Independent research on
Singapore's past and future.
Singapore's creation was more radical than most people realise. We make in-depth history documentaries and policy analysis on Singapore, with the hope of keeping that spirit alive for our future.
The Man Lee Kuan Yew Chose To Lead Singapore Without Him
Conversations
People we've sat down with
Documentaries & analysis
The essays
Ways to support
We love making these videos as much as you enjoy watching them.
Each video takes at least 120 hours in total for
If you'd like to support us, here are some options. Thank you!
Prefer to give once? Make a one-time donation of any amount
If you prefer not to at the moment, it would mean a lot to us if you could send an episode to someone who should see it. Most of the people who find us were sent here by someone they trust.
Work with us
Interested in our work?
We take on a small number of engagements each year. We bring the same primary-source research behind the essays, drawn from parliamentary records, archives, company filings and long interviews, to a question that matters to you.
The archive
Our work
Fourteen essays and conversations on how Singapore was built, and on the decisions shaping it now.
Written work
Articles
Longer written pieces, Q&As and follow-ups to the videos.
Loading articles…
Support independent research
We love making these videos as much as you enjoy watching them.
Each video takes at least 120 hours in total for
If you'd like to support us, here are some options. Thank you!
Prefer to give once? Make a one-time donation of any amount
If you prefer not to at the moment, it would mean a lot to us if you could send an episode to someone who should see it. Most of the people who find us were sent here by someone they trust.
About
What Makes a Country
We study the hidden architecture behind successful nations: the policies, institutions and decisions that actually built them.
We make long-form documentaries on the people who built Singapore, and analysis of the decisions shaping it now. A Singapore lens because that's where we're from, and we look abroad wherever someone has already solved the problem.
Business and collaboration
We take on a small number of research and advisory engagements each year, and we're open to press, speaking and partnership enquiries.
Work with us
Interested in our work?
We take on a small number of engagements each year. We bring the same primary-source research behind the essays, drawn from parliamentary records, archives, company filings and long interviews, to a question that matters to you.
Tell us what you're trying to work out.
We reply to every enquiry, and we will say so plainly if it is not something we should take on.