The "Lion City": Literally translated from the Malay words Singa (lion) and Pura (city)Creation: 9 August 1965 - 51 years since independence
Compact city-state: 50 km East to West, 26 km North to South, Area 719.1 km²
Strategic location: Perfect bridge between East and West offering world-class logistics and supply chain management using its 193 km long coastline
Vertical development: Highly urbanized society with sustainable and compact high-rise buildings that sensibly make use of the limited city space
3rd Highest GDP per capita: One of the most prosperous, efficient and advanced economies in the world
No natural resource and yet a winner! Even water is scarce and imported
Key industries: Electronics manufacturing, machinery, chemicals, financial services, tourismMajor exports: Machinery & equipment, electronics, semiconductors, consumer goods, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals & other chemicals, refined oil
Primary resource: Human capital
Pro-business economy: Tax-friendly policies, easy company incorporation, excellent infrastructure, banking system and communication facilities
National ideology: Shared ideals and shared aspirationsTolerance and harmony: Chinese, Indians, Malay co-existing without discrimination
4 official languages: English, Chinese Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Singlish: Colloquial Singaporean English created through optimal use of English words and unique slangs
Shopping extravaganza: Exquisite shopping malls dot the landscape especially around Orchard RoadCultural integration facilitated by ethnic housing quotas: Ethnic Integration Policy implemented to keep different ethnicities together and avoid formation of ethnic enclaves
Cultural Celebrations: Chinese New Year and the Lion Dance, Christmas festivities and Christmas trees, Deepavali Festival of Lights, Halloween costumes, New Year fireworks, Hari Raya Festivals and Hari Raya Bazaar, Vesak Day, Thaipusam, Mid-Autumn Festival, Hungry Ghosts' Festival
Good governance: Meritocracy and checks & balances to prevent abuse of power
Strong leadership: One political party leading effectively since 50+ years
Minimal corruption: 5th least corrupt country in the world advocating a clean system and condemning "social lubricants" to get things done
Impressive transformation in 50 years: From mud shacks to sky scrapers, from dirty waters to clean streams, from homeless to home owners
Home ownership: 80% people live in public housing flats with 95% owning their flats
Safe haven: Effective law enforcement with a robust monitoring system in place
Reclaimed lands: Walking on what used to be water beds not so long ago
Simple people, simple living: Process-oriented with a determined can-do attitude and simple lifestyle
Exceptional public transport: Bus and MRT networks form an impressive, affordable and accessible transport system
JB and KL weekend getaways: Nearby Malaysian towns offer an easy respite for the travel hungry
Food diversity from hawker centres to chic restaurants: Chilli crab, sushi, seafood, bbq chicken, tofu, fried carrot cake, laksa, chicken rice, rambli burger, roast duck, fish noodle soup, kaya toast, rojak, lobsters, satay, fish curry, biryani, porridge, fast foods and more Malay, Indian, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, continental cuisines
Fruit frenzy: Dragon fruit, avocado, guava, durian, rock melon, honey dew, star fruit, pineapple, mango, grapes, watermelon, chiku, coconut, papaya, banana, peach, oranges, plum, pear, nectarines, kiwi, strawberry, rambutan, longan, tangerine, melon, mangosteen, custard apple, lychee, apples, cherries
Tropical rainforest climate: Predominantly warm humid weather sticking around all year round making t-shirt, shorts and slippers a popular dress code. Rain and shine may alternate in a day with umbrella being a trusted companion
SINGAPORE: A clean, safe, comfortable, multicultural place to experience authentic Asian living amidst traditional values, cuisines and cultures.
Happy Birthday Singapore!
