Singapore, the young lion nation of South-East Asia, is unique. Since gaining independence in 1965, this island state has become a highly developed, economically successful, globalized state. It ranks as one of the world's most educationally qualified countries as well as being one of the wealthiest on a per capita basis. Sport has played its part in this process. The dominant political and cultural ideologies have utilized sport, physical education, community fitness and recreational activities to ensure that Singapore has achieved the proud tag 'developed nation'.