The difference is the quality of political leadership we have been blessed to enjoy. Countries with far more natural resources than SG have failed to achieve as much because of economic mismanagement, corruption and gross incompetence in their political leadership. We don’t need to look far.
@anchored555 That's obviously not the point I'm making. Your effortful construction and demolition of a strawman is satisfying to yourself, I don't doubt. My point was clear - one of the idiotic Singapore myths is that it has no natural resources; that is blatantly untrue.
Is it an idiotic, blatantly untrue myth that SG has no natural resources? At independence, we were not self sufficient in food production or water supplies. Our only assets were a strategically located port and 1.8 million people. Your point is that we weren’t a fishing village at the time of independence and had a natural harbour strategically located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world. So what? These things alone do not account for the tremendous progress we have made since independence. In the 1960s, the Philippines were the richest country in SEA with the greatest potential for growth, but their potential was not realised due to economic mismanagement and corruption to the extent that their people had to go overseas in droves to work to remit money home. So whether we were a fishing village or something better at independence, is simply quibbling over inconsequential details. We would still be a third world backwater today but for exceptional political leadership. Where’s the straw man? At heart, those who protest that Singapore was more than a fishing village at independence and had a strategic port, seek to diminish the contributions of our exceptional pioneer political leaders led by LKY. You’re missing the point completely because even if we had started out more developed or with good potential, it would all have been scuttled by an incompetent and corrupt government. Again, we don’t need to look far, and we should learn to give credit where it is due, and be grateful for those on whose shoulders we stand.
@anchored555 I'm glad you've understood the points that Singapore's location and the world class infrastructure left by the British were vitally important to its success. The former point was my original, and only, assertion in this thread. You have missed that point and constructed a strawman (the relative economies of neighbouring islands, who all exist in a different context and are not relevant to my point of the erroneous assertion that Singapore has no natural resources) you have then demolished that strawman, thus triumphing in an argument that exists only in your mind. This is a common debating pitfall ('bait and switch') and can be explored in many popular psychology books eg. Superforecasting by Tetlock and Gardner pg.39 - you take my point 'the bait' (the natural resource of Singapore's location) and 'switch' it with the point that exists more comfortably in your mind (that Singapore could have done worse). Thus, you miss the point. You then seek to lecture me on Singapore history using your incomplete (I note you mention only LKY and not Toh Chin Chye, Lim Kim San, Goh Keng Swee, Kenny Byrne, Eddie Barker, Rajaratnam, Devan Nair, Ahmad Ibrahim or Othman Wok: I wonder why?) and long winded method. I don't need your lectures, thanks. You have engaged with me before on one of Max Chernov's videos (the one about the retired SAS teacher) and behaved similarly - I ultimately do resent wasting my time having to explain to you in what is necessarily a long post, how to debate rationally. I shall not do so again.
Hah, I knew it! Beating around the bush and trying to obfuscate with name dropping and irrelevant verbiage when what you actually wanted to say was that the British should be substantially credited for Singapore’s present day success. (Looks like you’re the one who needs lessons not only in debating rationally, but also in effective writing ie how to get your point across without beating about the bush.😜) Sure, the British left behind some infrastructure but they can’t be credited for our geographical location (since that is beyond anyone’s control) and certainly not for our post-independence development and achievements. In fact, barely 5 years after SG unexpectedly became independent, the British suddenly pulled out their military forces from Singapore for budgetary reasons in 1970. This was an existential threat which presented us with serious defence and economic security issues, which we had to navigate ourselves. Thankfully, we survived this challenge due to good political leadership. We could easily have become a failed state. How many ex-British colonies are there, (eg Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Jamaica, Libya, Myanmar, Maldives, Mauritius, etc) which had similar British colonial contributions, and how many of them have attained what SG has done in just one generation? Without the exceptional leadership of our pioneer leaders, SG would have languished in the third world, not much different from most other ex-British colonies. Giving the British credit for the success of today’s Singapore is like giving them credit for China’s present success because about 180 years ago, they forcibly opened China up to foreign trade through gunboat diplomacy, unequal treaties, and massive illegal opium smuggling. (Fact: Queen Victoria was the biggest drug baron the world has ever known! 😂) But if it makes you happier to believe the lie that the British should be credited for SG’s success, go ahead. 😂
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As a typical Singaporean, I too complained about our G n all the policies..I really valued my country after living in the US..Oh boy, I will never ever trade my citizenship for any country!!!!
Some locals do not appreciate Singapore more. I used to take things for granted in Singapore. Once I started going to the US and Europe, I started to think like Dharni. I don't have to be afraid of scammers, human trafficking syndicates, thieves, pickpockets, loose gun laws, loose actions such as racial remarks and stares to Asian, etc. Like Dharni said, you don't have to constantly watch your back if you are in Singapore.
Always good to go out and see the world first. Else these ppl won't appreciate first hand. Everyone experiences varies.
Spent few years down under as a student, my house was burgled, friend was rob drawing money from ATM, another had car stereo stolen then 1 week after he installed a new one, same time same place got stolen again, etc. There are certainly good things being there but it's just not a place for me. I still enjoy the convenience and safety in Singapore. Only thing i miss about there was the customer service.
It's disheartening to see such an obviously intelligent and articulate young man continuing to propagate the other great Singapore myth (the most pernicious is the ridiculous narrative of SG just being a fishing village at the time of independence); that of us having no natural resources. Singapore has a natural harbour free from typhoons, earthquakes and ice. It is wonderfully located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world and that is an inexhaustible resource. I can guarantee you that if our government and population were instead located in Vanuatu or the Shetlands, we would have nothing like the levels of affluence.
@@ianstreet5724thats the power National Education has in brainwashing singaporeans like him. Also to say that sgpore is void of human/illegal trafficking syndicates & lack of racially tinged remarks more evidence of sgeans living in a bubble!
There are not only USA or Europe where it's safe and clean or organized..I live in Iceland, and Japan, it's very safe there like Singapore and even in Europe many places are also safe like Switzerland and Poland according to our guest.. So Singapore isn't the only one place with such characteristics. The cons for me was the size of Singapore like our guest say, it's a box and he needed to go out to see something else. I am not an artist but I felt this feeling of living in s box while I was living/working in Singapore. !!.. Everything was fine but too much controlled with rules for this and that for everything😮; it's good for people who like to follow them. 😊
I like the fact that he was straight about not having the chance to meet the stars that he opened their performance for. This guy is grounded and humble.
0:33 Once you move out of Singaporean you truly appreciate what is Singapore is. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Proper!
Dharni definitely does not look 36. He looks so youthful, like in his mid or late 20s. And he is good looking too. Nice to see you interviewing him.
His wife is beautiful too !
This is a nice video. Singapore is no doubt a nice place to live in but be aware that living in Singapore is somewhat like a plant growing up in a greenhouse; a fairly sheltered growing environment with most decisions and choices taken by the government for you. It is not a bad thing, and many countries will give anything to have an environment like Singapore. As a Singaporean who have lived in Australia and is now living in US, I want to encourage my fellow Singaporeans to consider experiencing life outside of Asia.
Yes, it will not be easy and you will face challenges; but that is how you grow as an individual, by overcoming difficulties and obstacles. You will have to be resourceful, tough and independent. IMO, this is a great thing for Singaporeans as you will evolve into someone who doesn't depend on the government but instead, someone the government can depend on.
My fourth visit to Singapore over Christmas and I love the country, community and people. I agree with so much you are saying. I am happy you are back in your country and can appreciate what Singapore has to offer.
Talking about safety, yah if you're used to the lifestyle in SG (Dharni mentioned about not having to always watch your back), then you might find anywhere outside of SG 'dangerous'. But I also think many Singaporeans over-think the 'dangerous' part. It's not like you're going to be attacked constantly, you just have to be more careful than you usually are - bcos in SG, you can just be careless all the time. :-P
I agree with Dharni that while SG is a good place to live, Singaporeans should go out and meet people of other cultures. And it's also a perfect process for knowing yourself better.
100%
Great energy and perspective. All the best young man. So proud of you. Can only say I agree so much with you with similar experiences on living abroad, appreciating Singapore. Getting out to stretch your creativity 👊🏽
Singapore is a very small country, a lot of people comment is boring, expensive to live, no democracy, even HDB is only 99 years leased, etc. But please go out and experience it for oneself to truly appreciate what Singapore has to offer. I am able to have a home over my head, my kids are safe to take public bus home from school everyday, I dun have to worry about getting wet from MRT or bus station to home… Well, but then again there are still plenty of people who might disagree with these. So dun complaint, just move on and live the life ones adore. Nobody is stoping anybody😊
What? HDB is only leased for 99 years? What's the low end of the spectrum prices for 1 or 2 bed apartment right there in Sibgapore?
Saw him during last year RUclipsr event. Always notice something super unique about this guy. Glad to hear his story . I am gonna learn from his attitude in life . Yes I am also 20 years old ! On my second birthday of 20 years old😂😂😂🎉
This guy is awesome. This video should show to those who always complain about our government. Go out to the world n explore, u will find the difference that our government v do the best to our ppl. Sorry it might not be the best , but at least v thought of our ppl.
Singapore is one of the best designed cities in the world because it is designed for a people-centric philosophy. He is right, the Singapore government is logical, rational and highly composed and disciplined. The results speak for itself.
At least they have a roof over their heads and enough food to eat, and are not living on the streets exposed to the elements, waiting to die.
@hieveryone2003most locals? You sure about that? By your logic, the majority should have already voted PAP out long ago
@hieveryone2003 I lived here, and I also lived in the US for over 10 years. The people who are miserable are not Singaporeans, I guarantee you.
@hieveryone2003 blame who? Blame the gov? 😂😂😂😂 Blame ownself. Gov nv force us to make the choice we made
Live miserable lives? With roof over yr head? How abt the Gazans now, they are many times worse. When life is too peaceful and comfortable, people tend to look for things to complain.
Not everybody can live on a small crowded island in tiny apartments with monotonous weather. Neither is it suitable for people who like freedom to own guns privately or smoke weed & laze around. There are great things one can find abroad like the cheap but good quality wines & fresh produce in Germany and Australia ie 2 Euros for cheap wine vs 24+ SGD. Berries of various sorts are obviously expensive in Sg. No towering mountains or temperate forests to trek in or turquoise lake/bay waters with cheap fresh water fish/oysters. You can't find thousand year old temples or monumental architecture of bygone empires. However you can earn good money through low tax rates, grow your wealth if you are smart with $ and enjoy the powerful passport that can bring you to those places mentioned.
Dharni spoke my mind as a Singaporean expat living 8 years in Australia and 6 years in Germany. It is only when one leaves Singapore, one will quickly learn how great and efficient Singapore is as a country. At the same time, I do not regret leaving Singapore. The experiences that came with it, one can never put a price tag on. Great content Max, it feels sooooooo good to know that someone else in my "kampong" felt the same.
Strange. I am a Sporean in MEL and I realize how great AU is. Living in a bigger country brings alot of benefits. Definitely lower cost of living and higher quality of life for me here. Cheers!
The best part of Singapore is the airport, says it all lol
Good interview. Yes, Sg is like water. U never get to appreciate it until u go to the desert.
It's fun when the desert is an occasional adventure. Eg I had an experience in Wadi Rum of having the desert camp's solar powered light & heated water going dead on me in the night. Good thing it isn't something we have to deal with on a daily basis, blackouts are terribly rare in SG.
Thankd for vid! Keep up the good work! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚.
What a beatboxer! What a interview! Tks for the content.
i was shocked when he started beatboxing. wow
I was really impressed by this guy when i first chanced upon his beatbox video. Truly inspiring n motivating.
You are right Dharni, great attitude and all success to u.
Singapore is the best country . We can be better and go forward to excellence. No stop or complacent. Complain is our duty to ensure feeling. Thanks
People always value what they own only after they lost it
Inspiring guy 👍
Well done local talent! 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈.
Humans are complacent beings by nature. That's why experience is always the best teacher.
Only a handful of people could do without much experience, these people study and map out logic with multiple perspectives before making a conclusion. It's rare because its time consuming
Proof that one can code switch back to local accent. Unlike one of your previous interviewees who came back from UK
i still remember watching his beatbox waterdrop video over and over and over and over again XD
WOOHOO! Thks for making Dharni episode Max!
Sure!
Wow he look so young 27 in real life 36
My fellow Ninja Company mate. I think it was essentially the change in maturity and family values to appreciate singapore, but respect is due for a singaporean who went out to explore.
The beatboxing is amazepants
Interesting ... thanks :-) And I agree with him about getting out in the world to explore and discover and broaden your horizons so to speak. I am Australian and for years it has been a popular thing for young Aussies to travel, and live in other places to grow into themselves ;-) And I think they would agree that you appreciate your home country (if its a good one) more, once you return.
But, as wonderful as Singapore is, there actually are homeless people there ...
Whee was this video shot? It looked like a marina in the background ...
❤❤❤ Dharni n Max
❤ he is very smart and very perceptive. Great interview!
the neighbour is eyeing for singapore, some even claiming its stolen land, and applauded houthi for attacking singapore ships due to its close relations with israel/us
😎Good. I retired young to travel around the world and make videos.
Traveling just like anything has some risks.
8:24 “But in America it’s natural to to watch your back all the time” (video shows 4 black kids talking to each other, wow scary). I mean, I knew East Asians/SE Asians are generally not very fond of people of African descent but I did not know that was a Russian thing as well?
Yep. I noticed that too. Whenever the topic is negative, just show footage of Black people to illustrate the point. Not saying that Black people never do the wrong thing but clearly an over representation. Even in this day and age, the unconscious bias is very much REAL Unfortunately. 😔
There are homeless in SIngapore
Should send disgruntled people overseas
I lol-ed at this comment..! And wait for their routine to be disrupted by strikes 😅
powerful min d
Perhaps,he missed Kopi C/O😂🤭
why go to poland/ East EU for thrill adrenaline and some challenge/danger? just come to Indonesia, when ull worries about everything, except for being chinese . . . and Indonesia often being and been a dominant voice in many sosmed = social media, especially twitter. . . u look too far and forgot the closest challenging hood also like Timor-Leste, Palau, French-NewCaledonia-PNG
There are many homeless in Singapore… 😢but they too want ‘face’. Volunteer n you will see …
Nothing on the scale of homelessness in western cities.
Well deserved poor
Theres always trade offs.
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣20% gst or so and still "takes low,oh yes right..logical,does not always means.."right"
there are homeless in singapore,but they are not allowed to be seen!!
the cheap rice,and some eggs,maybe fake,synthetics. highly stressed,little pay for blue collar worker..
doctors that think with their emotions and not their brain..
It's disheartening to see such an obviously intelligent and articulate young man continuing to propagate the other great Singapore myth (the most pernicious is the ridiculous narrative of SG just being a fishing village at the time of independence); that of us having no natural resources. Singapore has a natural harbour free from typhoons, earthquakes and ice. It is wonderfully located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world and that is an inexhaustible resource. I can guarantee you that if our government and population were instead located in Vanuatu or the Shetlands, we would have nothing like the levels of affluence.
"Singapore is at the southern tip of Asia, the crossroads between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the half-way point between Northern Asia and Southern Australasia, and a key communications centre. It is not due to any special virtue or attractiveness of my people that we receive considerable attention from the Americans, the Soviet Union, the Chinese and the Europeans, who were first there". Lee Kuan Yew, Ottawa, 1973.
Give credit where it’s due. Geography doesn’t explain everything. If SG’s success can be explained purely by geographical location, then our close neighbours eg Batam and Riau should also be like SG - but they are not. Why? The difference is the quality of political leadership we have been blessed to enjoy. Countries with far more natural resources than SG have failed to achieve as much because of economic mismanagement, corruption and gross incompetence in their political leadership. We don’t need to look far.
@anchored555 That's obviously not the point I'm making. Your effortful construction and demolition of a strawman is satisfying to yourself, I don't doubt. My point was clear - one of the idiotic Singapore myths is that it has no natural resources; that is blatantly untrue.
Is it an idiotic, blatantly untrue myth that SG has no natural resources? At independence, we were not self sufficient in food production or water supplies. Our only assets were a strategically located port and 1.8 million people. Your point is that we weren’t a fishing village at the time of independence and had a natural harbour strategically located on one of the busiest trade routes in the world. So what? These things alone do not account for the tremendous progress we have made since independence. In the 1960s, the Philippines were the richest country in SEA with the greatest potential for growth, but their potential was not realised due to economic mismanagement and corruption to the extent that their people had to go overseas in droves to work to remit money home. So whether we were a fishing village or something better at independence, is simply quibbling over inconsequential details. We would still be a third world backwater today but for exceptional political leadership. Where’s the straw man? At heart, those who protest that Singapore was more than a fishing village at independence and had a strategic port, seek to diminish the contributions of our exceptional pioneer political leaders led by LKY. You’re missing the point completely because even if we had started out more developed or with good potential, it would all have been scuttled by an incompetent and corrupt government. Again, we don’t need to look far, and we should learn to give credit where it is due, and be grateful for those on whose shoulders we stand.
@anchored555 I'm glad you've understood the points that Singapore's location and the world class infrastructure left by the British were vitally important to its success. The former point was my original, and only, assertion in this thread. You have missed that point and constructed a strawman (the relative economies of neighbouring islands, who all exist in a different context and are not relevant to my point of the erroneous assertion that Singapore has no natural resources) you have then demolished that strawman, thus triumphing in an argument that exists only in your mind.
This is a common debating pitfall ('bait and switch') and can be explored in many popular psychology books eg. Superforecasting by Tetlock and Gardner pg.39 - you take my point 'the bait' (the natural resource of Singapore's location) and 'switch' it with the point that exists more comfortably in your mind (that Singapore could have done worse). Thus, you miss the point.
You then seek to lecture me on Singapore history using your incomplete (I note you mention only LKY and not Toh Chin Chye, Lim Kim San, Goh Keng Swee, Kenny Byrne, Eddie Barker, Rajaratnam, Devan Nair, Ahmad Ibrahim or Othman Wok: I wonder why?) and long winded method. I don't need your lectures, thanks.
You have engaged with me before on one of Max Chernov's videos (the one about the retired SAS teacher) and behaved similarly - I ultimately do resent wasting my time having to explain to you in what is necessarily a long post, how to debate rationally. I shall not do so again.
Hah, I knew it! Beating around the bush and trying to obfuscate with name dropping and irrelevant verbiage when what you actually wanted to say was that the British should be substantially credited for Singapore’s present day success. (Looks like you’re the one who needs lessons not only in debating rationally, but also in effective writing ie how to get your point across without beating about the bush.😜) Sure, the British left behind some infrastructure but they can’t be credited for our geographical location (since that is beyond anyone’s control) and certainly not for our post-independence development and achievements. In fact, barely 5 years after SG unexpectedly became independent, the British suddenly pulled out their military forces from Singapore for budgetary reasons in 1970. This was an existential threat which presented us with serious defence and economic security issues, which we had to navigate ourselves. Thankfully, we survived this challenge due to good political leadership. We could easily have become a failed state. How many ex-British colonies are there, (eg Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Jamaica, Libya, Myanmar, Maldives, Mauritius, etc) which had similar British colonial contributions, and how many of them have attained what SG has done in just one generation? Without the exceptional leadership of our pioneer leaders, SG would have languished in the third world, not much different from most other ex-British colonies. Giving the British credit for the success of today’s Singapore is like giving them credit for China’s present success because about 180 years ago, they forcibly opened China up to foreign trade through gunboat diplomacy, unequal treaties, and massive illegal opium smuggling. (Fact: Queen Victoria was the biggest drug baron the world has ever known! 😂) But if it makes you happier to believe the lie that the British should be credited for SG’s success, go ahead. 😂
My god dharni is here can't even imagine
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