The United Kingdom has split from the European Union. There should be something to cheer about for their supporters.
One heartening aspect is that the UK can now try to emulate its former colony, Singapore. Does this sound ironical? It should not when you consider that Singapore has a higher per-capita income when compared to the UK. It had already passed the UK in 2006. Today, the gap has crossed $3000 a year. When you adjust the same with the purchasing power, the UK lags behind miserably at the 26th position whereas Singapore is right at the top in the 5th position.
London
Therefore, one has reasons to understand Britain’s envy of this small nation. However, the moot question remains as to which of the Singapore policies the UK will like to emulate.
- Will they emulate Singapore’s math-focused educational system?
- Will they comply with Singapore’s policy of offering high salaries to the public officials?
- Are they exploring the one-party rule and limits on free speech as Singapore does?
- Are they going to take the location advantage?
- Do they consider banning chewing gum?
The main idea behind the Brexit could be to allow the UK to cut its taxes and roll back the strict regulations enabling it to become a free-market oasis.
The positive aspect is that the UK has a comparatively lower tax burden as well as a less regulated labor market when compared to the other European countries. This allows it to play the role that Singapore does so effectively in Asia. This has enabled the major global corporations to choose Singapore and London to set up their operational bases. They have the advantage of the language and the flexibility of the rules. Until now, there has been a notion that the financial hub status of London might take a beating because of Brexit. However, one cannot predict anything with certainty.
Singapore
Peter Hargreaves is the main pillar of strength behind the Brexit campaign. He is of the opinion that the Singapore experiment can give the UK a similar sort of freedom that Lee Kuan Yew enjoyed while building Singapore. Singapore was a huge swamp when Lee Kuan Yew took over. He is the true architect of Singapore, instrumental in Singapore reaching this position. However, there are doubts whether a country having a high amount of resources can emulate the success of Singapore.
The success of Singapore and the other smaller economies like Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland is because of the core national abilities rather than the specific policy changes. These countries have a cohesive administration capable of taking quick decisions. As these countries are small, they do not have much autonomy. Instead of trying to shape the world, they can easily adapt to it. However, the case of the UK is different. The UK is a larger country thereby finding it difficult to adapt like Singapore does. These are the views of David Skilling, a New Zealander based in Singapore.
Alessandro Rocco Pietrocola is an entrepreneur and investor based in London and operating mainly in Europe, Asia and Oceania with main focus on UK, Baltic Countries, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and New Zealand as area of interest! At the moment is the Ceo of Astorts Group. He is an UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) Approved Person and is has great experience as director of regulated companies. He uses to dedicate part of his life to inspire others and help them achieve the most out of their life. Since he was 20, he had successfully founded and managed several companies operating in the field of management consulting, wealth management and fintech. He loves travelling, he is a cigars lover, an amateur golfer and a dapper man.
