Singapore.
A nation that in the last 51 years has grown from being a tiny slip of land with 100 million dollars to a global financial powerhouse with over $300 billion in funds.
Over 95 per cent of its citizens are homeowners.
The city state is almost corruption free and its roads are entirely litter free.
Its people are among the most educated and its economy is among the most admired.
And all this is the handiwork almost entirely of one man - Lee Kuan Yew, who has been at the helm of affairs, first as Prime Minister, then as Senior Minister and now as Minister Mentor.
Lee is a leader, who despite being a soft authoritarian, commands a standing of his own.
Indeed, when he talks, even President Barack Obama listens.
Articulate, idealistic and unafraid to speak his mind, the 86-year-old has played a part in China's and India's economic revival too.
Veteran American journalist Tom Plate recently met and interviewed Singapore's Minister Mentor over two days for his book, the hugely absorbing Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew.
A book, it must be added, that is a must read for everyone interested in governance and in thought-provoking conversations.
In an interview to R Rajesh Kumar, Tom shares his experience while also offering us Lee's views on India, China, Nehru and Deng Xiaoping.
Image: Author Tom Plate and Lee Kuan Yew take a stroll down the corridors of Istana, the seat of the Singapore government.
Image Courtesy: Marshall Cavendish and Tom Plate
