Cleaning SingaporeThe story often told about the cleaning and greening of Singapore is that it was done mainly for the purpose of attracting international business and investments. In the city-state’s early days as a newly independent country in the late 1960s, Singapore’s rapid industrialisation and economic development plans were carried out in conjunction with its cleaning and greening efforts. However, it is less well-known that the political leadership prioritised public cleanliness for the well-being of citizens, so that they could enjoy a higher quality of life. The simple wisdom that health leads to happiness had been applied to the entire nation.