Lessons from Singapore and Zimbabwe: A model for emerging countries to achieve quality economic growth

Abstract

The Singapore government's adoption of policies which has promulgated an infrastructure heavily reliant on information technology is used as a model to explain Singapore's remarkable economic growth. This model helps to explore the current difficulties other emerging third world countries are experiencing while attempting to achieve domestic growth and an international presence. The African country of Zimbabwe is used as a surrogate for these underdeveloped countries to assist identify key areas that need to be addressed before they can begin to experience the economic stability and growth that Singapore has achieved. An obvious difference between Singapore and Zimbabwe is that while both immediately upon independence undertook efforts to improve economic conditions, Zimbabwe is only considered to be a regional success. Singapore, on the other hand, has achieved a higher standard of living and an international presence in information technology.