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Oscar Hoole@theoscarhoole · Nov 25, 2024

In 1965, Singapore was forced out of Malaysia. No army. No resources. No fresh water. A tiny island of 2M people…

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Summary

Lee Kuan Yew transformed Singapore from a resource-poor, slum-ridden island nation expelled from Malaysia in 1965 into a global economic powerhouse through pragmatic policies including mandatory English, zero corruption, forced racial integration, and aggressive investment in education and infrastructure. In one generation, Singapore's GDP per capita skyrocketed from $1,500 to $22,000, and it became one of the world's most developed nations.

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  1. #1

    In 1965, Singapore was forced out of Malaysia. No army. No resources. No fresh water. A tiny island of 2M people living in slums. Then ONE man's ruthless vision built modern Asia's greatest success... 🧵

  2. #2

    Malaysia thought Singapore would beg to return. Lee Kuan Yew had other plans. "We'll survive. We'll grow. And we'll show them all." The transformation began...

  3. #3

    Lee Kuan Yew faced impossible odds: No natural resources. Hostile neighbors. 75% living in slums. Race riots everywhere. Malaysia cut off their water supply.

  4. #4

    His first move shocked everyone: Built the strongest military in SE Asia. "If you want to be friends, that's great. But if you don't, we're ready." Survival came first.

  5. #5

    Then came the master plan: 1. English as main language 2. Zero tolerance for corruption 3. Forced racial integration 4. Mandatory savings for all workers The world called him a dictator.

  6. #6

    His housing policy was radical: Demolished every slum. Built public housing. Forced Chinese, Malays & Indians to live together. No ethnic enclaves allowed. Social engineering at scale.

  7. #7

    The economic strategy was genius: Invited multinational companies. Offered skilled workers. Built world's best port. Zero corruption guaranteed. Global trade transformed everything.

  8. #8

    Education revolution: Taught everyone English. Focused on tech & engineering. Sent best students abroad. Paid teachers top salaries. Merit became everything.

  9. #9

    By 1990, the results were clear: GDP: $1,500 to $22,000 per person Housing: 75% in slums to 90% homeowners Education: 50% literacy to 95% Zero corruption achieved

  10. #10

    Today's numbers are staggering: 3rd highest GDP per capita globally World's best education system Most expensive real estate in Asia Higher living standards than UK/US

  11. #11

    Lee's controversial methods worked: "I'm not interested in democracy. I'm interested in what works." He proved something powerful: Sometimes the hardest choices create the greatest results.

  12. #12

    The blueprint was clear: 1. Survival before ideology 2. Pragmatism over politics 3. Merit above all 4. Zero tolerance for corruption

  13. #13

    From third world to first in ONE generation. Lee's legacy? Clean streets. Safe cities. World-class education. Economic powerhouse.

  14. #14

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  15. #15

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