To my knowledge, Singapore is the only colonized nation in the world, that gained its independence and went on to surpass the western world. Today, Singapore ranks at the top of key indicators including healthy, well-educated and gainfully employed citizens, low crime, high rates of civic participation, and a government envied for its competence, the trust of its citizens and the absence of corruption.

Western historians, academics and experts are either unwilling, or incapable of explaining this anomaly. Instead of a deep dive into Singapore’s success, westerners dismiss the country with petty observations. Ask an American historian about Singapore, and the only thing they know is its gum chewing law.

The way in which Singapore integrated its complex cultures into a governing system is worth studying.