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Representation? it would make for not only a livelier debate, it would make for a better debate. we may well arrive at the conclusion that the current dispensation of the current order represents the best possible society for singapore. but let's have that debate. >> anthony: i mean, it's a horrifying thought, "what if?" >> donald: it's possible that the human mind, that the average citizen, cannot deal with that much diversity, that we need these curbs or restrictions on our freedom. >> anthony: what if free speech is like bad? >> donald: it's like a drug, right? it's too much of a good thing...

You look at all the social problems and ethnic strife, street crime, drugs that singapore has managed to avoid, and you could think, "is this the life we want?" it ain't my system. it's not the world i want. but damn, it has its appeal. ♪ >> lady wearing purple: hi, this is singapore. hope you like it. >> anthony: jam-packed in between the carefully feng shui'd architecture, the skyscrapers and office blocks are rich, deep, very old and deliciously funky remnants of the old world. chinese, indian, malay, and a culture that still cherishes the joys of simple good thing. >> cab driver: i love ...

Is in camera. so it is important everyone, we have to follow the rules and regulations, that's the reason singapore is very good. same time, singaporeans are very hard working. as human beings, what we need? food to eat, clothes to wear, a place to sleep, you can get in singapore. so in other words, we have to continue work, you see. if you're working, you'll get something, once lazy, you're out. >> anthony: by some measures, singapore is a welfare state, taking care of the less fortunate, but at its heart, it's a cold blooded meritocracy. you follow the rules -- and there are many, work hard,...

Together, as well as the favorable economic policies that have allowed it to thrive. michael ma arrived in singapore to take advantage of its business climate, becoming an early pioneer of singapore's now famous nightlife. back then, in the beginning, at the very beginning, was it a favorable business climate in the sense that, did they look upon your early efforts generously or kindly? or were they not so sure about this guy? how was it? >> mike: oh, no, singapore is fantastic. >> anthony: and what time did bars close? >> mike: 2:00. that's where the opportunity i saw. you know, you cannot ru...

Singaporeans, more than 80% of them to live in these more or less uniform housing estates. but that form of social engineering also has certain benefits. >> anthony: unlike most of the wealthy developed world, there is universal healthcare and little to no homelessness in singapore. the country's public housing policy provides an astonishing 80% of singapore's 5.6 million people with affordable homes, with 90% of the population owning their own home. >> donald: singaporeans would be hard-pressed to name a neighborhood that they would describe as a slum. they would be hard-pressed to name a nei...