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SINGAPORE, an island nation state, has a population of 4.5 m. Being a relatively young nation
(Singapore celebrated its 42 years of independence last August) has translated it into modern living
& a very cosmopolitan country under systematic planning. What is unique about Singapore is its
integration of 3 different major races into its predominantly Chinese society.
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Singapore is a country I'm extremely familiar with, having spent 6 years of my high school here. Education in
Singapore is a serious matter. Ask any parents & they'll tell you that they have to take leave from work during
the examination period, which is almost once every quarter! That coupled with the frenzy involved in getting
children into the very top schools had some parents camped out overnight at schools for a chance to enter
the very best schools (& we are not even talking about University!). This is at the very basic entry level!!!
Anyway, this phenomenon has produced many top scholars & leaders. With such a short history, Singapore is
constantly evolving to fit into the new world. You certainly must give credit to the Singaporean's ability to
adept to change; be it in the society, thought processes, types of occupational training, even family planning!
Two major successes (in my opinion) of Singapore is its financial policies & visionary tactics. Singapore is the
regional financial center of South East Asia. Its banks, though not big by world standard, are those that
practise due diligence & governance. Many investors around the region have their money parked here. The
Singapore Exchange (encompassing Forex & Stock Exchange) turnover has increased over the years to rival
those of Hong Kong, Tokyo, London & New York.
The government's initiative to gear its manufacturing industry into contract manufacturing & semi-conductor
fields have yielded large foreign reserves for the country. It's coffer of savings is one of the highest in the
world, after Japan & Taiwan. So, for an island with such a young population, Singapore has certainly done
well by any standard!
One major concern about this country is its aging population. Singapore is currently taking steps to prepare
for this by importing many foreign talents to deal with its high-growth economy (averaging 9-10% p.a.).
Hence, you'll see many Australians, Americans & Europeans working in Singapore. Many westerners (outside
the country) have the belief that the government interferes much and there's really no true democracy in
Singapore. But, who better than the citizens & voters themselves should decide as to what form of
governance they want/need. Perhaps, the one party (a strong one for that matter) does have a strong
influence on what kind of changes that are being filtered through, but at least it's not one that is corrupted!
My View: leave the voters to decide for themselves. As an outsider, we are here only to enjoy the modern
infrastructure and distinctive flavors of the country. Not necessary to get oneself into unfruitful alliances or
even enemies for that matter.
So, let's begin the trip to this tropical island on the equator. FOOD! Whew, you sure get a variety here. So
much so that eating has been a fanatic pasttime. Chinese, Malay, Indian, Italian, French, German, Russian,
Brazilian, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, American, etc... you name it, they have it! SHOPPING! Get your gears;
electronic ones I mean. But one thing you don't buy is a car... Whoa, the most expensive in the world! (For
your info, buying one car here is equivalent to buying 5 in the U.S.!!!) Especially for a country that has the
most advanced & convenient transportation system in the world! Public transport is as efficient & compelling.
Stay clear of peak hours & you'll have a very smooth ride!
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$$$ & SENSE:
The pride of this tiny country (which simply made up of
3+ millions whose ancestors were immigrants from
China) is its successful flagship Singapore Airlines & its
cultivation of orchids (which incidentally is also the
national flower). Both of these successes bring in lots of
foreign reserves for further developments.
Other than these 2 exports, Singapore is also the
financial center of South East Asia (SEA). It boasts the
largest & most advanced banking & financial systems in
this part of the world.
Another successful story is the Port of Singapore. It is
also the largest container port in the world (in terms of
TEUs handled)! In addition, its Changi International
Airport is said to be the best airport in the world too!
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