Contrary to the belief that eradicating corruption in countries with colonial histories, poverty, illiteracy, large populations and untouchable political-business-bureaucratic elite is unattainable, Singapore stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with unwavering political will and resolute leadership. Once plagued by rampant corruption, Singapore now consistently ranks among the least corrupt nations in the world, showcasing how strong political will, transparency & accountability and reforms can reshape a nation’s destiny.

Singapore, a country half the size of Delhi and one of the most densely populated in the world, turned its geographic and resource limitations into a driving force for innovation. Acknowledging the absence of natural resources, its leaders prioritized building human capital through education and meritocracy as essential pathways to prosperity and stability. This strategic focus resulted in the creation of a robust institutional framework within the public sector, marked by a commitment to innovation and reform to address the nation’s evolving economic and social needs. As a result, Singapore not only transformed from being one of the most corrupt countries to one of the least corrupt in record time but also achieved remarkable economic growth, with its GDP per capita surging from $428 in 1960 to an impressive $84,730 in 2023.

Singapore’s journey to its current state was undeniably arduous, and shaped by significant historical challenges. The nation’s history includes its British colonial past and waves of immigration from China, India, Ceylon, Malaya, and the Dutch East Indies. Other pivotal events included the Japanese Occupation during World War II (1942-1945) and the struggle against communism in the 1950s.

A major turning point came in 1959 when Singapore was granted self-government under the State of Singapore Constitution, allowing local leaders, led by the People’s Action Party (PAP) under Lee Kuan Yew, to take control of domestic affairs. In 1963, Singapore briefly merged with Malaysia, only to separate two years later to become an independent and sovereign nation. The socio-economic environment at the time of independence fostered conditions highly conducive to corruption, making it a daunting issue to tackle which was rooted in several factors: weak political will, ineffective legislation, insufficient anti-corruption enforcement, inadequate manpower in the anti-corruption agency, significant pay disparities between public and private sectors, and a general lack of commitment and integrity among public servants. Overcoming this required a monumental effort of political will and an unwavering commitment to reform, which ultimately laid the foundation for Singapore’s transformation into one of the least corrupt nations in the world.

Singapore’s success in combating corruption is largely attributed to the zero-tolerance policy championed by its former Prime Minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew who led Singapore from 1959 to 1990. This unwavering stance against corruption was evident in several key measures: the enactment of the Prevention of Corruption Act, substantial funding and staffing of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), and the alignment of public sector salaries with competitive private sector levels to deter corruption and retain top talent in government. Lee’s approach also ensured that all corruption offenders were held accountable, regardless of their rank, status, or political affiliation.

This merit-based system fostered a culture where excellence, integrity, and hard work were rewarded, allowing individuals in the civil service, police, armed forces, statutory boards, and academia to rise based on their performance, integrity, contribution and principles. It established a governance model that prioritized accountability and efficiency, cementing Singapore’s reputation as a global leader in transparency and accountability. The 2023 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (TI-CPI) has ranked Singapore the 5th least corrupt country in the world out of 180 countries.

The commitment to zero tolerance towards corruption remained steadfast even after Lee Kuan Yew stepped down. Successive leaders upheld and built upon his legacy, ensuring that rigorous anti-corruption measures continued to be a cornerstone of Singapore’s governance, maintaining the nation’s integrity and transparency.

In October 2024, a Singapore court sentenced former minister S. Iswaran to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and accepting over $300,000 worth of gifts. The 64-year-old, who served as a cabinet member for 13 years and held portfolios in trade, communications, and transport, pleaded guilty to four charges of improperly receiving gifts, including Formula One (F1) tickets and a Brompton bike from two business entities. He was also convicted of obstructing justice, underscoring Singapore’s uncompromising stance on accountability and its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public service.

The remarks made by the trial judge during S. Iswaran’s sentencing highlight the fearless and impartial nature of Singapore’s justice system. Justice Vincent Hoong, in his sentencing statement, underscored the fundamental importance of integrity in governance, stating, “Trust and confidence in public institutions are the bedrock of effective governance, and these can be easily undermined by the perception that a public servant has fallen short of the standards of integrity and accountability.” His words reflect Singapore’s unwavering commitment to holding public servants to the highest ethical standards, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for transparency and impartiality.

The celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) every year on December 9 serves as a platform for governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to combating corruption and fostering a culture of integrity. This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” underscores the vital role of young people in this global effort. The biennial campaign aims to inspire and empower youth as key agents of change, emphasizing their ability to shape a future founded on transparency and accountability.

Singapore’s triumph over corruption is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of unwavering political will and strong institutional integrity. The nation’s journey, from one of the most corrupt to one of the least corrupt countries in the world, demonstrates that corruption can be effectively tackled when leaders are committed to change and when robust, transparent systems are put in place. By prioritizing meritocracy, implementing strict laws, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, Singapore has created a model that other nations can emulate.