Editing Singapore (section)

== 1. A Brief History of Singapore ==

* '''Ancient Roots''': The name “Singapore” comes from the Sanskrit words ''“Simha”'' (lion) and ''“Pura”'' (city). Legend says a Sumatran prince spotted a lion here in the 14th century.
* '''Colonial Era''': In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post. Its strategic location quickly made it a global port.
* '''Japanese Occupation (1942–1945)''': A dark period during WWII that shaped Singapore’s determination for self-reliance.
* '''Independence (1965)''': After briefly joining Malaysia, Singapore became independent on August 9, 1965, under the leadership of '''Lee Kuan Yew'''.

'''Today''': Singapore has transformed from a struggling post-colonial state into a '''first-world nation in one generation''', admired globally as a model of governance and development.