How Data Helps Us Better Appreciate History and Current Affairs: The Case of Singapore
When we think of Singapore today, we often think of a prosperous, modern city-state — a global financial hub with one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. But few realize how unlikely this outcome was at the time of its independence in 1965.
To fully appreciate how far Singapore has come, data can be a powerful lens. Rather than relying on vague anecdotes or simplified narratives, data provides context and clarity. Let's explore how data allows us to better understand Singapore’s story — and why that matters when we think about history and current affairs.
1. Singapore's Low GDP per Capita — A Data Point in Perspective
It is often said that Singapore was "a poor fishing village" at independence — and while it's true that Singapore's GDP per capita stood at just $516 in 1965 (World Bank data), this number alone doesn't tell the whole story.
When we compare Singapore to other countries in East Asia and the Pacific in 1965 (see Chart 1 below), a more nuanced picture emerges:
Singapore had the highest GDP per capita in Southeast Asia (excluding Brunei, which had oil wealth).
Hong Kong had a higher GDP per capita ($677), but even then, the gap was not insurmountable.
Australia and New Zealand, on the other hand, had GDP per capita levels 4 times higher than Singapore — a true representation of the wealth gap at the time.
This comparison gives context: while Singapore started from a low base, it was not the poorest. Data helps challenge and refine the "poor fishing village" narrative, without taking away from Singapore's remarkable journey.
2. Natural Resources — Or Lack Thereof?
Another common narrative is that Singapore has no natural resources, making its rise even more miraculous. While it's true Singapore lacks oil, gas, or minerals, data and geography tell us there’s more to the story.
Singapore’s "hidden" natural resource is its location:
Strategically located along one of the world's busiest shipping routes, the Straits of Malacca.
Today, $3.5 trillion worth of global trade passes through this strait annually — including two-thirds of China's maritime trade, 40% of Japan’s, and a third of global trade.
Singapore's deep waters and safe harbor make it an ideal stop for vessels (see Map of shipping traffic below).
Thus, while Singapore lacks traditional resources, it leveraged its strategic location — something recognized as early as 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. Data on trade routes and shipping traffic helps us see this "resource" clearly, beyond simple narratives.
3. Why This Matters: Data Brings Perspective and Nuance
Without data, we might only focus on broad headlines: "Singapore was poor and had nothing", "Singapore’s success is unprecedented".But data helps us move beyond myths and simplifications:
Singapore started with a higher GDP per capita than most neighbors — but still low compared to the developed world.
Singapore had a valuable strategic asset — location — but success was far from guaranteed.
In essence, data brings us closer to the truth, offering a richer, more respectful appreciation of history — and it reminds us that economic miracles are built on human decisions, policies, and resilience, not just starting points.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Data in Understanding Our World
Singapore’s story, when seen through data, shows us how far a nation can go — and what it takes to get there. More broadly, it reminds us that data helps us understand both history and current affairs with depth and fairness.
In a world flooded with headlines and opinions, data gives us the grounding to think critically, ask better questions, and truly appreciate the forces shaping our world — past, present, and future.
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