The Singapore model is predicated on two factors: cheap slaves and tax haven status. You can't replicate it in bigger countries because there are only so much tax evasion, embezzlement and corruption in this world that one could profit from. What Singapore is good at is economic prostitution. You wouldn't lavish praise on a high class escort just because she accumulated great wealth so why would anyone hail Singapore as a success story?
Just wanted to point out the many records Spore holds; cleanest gov't, oldest civil servant heading a party that has been around for the longest time, highest paid politicans in the world, one of the highest immigration & emigration rates at a time of peace, ....
It is a wonder that the citizens have tolerated this system for so long.
Don't think any country would be able to emulate Spore, when they made LKY they broke the mould