Many people marvel at the beauty of Singapore and her
progressiveness. Most impressive to note is that she was formerly
just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous
settlement.
Fast forward to today. Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city
populated with high-rise buildings and landscape gardens. Brimming
with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture,
Singapore is a dynamic city that’s rich in contrast and colour. In
fact, you can even say that Singapore embodies the finest of both
East and West.
Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710
square kilometres, making her one of the smallest countries in the
world and the smallest in the region – hence the moniker “The Little
Red Dot”. Although small in size, Singapore commands an enormous
presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly
efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has
enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping
routes.
Other than having a sound business infrastructure and favourable
economic climate, another factor for Singapore’s rapid growth is due
to a stable and competent ruling government. Singapore is a
parliamentary republic with a political system that’s centred on
democracy. The current ruling party in government is The People’s
Action Party (PAP), which has dominated the political process since
self-government in 1959.
At present, Singapore’s population stands at about five million
people, with English as the main language of instruction, and a
mother tongue for each major ethnicity. One of the distinctly
Singaporean things you’ll notice on our island is a ubiquitous
collage of cultures. Coming together as a society and living in
harmony, there are four major races – namely the Chinese (majority),
Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Each community offers a different
perspective of life in Singapore in terms of culture, religion, food
and language.
Being a multi-racial society, Singapore is as diverse as it is
cohesive. With so much to see and do, this is perhaps best
experienced through your encounters with the locals. And if you’re
feeling nostalgic and looking to discover old world charm, you can
explore and experience the island’s key historical landmarks or
memorials. You can also embark on a heritage trail and enjoy the
sights and sounds at various cultural precincts, notably Chinatown,
Little India and Kampong Glam.
If you prefer the bright city lights and being amidst the hustle
and bustle, then you’ll be delighted to know that there are numerous
shopping malls, museums, and dining and entertainment hotspots to
choose from. Get into the thick of the shopping action at the iconic
Orchard Road stretch, or party the night away at the Clarke Quay or
Boat Quay areas, both of which offer a myriad selection of nightlife
activities.
The other thing that will strike you most about Singapore is its
multifarious offering of food – day or night, there will always be
something to whet your appetite. With a range of dining options from
Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay, fusion and more, you’ll be
spoilt for choice.
Beyond the history, culture, people, shopping and food, there are
many more facets to Singapore’s thriving cityscape for you to
discover. And these can only be experienced as you immerse yourself
in the exploration of this once fishing village turned cosmopolitan
city.
