Reconfiguring the Singapore identity space: Beyond racial harmony and survivalism

The city-state of Singapore is often considered the jewel of Southeast Asia where residents enjoy a high standard of living and a stable socio-political environment. The former British colony has come a long way since the end of the Second World War when it was engulfed in the throes of domestic and regional turbulence, marked by racial tensions, economic uncertainty, and a hostile neighbourhood gripped in political instability. With the 1950s and 1960s set as a critical juncture of change, the political leadership of Singapore has propelled the city-state forward to emerge a stronger and more resilient nation following the rupture that occurred in 1965 - Singapore's expulsion from the Federation of Malaya. Singapore's development was made possible by state technologies and symbologies that created a social climate promulgating meritocracy and collective ownership. This system of behaviour is centred on a prescribed set of social policies and economic developmental goals that enabled policymakers to implement strategic action plans swiftly and effectively. This political strategy has served the nation well until recent years. Increasingly, the signs seem to indicate that the city-state is now at the epicentre of a new attractor, one that is rooted in global identity and individual agency.