Nation-building refers to “the creation by government of a cohesive political community characterized by an abiding sense of identity and common consciousness” (Leifer, 1972). When Singapore attained self-government in 1959 and separated from Malaysia in 1965, it faced an uphill task to build the nation all by itself. Firstly, lets establish that tangible structures were definitely required in the initial stages of building a Singapore nation. In 1959, when Singapore achieved internal self-government from the British, the People’s Action Party (PAP) faced slow GDP growth, high unemployment, labor unrest and discouraged new investment coming into the country (Lim & Soo Ann, 2010). Furthermore, with separation with Malaysia in 1965, Singapore …show more content…
With a solid defence force, Singapore could not be easily taken over by other nations and investors were willing to come into a country to invest and boost economic growth. After having a positive impact on the initial stages, over time these tangible structures also played a vital role in nation building efforts. I would disagree that over time these structures’ significance lessens and hampers nation-building, as these structures over time have been essential in nation building efforts and growth of Singapore as a nation. Firstly, tangible structures such as defence and housing has brought the diverse people of Singapore together and helped to give them a common experience to enhance nation building over the years. For defence, in 1967, National Service (NS) was made mandatory for male citizens and was clearly conceived and designed as an institution for nation-building (Tai Yong). The SAF was seen as an institution integrating disparate ethnic groups through the common experience of military training (Government of Singapore, 1969). Furthermore, by having to train, live, and spend time together, the young men of Singapore, at one of the most impressionable times in their lives would share an experience and bridge economic, cultural, religious, ethnic and language …show more content…
Serving the nation becomes a commitment for 2 years of NS Men’s life. This commitment then extends to 10 years for reservist. Dr Goh Keng Swee was convinced that “nothing creates loyalty and national consciousness more thoroughly than participation in defence… (Goh, 1973). During these times, Singapore boys put aside everything else to serve the nation as one and take pride in it. Over time this commitment becomes more important due to the changing world around Singapore. With all the threats such as to Ukraine, Singapore soldiers are prepared and committed to defend their nation in times of danger. Hence, defence’s significance has not lessened and in fact helped nation building over time. Next, housing has also played a major role in creating a sense of belonging to all Singaporeans. From 1960s-1980s, HDB’s five-year plans provided continuous supply of low-cost affordable flats for the masses (Word Press, 2012). Low-middle income families were able to rent, and later purchase, housing units at reasonable rates. The transition over time from living in kampong to flats had great impact to many people, as they could enjoy the convenience of having water, electricity and gas supplies at anytime. Young generations of that era were also encouraged to get married, have homes
Once it was different. When we went to the district commandant to enlist, we were a class of twenty young men, many of whom proudly shaved for the first time before going to the barracks. We had no definite plans for our future. Our thoughts of a career and occupation were as yet of too unpractical a character to furnish any scheme of life. We were still crammed full of vague ideas which gave to life, and to the war also an ideal and almost romantic character. We were trained in the army for ten weeks and in this time more profoundly influenced than by ten years at school (Remarque 25).
Nerng, Roy. "Roy Ngerng's Speech at #ReturnOurCPF: I Believe In A New, United Singapore." The Heart Truths. WordPress.com, 7 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014. .
The Capitol building was overall the building in Colonial Williamsburg with the most important events that occurred, and the most political talk going on. It was used often by the House of Burgesses, therefore being useful in the event of war or politics. People should commemorate the Capitol Building in Colonial Williamsburg for its importance to the people back then, now, and its connection to the Colonial Williamsburg motto, “The future may learn from the past.”
The military lifestyle offers the opportunity for children to develop strong characteristics growing up. A study by Richard Lerner reveals, “Children who move can "reinvent" themselves; they can try out new activities, explore different social relationships, and develop new interests and talents. In one study, 75 percent of military parents reported that moving enhanced their children's development” (Lerner) Parents have seen the positives of moving and reveal that it enhanced their child’s development. Thus creates more adventures and allows for the children to be more open to try new activities and interests. This statistic shows that moving can be a major factor in developing socially active characteristics.
The founding of a new government, by definition, does not merely mean the establishment of a governing structure; it denotes the building of nationhood. This sense of nationhood, with time, will invariably deepen into the passion citizens have for their nations. While extreme nationalism is destructive to both self and others, a moderate amount of nationalism is the foundation of our modern democracy. It unites citizen into political units, promotes participation in democratic processes, and stabilizes democracy by building trust. Governments are, thus, important because, to some extent, they help to promote democracy.
Joining the military is not just a job or a path to a career, but a life style that requires dedication. The life style of a service member is not easy and is made up of many different characteristics which is known as the warrior society. Authoritarian structure, isolation and alienation, class system, parent absence, importance of mission, and preparation for disaster: war make up the culture aspects of the warrior society and will be discussed in further detail (Hall, 2008).
Singapore as a country has had various transformations throughout its history, however the period 1950 and 1970 was quite critical. Much of these changes had a lot to do with the development of trade and manufacturing. This is without forgetting the financial sector where the intention was to come up with a financial hub that could be used in economic development. Looking at the case of Singapore, we would say that it is a productive economy with a very high market competition. This observation has been further clarified by the Swiss International Institute for Management Development, going with their report that they released in the year 2001 (Chellaraj & Mattoo, 2009). In this study, we intend to evaluate the case of political economy of development in Singapore and examine the tensions between the state and various economic institutions. In additions to examining this institution, we would also like to examine how these variables have contributed towards the attainment of favorable growth rates and economic prosperity.
Southeast Asia has been controlled by Imperialistic powers since 1400s. These nations become prized for the various countries natural resources, strategic location, and the new markets to be found. The geographical locations become one of the most important factors that lead to the development of each country separately. As we reach the 19th and 20th century, European, American and Asian imperialism still has its claws deep in Southeast Asia. Imperialists are the ones who decide and shape the nation’s leading them down the path to where they are now. Their location to other Southeast nations becomes another reason of interest, which eventually lends a hand in forming a nation.
Confederation College can also train the people but that will include a lot of cost initially and it will be better to match Singaporean HR style with the existing HR style over time and slowly. Social and cultural factors Crime rate Singapore has the second lowest murder rate in the world. The security of personal belongings while traveling, the rate of snatching and pick pocketing is reducing every year in Singapore. According to a report by BBC in 2011, for 80 days there was no record of pick pocketing and snatching in Singapore (BBC, 2013).
There is overwhelming evidence that the superior quality educational and physical curriculum are responsible for alleviating many social ills. This view was recently supported by British Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg who said in an interview with BBC News that: “The armed forces can make important contributions to the nation not just on the battlefield but by embedding standards and values they embody within our social fabric.” Military schools also offer opportunities to those who may otherwise lack hope or ambition. Many young people who would normally be deprived of a first rate education because of economic factors or behavioral problems have benefited from a military type education. But the historical view that military schools are for underprivileged or troubled children is no longer a valid one.
Using Singapore to debate has an interesting point of view. After it separation from Malaysia at 9 of August 1965. The nation became an independent state. Singapore was on her own, a tiny island lack of natural resource such as oil and rubber plantation, and on the other hand Singapore own a strategic harbour location.
different parts of the world. In India, there is a great diversity which exists in the socio- economic and regional backwardness.
In the modern world of globalization is important to realize that there are existing organizations that serve the purpose of a one-world government. The United Nation serves as a one-world government without any sovereignty. The plan to have a one-world government would not need much restriction but take the existing structure and make sure that is beneficial to all continents and not just the élite.
The term – nation building or national development, is usually used to refer to a constructive process of engaging all citizens in building social cohesion, economic prosperity and political stability in a nation in an inclusive and democratic way. Going by the definition, it is seen that all citizens are to be involved in building or developing a nation. Thus, the involvement of youth in national development is a must. In fact, youths play one of the most important roles in nation building.
Singapore gained its independence in 1965.It has been growing gradually and increasingly in the economy. I is now included among the world’s most competitive economies. This was made possible by being an public business globally, with a good business environment and a substantial political market, making it a popular country to invest in globally.