I don't think respect is the explanation for Singapore's success, it's more likely a side effect of the real magic: ethics and reputability.

Singapore is the third least corrupt country in the world[1]. Another country that has managed to pull off successful public housing, Finland, is the second least corrupt in the world.

The United States meanwhile is in 29th place (and that's being generous, imho) and at its worst ever in the corruption index[2]. It's been falling for a decade. Perhaps that's the real explanation: we can't have nice things because the resources needed to build and operate them are actively siphoned off through embezzlement, bribes, kickbacks, and fraud. Rigid class systems don't do anything to prevent fraud, either, in fact they entrench it deeply.

[1] https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/singapore

[2] https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/10/business/corruption-index-tra...