Why did Lee Kuan Yew consider air conditioning vital for progress?

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Lee Kuan Yew Viewed Air Conditioning as Crucial for Tropical Development and Efficiency

Lee Kuan Yew considered air conditioning a pivotal invention that fundamentally altered the potential for progress in tropical nations. He believed that by enabling efficient work in hot and humid climates, it unlocked the capacity for development and improved governmental productivity.
Enabling Development in Tropical Regions

Lee articulated that air conditioning was one of history's most significant inventions because it made development feasible in tropical areas. Previously, individuals in such climates were limited to working effectively only during the cooler parts of the day, restricting overall output and economic activity. The advent of air conditioning removed this constraint, allowing for sustained productivity regardless of external temperature.
Enhancing Civil Service Productivity

As part of his pragmatic approach to nation-building, Lee identified the improvement of public sector efficiency as a key objective. One of his initial actions upon assuming the role of prime minister was to equip government offices with air conditioning. He saw this as a direct measure to boost the productivity of the civil service, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of governance.
Transforming Civilization and Work Patterns

The impact of air conditioning, according to Lee, extended to transforming the very nature of civilization in the tropics. By mitigating the debilitating effects of heat and humidity on human performance, it created an environment where consistent and demanding work could be undertaken. This shift was instrumental in allowing these regions to pursue and achieve development previously thought impossible.

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Why did Lee Kuan Yew consider air conditioning vital for progress?

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