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Many modern countries have heavy restrictions on freedom of speech. The United States is the exception, not the rule.

That is indeed very much true. Though there are many attempts to attack Freedom of Speech in the US as well, so not sure how long it lasts.

No modern democracy has Singapore-type restrictions on speech, unless you take the loosest possible definition of democracy (ie one expansive enough to encompass Singapore).

At least some western european nations have anti-hate speech laws, though I consider a country to have "free speech" if individuals are free to criticize the government. What are you referring to?

And challenge the status quo? Not if the government can help it :P

It's a pro-corporate one-party rule. With the enshrinement of Lee Hsien Loong as the PM, Singapore is headed the dynastic route that ruined other Asian democracies like India.

Rich does not equate to equitable. Dubai and Qatar are other examples.

What defines “modern” as implying a right to free assembly?