Essay On Nation Building

From the inception of an independent Singapore in August 1965, the tangible structures that laid the foundation for Singapore’s development still remain highly significant. These systems and infrastructures, which were instrumental in early-stage nation building, are still crucial in nation-building efforts today. Rupert Emerson defined the criteria for a nation as having a single people, a well-defined territory, a similar language, a distinctive culture, and shared historical experience. Singapore’s defence, economic growth, and housing policies have helped the state to meet these criteria of a nation. To consider the significance of Singapore’s tangible structures on its nation-building efforts over the years, we can consider three aspects;

Government policies to boost the number of foreign workers have also contributed to widening income inequality in the nation . Singapore’s openness to foreign investments and multinational companies has also caused the crowding out of domestic enterprises and local businesses . The rigid education system could have also perpetuated social stratification within the nation. Singapore’s heavy reliance on foreign labour to drive its economy has led a dilution in the country’s national identity. On top of the influx of foreign nationals, the elites of Singapore are taking flight to other countries , causing a brain drain situation. Some critics argue that National Service has led to the marginalization of the Malays in Singapore, and the discrimination against women as well .

Even with these factors considered, the nation-building significance of Singapore’s tangible structures cannot be discounted, as their advantages greatly overwhelm their adverse unintended consequences. These adverse effects have negatively affected the national identity of the country. However, they have not adversely affected economic growth and national