B2 – Upper Intermediate
Singapore, a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, has grown to become one of the world’s most powerful economies. Despite its lack of natural resources, the country has managed to transform itself from a sleepy fishing village to a global financial hub in just a few decades.
Through its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and strong emphasis on education and innovation, the country has managed to become a global economic powerhouse. While challenges remain, Singapore is well-positioned to continue its economic success in the years to come.
Watch the video and learn how a small country grew into a prosperous one.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “knowledge-based economy” mean, “Singapore shifted emphasis to a knowledge-based economy that relies more on creativity and growing Singapore’s entrepreneurs.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
- What does “land reclamation” mean, “It had embarked on an ambitious land reclamation project in the 1970’s.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
- What does “politicking” mean, “There will be that politicking that will happen in much more intensely in the years to come than there was ever before.”? Make a sentence using this word.
Discussion Questions:
- What was Singapore’s formula for success?
- What are the respective economic policies of Singapore’s prime ministers? What are your thoughts on them?
- Tell the story on how your country’s economy grew to what it is now.
- What are your government’s current economic policies?
- What do you think your government should do and focus on economy-wise?