“If we just look at Singapore’s social housing, Viet Nam may build even more beautiful ones. If we want to truly learn about it, we must dig into its roots and understand the essence; and only then will we achieve results.”
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, emphasized thismindset while analyzing Viet Nam’s approach to Singapore’s development model at the Viet Nam Global Innovation Connect (VGIC 2025). The event, organized by AVSE Global – the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (France) and the Liaison Committee of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore (VNAS), is taking place from February 20 to February 22 in Singapore.
Former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once stated that Singapore had transformed from a “third-world” country into a “first-world” nation, from a small trading port into a leading economic hub. Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong noted that today, Singapore has become an ideal economic development model that many world leaders aspire to learn from.
However, to learn the secret behind Singapore’s transformation into a “dragon,” Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong emphasized that it is necessary to delve into the essence of the development model, not just look at the surface.
VIET NAM MUST LEARN FROM SINGAPORE AT ITS ESSENCE
In Singapore, homelessness does not exist. The majority of Singaporeans live in public housing. The key driver behind this achievement is a series of government-backed savings programs that help citizens secure housing. For instance, a person earning $1,000 per month in Singapore is required to save at least $400 incuding$200 deducted from their salary and the rest of $200 contributed by their employer.
So, what made Singapore so determined to develop social housing projects? According to Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, there are three root causes.
̣(1) Connecting people with the nation. Housing is not only a place to live but also a link between citizens, society, and institutions. For Asians, having a home holds deep cultural significance—only when one has a stable place to live can they focus on working, contributing, and developing alongside their nation.
(2) Protecting human dignity – All Singaporeans, regardless of their family background, enjoy good living conditions and have a house to live; no one has to live in slums. Extreme disparities in living conditions do not exist, which prevents feelings of disadvantage, fosters a strong sense of citizenship, and reduces social tensions. Thus, housing is not merely a material asset but also a foundation for upholding human dignity.
Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, sharing ideas at VGIC 2025.
(3) Promoting productivity. Stable housing and a modern transportation system help improve the quality of life, thereby increasing labor productivity. This explains why Singaporeans’ productivity is 7-8 times higher than that of Vietnamese, as these factors play a crucial role.
“If we only look at Singapore’s social housing, Viet Nam may build even more beautiful ones. If we want to truly learn, we must dig into its roots and understand the essence; and only then will we achieve results”, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong affirmed.
THE ‘S RULE’ THAT PROPELLED SINGAPORE’S RAPID DEVELOPMENT
Singapore, a small country with scarce resources and a modest population, has risen to become one of the world’s leading economies. Analyzing Singapore’s success, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong believes that the “S Rule” is a key factor behind the nation’s rapid development—one that Viet Nam can quickly learn from.
“Singapore starts with the letter ‘S,’ and its people have a special fondness for the letter. Viet Nam also has an ‘S’ shape on the world map, which isa much larger and more enduring one. If Viet Nam apply these lessons correctly, the nation can absolutely rise to great heights,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong.
First, “Survival” – the core spirit of the nation, which means building a cohesive community. Singapore not only applies this mindset domestically but also extends it globally. They are willing to share innovations and breakthroughs with other nations while evaluating people based on competence rather than nationality. Anyone who contributes value is recognized and given opportunities. This is the true spirit of innovation.
Second, “Strategy” – a well-defined strategy. The essence of strategy is turning challenges into advantages. Opportunities create more opportunities, and success breeds further success. Without a strategy, even favorable conditions can become obstacles, and difficulties can escalate into crises. Singapore lacks natural resources. They recognize that human capital is their most valuable resource. As a result, they have invested heavily in education.
Additionally, Singapore is a multiethnic nation, with 70% Chinese, 20% Malay, and other communities. Instead of allowing differences to spark conflict, they have fostered a society, living peacefully and built on mutual respect and harmony. Many visitors to Singapore are often surprised to see people of different religions sitting together, sharing meals, and engaging in conversations effortlessly.
Viet Nam Global Innovation Connect (VGIC) in the afternoon 20 February 2025 in Singapore.
Third, “Structure” – the state apparatus. Singapore’s institutional framework is built with tight organization and defensive layers. Their governance system is designed like a football team, where players must pass the ball efficiently to score goals, rather than each player trying to hold onto the ball to claim individual glory—something that would be extremely risky.
“Viet Nam’s ongoing efforts to streamline its apparatus are absolutely the right move at this time. In addition to selecting competent and dedicated individuals and paying them appropriately, the next step is to continue developing a regulatory system that facilitates efficiency,” said Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong.
Fourth, “Strategist” – finding visionary leaders. In the past, Singapore’s rivers were heavily polluted. Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once declared that in ten years, people would be able to fish in them. True to his vision, within a decade, Singapore’s rivers were not only clean but also teeming with fish.
Groundbreaking transformations always require an iconic leader to spearhead change—just as Lee Kuan Yew is synonymous with Singapore’s reforms, or General Vo Nguyen Giap is forever linked to the victory at Dien Bien Phu.
Fifth, “Sagacity” – wisdom and insight. Singapore may not good at everything and they understand the importance of learning from the world’s best minds. For instance, as global demand for air travel surges and space exploration becomes a major opportunity, how can Viet Nam position itself to seize these prospects? The key lies in investing in knowledge and hiring top-tier experts rather than relying solely on self-exploration.
This approach is not yet widespread in Viet Nam. Take education reform as an example—decisions are often made impulsively. This is not the right way. We must first absorb the best global wisdom before making our own decisions. Just like DeepSeek, which learned from the most advanced AI models before developing its own unique system.
Sixth, “Synergy” – combining strengths to create synergy. Singapore excels at leveraging collective power. They do not operate in isolation but instead partner with major corporations and leading tech companies to drive progress. Viet Nam must learn to stand on the shoulders of giants—collaborating with large enterprises to create values for the nation.
Seventh, “Sustainability” – long-term resilience. Singapore is a highly industrialized nation, yet it remains free from severe pollution. They have developed smart urban systems, green transportation networks, and a commitment to environmental protection across all policies. Viet Nam must adopt a long-term vision for development, avoiding short-term thinking that sacrifices sustainability for immediate gains.
