I live in Singapura

I have always  had a great interest in the history of countries and nations especially my own, South Africa. There, I was part of the changes and the turmoil and what the county has become today. Since coming to Singapore I have not had the chance to really delve into  the past but one questions has been with me all along. How did a small island nation become the economic powerhouse it is today and what made a country with a diverse population and background so patriotic.

I found the book I was looking for on Saturday called, "The History of Singapore" and did further research on Internet watching some historical videos to get my answers. The Discovery Channel did a program called "The History of Singapore" which is a short version of the book but a more interesting video called "The Accidental Nation" certainly answered my questions.

In the 14th century, The Island called "Temasek" was part of the Malay Kingdom. An island with no natural resources and infertile land and hardly any inhabitants. One man and his vision changed all that in 1819, when a maverick British pioneer, Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles established a small trading post on the island. He called it his "Little Child" and he wanted the change the world for the better. The problem he faced was how to attract people to his brainchild and the answer lies in two words, FREE TRADE. That is the founding principle that made Singapore what it is today.

The Island was part of the British Empire until 1963 when it merged with Malaya and became independent and part of Malaysia. It was annexed by the Japanese in 1941 till 1945 during the Second World War with a very dark few years. In 1965 the Malaysian Prime Minister broke the ties and Singapore became and independent country and nation.  It would be led by a great leader, Lee Kuan Yew as the Prime Minister for the next 25 years to shape it to what it is today. A Testament to visionary and great leadership.

The country has seen it's fair share of turmoil, political change and struggling to find a identity but has emerged victoriously, forged by it's Part and Present existing together, with religious and  cultural tolerance with massive economical success.  Reminds me of the time in my own country when Nelson Mandela took the helm and an era of hope and prosperity looked like it would be the future.

I leave you with a light hearted video that summaries the Singapore Story.

PS. If you are interested in an unbiased and true account of South Africa's history you can read the book called "The Afrikaners - Biography of a People, by Herman Giliomee and off course, The Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela's Autobiography.