Happy Birthday Singapore!

Singapore turns 44 today!

For the past 6 years Singapore has been my Home away from Home.Singapore with its alluring mix of culture,cuisine,art and architecture is no doubt a fusion of the East and the West!So no matter what ethnicity and race one is from,you blend in with the dynamic City.

Moving to a new country (or continent!)can be a daunting and emotional experience.The start of your journey is marked by the paper work processing!Singapore being consistently rated as the least corrupt country in Asia and among the world's ten
countries free from corruption,makes paper work or any related endeavours a breeze!

Singapore offers a wide variety of housing types to suit all budgets and preferences,whether you want to rent a place or buy your own property.The property agents are so very reliable and friendly,that starting from your house-hunting to your legal documents they can be well entrusted.

Education System in Singapore is world class.Starting from the nursery levels all the way up to research level,one will be spoilt for choices!The state school curriculam is designed in such a way that children from their nursery levels are encouraged to think out of the box!

Public Transport in Singapore is again an effort praiseworthy!The entire island is well connected and moving around the island can be done seamlessly.The people are encouraged to take public transport.The public buses have separate lanes,thus making your trip faster than in your own vehicle!So people save on time and money as well as make their contribution to a Green World.

Safety and Security plays a pivotal role in judging a country's legal System.Singapore's crime rate is one of the lowest in the World.The safe environment ensures a peaceful life for all.The credit no doubt goes to the legal system augmented by the Singapore Police Force.

How did I forget the Food?Singapore is definitely a Food paradise!A Mecca for Foodies!The multicultural environment contributes largely to the multicuisines available.
American, African, Australian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican...
you name it and you have it! There are over 7000 Eat-outs serving different Cuisines.Be it a high-end Restaurant or a neighbourhood Food Court..food is scrumptious.People of Singapore love food,so much that there are Food Festivals held every year,which time and time again is a big success!


The ambience throughout the cosmopolitan city exhibits rich contrast!There is the ethnic enclave of Little India,China Town or Arab Street as well as the upscale Shopping Malls.The lush rain forests as well as the sleek grey Skyscrapers. The serene gardens as well as state of art infrastructure.It is nothing less than a Visual Treat!

Though heterogenous,Tradition embraces Sophistication!There is Harmony amidst Diversity.One can find Gopurams of Hindu temples,spires of Cathedrals,minarets of Mosques and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples in the same neighbourhood.There is no prejudice or friction among people of different races,culture or religion.The City celebrates Chinese New year,Diwali,Hari raya or Christmas with same Fervour and Enthusiasm!

Contrary to its size,the Growth and Development of Singapore's Economy is tremendous.So what is the BIG secret?

Geographically favoured with deep,sheltered waters and being located at the crossroads of many shipping routes Singapore is the World's busiest port!Though formerly an entrepot,the Republic is one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing.

Singapore Government has proved to be a very stable,efficient and successful Body.There has never been a sign of racial disharmony within the parliament.Something worth mentioning is that all the ministers are educated and well qualified.Infact the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,who is now 58 is looking for his successor in his 30's for the elections coming up in 2012 ....intresting huh?I should mention here that there are posts such as Senior minister and Minister Mentor..to guide them and control the reins when necessary!

Singapore has a successful and transparent market economy.Singapore is one of the most important financial centres of Asia and has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world.Apart from being home to thousands of foreign expatriates working in multi-national corporations,the city-state also employs tens of thousands of foreign blue-collared workers from around the world.

Singapore's strategic location,excellent infrastructure,fascinating cultural contrasts and the political system paved its way to success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.How else can this microstate,with its humble beginning as a fishing village go all the way to be the fifth wealthiest nation in the world.

However,if there is one person to whom all the credit can be bestowed,it is the country's founding father Mr.Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern Singapore and political colossus.With three main concerns — national security, the economy, and social issues he led Singapore from a Third World Nation to a flourishing First World.

The country's total land area is just a little over 700 square kilometers... growing slightly every year due to Singapore's steady land reclamation efforts.Ofcourse there are those who think the size is the sole contributor to its success.But rethink...1965,August 9th...the island expeled from Malaysia is devoid of natural resources,water supply is controlled by Malaysia,there is high rate of unemployment,housing shortage,literally no industrialisation and poor security....and yet the pioneers of Singapore,never deferred and steered their way to success to make Singapore the First Asian Tiger!

So be it the night-life,shopping,retreat in the spas,indulgence of food,cultural festival@Esplanade or taking a stroll in my neighbourhood my experiences of Singapore are fascinating and that's the reason I've penned it down!

Thanks Singapore for making us feel at home.... Once again Happy Birthday Singapore...