The three Cs of Singapore
Singapore’s Sixtieth Anniversary of becoming independent was magnificent. If such an event had been produced in New York or Shanghai, Dubai or Sydney it would have been widely praised. That Singapore could do it demonstrated several things. One in particular is key.
Nowhere else in the world would have shown the heartbreak of the exclusion of a country from its parent – the Federation of Malay States – and the despair of its leader – Lee Kuan Yew – in tears, sixty years ago, asking for the cameras to be shut off for a few moments. Most politicians would have been promising more benefits, lower taxes, better everything. The honesty and openness of Singapore’s Birthday Party was impressive, first and foremost, for its strategic message.
In a turbulent world Cohesion, Cooperation and Consideration become the lifeblood of the citizens. Singapore articulated that clearly at its celebration. No befuddled promises were made, no unachievable aspirations advanced. President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament stood side by side with the country’s services, its businesses and the citizens of Singapore to confirm the strategy for, and to launch, the next sixty years.
The privilege of living in Singapore is epitomised by the way in which the country sets itself a purpose and then adopts the tactics to achieve it. Thinking is aspirational but realistic. With no natural assets, Singapore can claim only one significant advantage – its people. They built this flourishing society through a time that was largely – though not entirely – peaceful and prosperous. The world was beginning to see itself as one society, hinged together by trade and aspiring to make life better especially for those born into poverty and fear.
That came abruptly to an end. The world split again. Technology advanced in such leaps and bounds that even great thinkers found it impossible to assimilate. War became widespread to the point where it appears to be becoming endemic. Globalisation is halted by Greed. Debate is overshadowed by Drone. Agreements are shredded in the interests of Acquisition. The tip of tawdryness might even have reached Singapore but decisiveness prevented it.
Singapore is run by considering “what makes people feel at home”. Governance is not a plunge for priority, nor an imposition of interests. It is the best way to assert discipline and retain choice. It is about living as comfortably as possible by contributing as much as is reasonable.
The 60th Birthday party showed decency, strength, purpose and feeling.
A triumph of which the founders would be as proud as today’s citizens.
Thank you, Singapore.
Good morning
John Bittleston
11 Aug 2025
