On our trip to Hong Kong, we also spent a few days in Singapore and were so glad that we did. It ended up being a highlight of our trip.
Those that know me well have experienced my perfectionist side, probably all too many times. I'm easily upset by a product or process that fails to be as great as it should be. I'm equally enamored by craftsmanship and attention to detail. Because of these traits, I've come to believe Singapore is the perfect place. It's a city/state built with an incredible sense for attention to detail and a demand for high standards in the care of it's surroundings and the conduct of it's people.
A Singapore Primer
It's only about 225 square miles, including many surrounding small islands. Marina Bay (where the photo above was taken) is built on landfill, so the country is actually growing in physical size.
Singapore is like the startup of world government, as it's only been independent for about 50 years. It is small (over 5m people), ambitious and forward-thinking. Some things they've accomplished so far:
- World's 4th leading financial center
- Seven years running, the World Bank has named Singapore the best place in the world to run a busines
- 3rd highest per capita income in the world, one in six families has over $1m USD in disposable income excluding their home, business and luxury goods
- The World Justice Project ranked Singapore at or near the top in "Order and Security", "Absence of Corruption", and "Effective Criminal Justice"
- Income tax is never higher than 20%, yet Singapore maintains one of the highest government cash reserves in the world
- Widely known as the world's cleanest city, it arguably has the best airport too.
- World Health Report ranks the healthcare system 6th, above the US who stands at 38th despite the highest per capita spending
Some controversial things they've done that I personally agree with:
- They can and sometimes do censor things like television and internet. I can't help but agree with their principles, which are in no way politically motivated.
- It costs about $75k at present for the right to drive a car for 10 years. I love this because the city has no traffic or pollution issues. Public transportation is incredible and taxis are very affordable.
- Although they have one active gambling licensee for tourism purposes, they charge their own citizens $100 to enter the casino because they believe gambling is a bad thing for their society.
They toe the line on a number of government "control" issues (freedom of press, capital punishment). I don't agree with all of them, but I like a government with strong principles and the courage to enforce them. I use Apple products, so clearly I don't have a problem with a controlled ecosystem as long as it's not abused.
