Singapore is a sovereign city-state in the Southeast Asia,
located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. This year it celebrates Golden
Jubilee with a vast programme of festivities. Sometimes I work and live in
Singapore and it is a perfect home from home. So how did this tiny strip of
land manage to develop into one of the world's major commercial hubs, a financial
centre of great significance, one of the busiest ports, and how did it build up
a vibrant economy that is the envy of many larger nations? I am standing in front of Merlion – the iconic
half-fish and half-lion, with Marina Bay Sands in the
background.
The fortunes of an insignificant fishing village turned around
when in 1819 Sir Stamford Raffles started transforming it into a trading post
of the East India Company. The waters around Singapore are really deep and therefore
were and still are ideal for bringing in super-ships. I am standing in front of a statue dedicated to Sir Stamford Raffles.
In 1963 Singapore joined other former British territories to
form the Federation of Malaysia. However, after a discontent that fuelled race
riots in 1964, Singapore become independent as the Republic of Singapore in 1965.
There are many fantastic museums that chart the history of the country; one of
them is the Asian Civilisations
Museum.
Today, Singaporean economy is known as one of the most innovative,
competitive but business-friendly and fastest growing. The population who is clearly
behind its stratospheric success is diverse, with nearly 75% of Chinese origin,
with significant minorities of Malays, Indians, and Eurasians. The culture is rich
and fascinating. Above, a talented Water
Drum Dancer entertained us at one of many events associated with the Lunar New
Year.
Singapore is definitely a success story and an example of
how much one can achieve with hard work and dedication. The country's territory has consistently
expanded through land reclamation and the
above beach on Sentosa island it
man-made.
Happy birthday, Singapore!
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