As Singapore passes its 30th anniversary of independent statehood and contemplates the challenges that lie ahead, this text aims to assess the lessons of its development and to consider their comparative application. The study focuses on one of the most visible aspects of the social organization of Singapore - the ethnic structure and its articulation with every other aspect of social life. Ethnicity is a pervasive reality in Singapore, informing not only public policy, but also social and cultural interaction between citizens, the choice of mate, the choice of television viewing, the choice of language, dress, food and religious preferences.