From humble beginnings to a global trading hub, Singapore has solidified itself as a key player in the region and beyond.
This success story is one of geographic fortune – plopped along major maritime routes between East Asia and Europe. Foreign involvement and relations helped promote further growth, via a British naval base and strong ties with the US during the Cold War.
As China’s growth exploded, Singapore jumped on its coattails, benefiting from the oil trade and industrial expansion. Using those trade revenues, they developed a skilled workforce and established themselves as a regional financial hub.
There’s a lot to look forward to for the Singaporeans, between the growth in regional trade and peaceful neighbors with complimentary economies. They’ll need to overcome the collapse of China and oil trade risks, but I would expect Singapore to do very well in the years to come.