Singapore thrives by being a semi-democratic state. A benevolent strong man prevents rival parties from gaining a foothold by carefully tending to the needs of each of the major ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese, and South Indians). It’s not a true democracy, but it has to be the nicest non-democracy in the world.

Singapore is a highly educated tiny island and its parameters are different than pretty much every other country.

Most developed countries are now highly educated.

I don't want my country to have public beatings like Singapore