Its a City State, the dynamics of a Nation State and City State are different. Singapore is smaller than Houston both in size and population. Singapore exploite

Its a City State, the dynamics of a Nation State and City State are different. Singapore is smaller than Houston both in size and population. Singapore exploited the local inefficiencies, they were the capitalist oasis in a region of Leftist/autocratic regimes esp. during their growth period. There are many factors including leadership, but their adherence to open trade gave them a leg up in the region.