Singapore's Experience in Curbing Corruption and the Growth of the Underground Economy

This article suggests, firstly, that an extensive underground economy (UGE) is undesirable because it brings forth more harm than benefit to the economies and, secondly, that curbing corruption is a useful measure to contain the growth of the UGE, The key to curbing corruption is the enactment of appropriate rules as well as having in place good men—men who are incorruptible—to enact and enforce the rules. The article uses Singapore as a case study: Singapore has often been touted as one of the least corrupt countries in the world; the UGE also appears relatively inactive in the city-state. If there is some link between the two, it may be useful to emulate Singapore's experience in curbing corruption and consequently the growth of the UGE.