Context Note
Singapore is a small city-state that transformed itself from a humble trading port into one of the richest countries in the world in just a few decades. This happened without large natural resources, but through strategic trade, strong institutions, and policies that attracted talent, investment, and global businesses. Its success is often studied as a model of rapid economic growth and development.
Speaking Practice
- What is the video about?
- What challenges do you think a country faces when it tries to become rich without natural resources?
- Why do you think Singapore’s location was important for its economic growth?
- Do you think strong leadership and policy planning can make a big difference in a country’s success? Why or why not?
- What lessons from Singapore’s economic transformation could help other small countries?
Writing Practice
Write about whether you believe a country’s success depends more on its leadership and policies or on its natural resources. Explain your opinion with examples.