Singapore Inc. or Singapore Sink?

Abstract

British shoppers who go to the chilled section of their local Sainsbury’s or Tesco supermarkets and choose a Covent Garden fresh soup are doing more than simply buying a pre-prepared meal. They are becoming customers of the Singapore Government because the soup is made by a company that’s ultimately controlled by one of its commercial arms.¹ While governments in the world are getting out of business, Singapore’s is not only staying put but expanding the scope of its commercial activities. It is expanding its domestic role and investing heavily overseas. Hence the soup.