BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Singapore
Republic of Singapore, Hsin-chia-p’o Kung-ho-kuo, Republik Singapura, Singapore Kudiyarasu

Ancient times



An artist's impression of Parameswara, who ruled Singapore in the 1390s.
The earliest written record of Singapore was a Chinese account from the third century, describing the island of Pu Luo Chung (蒲罗中). This itself is transliterated from the Malay name "Pulau Ujong", or "island at the end" (of the Malay peninsula).[2] The quasi-mythological Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) contains a tale of a prince of Srivijaya, Sri Tri Buana (also known as Sang Nila Utama), who landed on the island during the 13th century. When he saw a lion, the prince took this as an auspicious sign and founded a settlement called Singapura, which means "Lion City" in Sanskrit.
In 1320, the Mongol Empire sent a trade mission to a place called Long Ya Men (or Dragon's Tooth Strait), which is believed to be Keppel Harbour, at the southern part of the island. The Chinese traveler Wang Dayan, visiting the island around 1330, described a small settlement called Dan Ma Xi (淡马锡, from Malay Tamasik) with Malay and Chinese residents. The Nagarakretagama, a Javanese epic poem written in 1365, also referred to a settlement on the island called Temasek (Sea Town). Recent excavations in Fort Canning found evidences indicating that Singapore was an important port in the 14th century.
In the 1390s, Srivijayan prince Parameswara fled to Temasek after being deposed by the Majapahit Empire. He ruled the island for several years, before being forced to Melaka where he founded the Sultanate of Malacca. Singapore became an important trading port of the Malacca Sultanate[2] and later the Sultanate of Johor. In 1613, Portuguese raiders burnt down the settlement at the mouth of Singapore River and the island sank into obscurity.

Founding of modern Singapore (1819)



Thomas Stamford Raffles.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Malay archipelago was gradually taken over by the European colonial powers, beginning with the arrival of the Portuguese at Malacca in 1509. The early dominance of the Portuguese was challenged during the 17th century by the Dutch, who came to control most of the ports in the region. The Dutch established a monopoly over trade within the archipelago, particularly in spices, then the region's most important product. Other colonial powers, including the British, were limited to a relatively minor presence.[6]
In 1818, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of the British colony at Bencoolen. He was determined that British should replace the Dutch as the dominant power in the archipelago, since the trade route between China and British India, which had become vitally important with the institution of the opium trade with China, passed through the archipelago. The Dutch had been stifling British trade in the region by prohibiting the British from operating in Dutch-controlled ports or by subjecting them with high tariff. Raffles hoped to challenge the Dutch by establishing a new port along the Straits of Malacca, the main ship passageway for the India-China trade. He convinced Lord Hastings, the Governor-General of India and his superior at the British East India Company, to fund an expedition to seek a new British base in the region.[6]


A statue of Raffles by Thomas Woolner now stands in Singapore, near Raffles's landing site in 1819.
Raffles arrived in Singapore on 29 January 1819 and soon recognised the island as a natural choice for the new port. It lay at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, near the Straits of Malacca, and possessed a natural deep harbour, fresh water supplies, and timber for repairing ships. Raffles found a small Malay settlement, with a population of a few hundreds, at the mouth of the Singapore River, headed by Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman. The island was nominally ruled by the Sultan of Johor, Tengku Rahman, who was controlled by the Dutch and the Bugis. However, the Sultanate was weakened by factional division and Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman and his officials were loyal to Tengku Rahman's elder brother Tengku Hussein (or Tengku Long) who was living in exile in Riau. With the Temenggong's help, Raffles managed to smuggle Hussein back into Singapore. He offered to recognise Hussein as the rightful Sultan of Johor and provide him with a yearly payment; in return, Hussein would grant the British the right to establish a trading post on Singapore.[6] A formal treaty was signed on 6 February 1819 an On 16 September 1963, Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak were formally merged and Malaysia was formed. The PAP Government felt that Singapore's survival as a nation would be difficult. They lacked natural resources and faced a declining entrepot trade and a growing population which required jobs. Therefore, Singapore felt that the merger was thought to benefit the economy by creating a common free market, eliminating trade tariffs, solving unemployment woes and to support new industries. The British government were reluctant to grant full independence to Singapore because of then communists which would lead to serious consequences to the whole region.
The union was rocky from the start. During the 1963 Singapore state elections, a local branch of UMNO took part in the election despite an earlier UMNO's agreement with the PAP not to participate in the state's politics during Malaysia's formative years. Although UMNO lost all its bids, relations between PAP and UMNO worsened as the PAP, in a tit-for-tat, challenged UMNO candidates in the 1964 federal election as part of the Malaysian Solidarity Convention, winning one seat in Malaysian Parliament.
Racial tension
Racial tensions increased dramatically within a year and were fueled by Barisan Sosialis's tactics of stirring up communal sentiment to discredit the government of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia.[citation needed] In particular, the Chinese in Singapore disdained being discriminated against by the federal policies of affirmative action, which granted special privileges to the Malays guaranteed under Article 153 of the Constitution of Malaysia. There were also other financial and economic benefits that were preferentially given to Malays.


The start of the racial riot on Muhammad's birthday, that would later injure hundreds and killed 23 people.
Meanwhile, the Malays in Singapore were being increasingly incited by the federal government's accusations that the PAP was mistreating the Malays. The external political situation was also tense when Indonesian President Sukarno declared a state of Konfrontasi (Confrontation) against Malaysia and initiated military and other actions against the new nation, including the bombing of MacDonald House in Singapore in March 1965 by Indonesian commandos, killing three people.[30] Indonesia also conducted sedition activities to provoke the Malays against the Chinese.[29] Numerous racial riots resulted and curfews were frequently imposed to restore order. The most notorious riots were the 1964 Race Riots that first took place on Prophet Muhammad's birthday on 21 July with twenty three people killed and hundreds injured. During the unrest, the price of food skyrocketed when transport system was disrupted, causing further hardship for the people.
The state and federal governments also had conflicts on the economic front. UMNO leaders feared that the economic dominance of Singapore would inevitably shift political power away from Kuala Lumpur. Despite earlier agreement to establish a common market, Singapore continued to face restrictions when trading with the rest of Malaysia. In retaliation, Singapore refused to provide Sabah and Sarawak the full extent of the loans previously agreed to for the economic development of the two eastern states. The situation escalated to such intensity that talks soon broke down and abusive speeches and writings became rife on both sides. UMNO extremists called for the arrest of Lee Kuan Yew.
Separation



Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew announces the separation to Singaporeans on 9 August 1965.
Seeing no other alternative to avoid further bloodshed, the Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman decided to expel Singapore from the federation. The Parliament of Malaysia voted 126-0 in favour of the expulsion on 9 August 1965. On that day, a tearful Lee Kuan Yew announced on a televised press conference that Singapore was a sovereign, independent nation. In a widely remembered quote, he uttered that: "For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories."[31] The new state became the Republic of Singapore and Yusof bin Ishak was appointed the first President.[32]
Republic of Singapore 1965 to 1979

.
The Jurong Industrial Estate was developed in the 1960s to industrialise the economy.
After gaining independence abruptly, the future of Singapore was filled with uncertainties. The Konfrontasi was on-going and the conservative UMNO faction strongly opposed the separation; Singapore faced the danger of being attacked by Indonesian military or forcibly re-absorbed into the Malaysia Federation in unfavourable terms. Singapore immediately sought international recognition of its sovereignty. Singapore joined the United Nations on 21 September 1965 and the Commonwealth in October that year. Foreign minister Sinnathamby Rajaratnam headed a new foreign service that helped assert Singapore's independence and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries.Singapore later co-founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on 8 August 1967 and was admitted into the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970.
As a small island nation, Singapore was seen as inadequate to be a viable country and much of the international media was skeptical of prospects for Singapore's survival. Besides the issue of sovereignty, the pressing problems were unemployment, housing, education, and the lack of natural resources and land.[35] Unemployment was ranging between 10-12% threatening to trigger civil unrest.
British troops had remained in Singapore following its independence, but in 1968, London announced its decision to withdraw the forces by 1971.[39] Singapore set out to build its military, called the Singapore Armed Forces, and a national service programme was introduced in 1967 modern Singapore was born.



Geography Singapore
Location: Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia
Geographic coordinates: 1 22 N, 103 48 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 692.7 sq km
land: 682.7 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 193 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms
Terrain: lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m
Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports
Land use: arable land: 1.47%
permanent crops: 1.47%
other: 97.06% (2005)
Irrigated land: NA
Total renewable water resources: 0.6 cu km (1975)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)
per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note: focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes
People Singapore
Population: 4,608,167 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.8% (male 353,333/female 329,005)
15-64 years: 76.5% (male 1,717,357/female 1,809,462)
65 years and over: 8.7% (male 177,378/female 221,632) (2008 est.)
Median age: total: 38.4 years
male: 38 years
female: 38.8 years (2008 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.135% (2008 est.)
Birth rate: 8.99 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 4.53 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Net migration rate: 6.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.89 years
male: 79.29 years
female: 84.68 years (2008 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.08 children born/woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDs people living with HIV
4,100 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: fewer than 200 (2003 est.)
Nationality: noun: Singaporean(s)
adjective: Singapore
Ethnic groups: Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)
Religions: Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)
Languages: Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.5%
male: 96.6%
female: 88.6% (2000 census)
Education expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2001)
Government Singapore
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
conventional short form: Singapore
local long form: Republic of Singapore
local short form: Singapore
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Singapore
geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)
National holiday: National Day, 9 August (1965)
Constitution: 3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution)
Legal system: based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch: chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)
note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 12 August 2004) and WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005)
cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to nine nominated members; up to three losing opposition candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as "nonconstituency" members
elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%, SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals
Political parties and leaders: People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong]; Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]
note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP
Political pressure groups and leaders: UNFEM [Saleeman ISMAIL]
other: investment companies; news organizations
International organization participation: ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100
FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia L. HERBOLD
embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001
telephone: [65] 6476-9100
FAX: [65] 6476-9340
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle
Economy Singapore
Economy - overview: Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the four largest West European countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics and information technology products. It was hard hit from 2001-03 by the global recession, by the slump in the technology sector, and by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, which curbed tourism and consumer spending. Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates, a surge in exports, and internal flexibility led to vigorous growth in 2004-07 with real GDP growth averaging 7% annually. The government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the global demand cycle for information technology products - it has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production - and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.
GDP (purchasing power parity): $227.1 billion (2007 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $161.3 billion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 7.7% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP): $49,900 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 0%
industry: 31.2%
services: 68.8% (2007 est.)
Labor force: 2.751 million (2007 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: manufacturing 21%, construction 5%, transportation and communication 7%, financial, business, and other services 42%, other 25% (2006)
Unemployment rate: 2.1% (2007 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%: 32.8% (1998)
Distribution of family income - Gini index: 52.2 (2005)
Investment (gross fixed): 24.9% of GDP (2007 est.)
Budget: revenues: $27 billion
expenditures: $21.5 billion (2007 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Public debt: 96.3% of GDP (2007 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products: rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish
Industries: electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade
Industrial production growth rate: 7.4% (2007 est.)
Electricity - production: 39.44 billion kWh (2006)
Electricity - consumption: 35.92 billion kWh (2006)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2006)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2006)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100%
hydro: 0%
nuclear: 0%
other: 0% (2001)
Oil - production: 9,836 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - consumption: 802,000 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - exports: 1.073 million bbl/day (2004)
Oil - imports: 1.83 million bbl/day (2004)
Oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2006 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2006 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 6.8 billion cu m (2006 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2006 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 6.339 billion cu m
note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2005)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.)
Current account balance: $46.39 billion (2007 est.)
Exports: $302.7 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, chemicals, mineral fuels
Exports - partners: Malaysia 12.9%, Hong Kong 10.5%, Indonesia 9.8%, China 9.7%, US 8.9%, Japan 4.8%, Thailand 4.1% (2007)
Imports: $252 billion (2007 est.)
Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs
Imports - partners: Malaysia 13.1%, US 12.5%, China 12.1%, Japan 8.2%, Taiwan 5.9%, Indonesia 5.6%, South Korea 4.9% (2007)
Economic aid - recipient: $0 (2007)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $163 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Debt - external: $25.59 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: $214.5 billion (2007 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad: $111.2 billion (2005)
Market value of publicly traded shares: $382.4 billion (2007)
Currency (code): Singapore dollar (SGD)
Currency code: SGD
Exchange rates: Singapore dollars per US dollar - 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006), 1.6644 (2005), 1.6902 (2004), 1.7422 (2003)
Communications Singapore
Telephones - main lines in use: 1.859 million (2007)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 5.619 million (2007)
Telephone system: general assessment: excellent service
domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless sssservice in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 165 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations -4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2007)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 17, shortwave 2 (2003)
Radios: 2.6 million (2000)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (broadcasting on six channels); additional reception of numerous UHF and VHF signals originating in Malaysia and Indonesia (2006)
Televisions: 1.33 million (1997)
Internet country code: .sg
Internet hosts: 954,475 (2007)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 9 (2000)
Internet users: 3.105 million (2007)
Transportation Singapore
Airports: 8 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 8
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2007)
Pipelines: gas 139 km; refined products 8 km (2007)
Roadways: total: 3,262 km
paved: 3,262 km (includes 150 km of expressways) (2006)
Merchant marine: total: 1,292
by type: bulk carrier 167, cargo 87, carrier 5, chemical tanker 209, container 273, liquefied gas 96, petroleum tanker 386, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 53
foreign-owned: 774 (Australia 12, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 8, Chile 6, China 14, Cyprus 1, Denmark 87, France 1, Germany 24, Greece 15, Hong Kong 47, India 13, Indonesia 66, Italy 5, Japan 131, South Korea 3, Malaysia 27, Norway 143, Slovenia 1, Sweden 20, Switzerland 2, Taiwan 72, Thailand 23, UAE 12, UK 17, US 22)
registered in other countries: 331 (Australia 1, Bahamas 17, Belize 2, Bolivia 1, Cambodia 4, Cayman Islands 10, Comoros 1, Cyprus 3, Dominica 7, France 2, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 18, Indonesia 27, Isle of Man 1, Kiribati 4, Liberia 32, Malaysia 16, Marshall Islands 18, Mongolia 9, Norway 1, Panama 100, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Thailand 2, Tuvalu 23, US 12, unknown 2) (2008)
Ports and terminals: Singapore
Transportation - note: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift
Military Singapore
Military branches: Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2008)
Military service age and obligation: 18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2008)
Manpower available for military service: males age 16-49: 1,277,862 (2008 est.)
Manpower fit for military service: males age 16-49: 1,038,603 (2008 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually: male: 27,742
female: 26,325 (2008 est.)
Military expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2005 est.)













3rd December 1959, coat-of-arms adopted 26th November 1959.
Description of the national flag and jack
National Flag and Jack.
Red over white bicolour with white crescent and five white five- pointed stars.
Željko Heimer, 16 January 2003
The colours of the Singapore flag represent red for brotherhood and equality; white for purity and virtue. The crescent moon originally served as a symbol of assurance to the Malays in 1959 —the year the flag was designed— that Singapore was not a Chinese state. Today it is generally said that the moon signified a young nation rising. The flag was designed initially to have three stars, until leaders such as then Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye expressed concern that Singapore might be perceived to have associations with the Malayan Communist Party, the flag of which also had three stars. The flag was originally meant to be red as red is a very traditional Chinese color. But because of the fear of Communism in those days, a completely red flag was abandoned.

For mathematics and science weenies see The Mathematics and Astronomy of the Singapore Flag for an analysis on the crescents on the Singapore flag and arms, and on the pentagram formed by the stars.


Construction details

Singaporeans and non-governmental buildings may display or fly the national flag to identify with the nation. Singaporeans are encouraged to do this during occasions of national celebration or national significance.

How it may be used
1. When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building. Outside the National Day celebrations period (month of August), it must be flown only from a flagpole, and if it is displayed or flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.
2. Within Singapore, it should take precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice. When displayed or flown with another flag, it must be in a position of honour. This means it should be positioned where practicable, either above all other flags or to the left of the other flags, as seen by a person facing the flags. (with figures)
- No other flag or emblem should be placed on the left of the National Flag
- However, when the National Flag is displayed together with the flags of other countries at official events, it should follow the alphabetical order (as prescribed by the Protocol Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
3. It may be reproduced in reduced size representations and displayed at all times, but it must be in its true form and colours, regardless of size.
How it cannot be used or treated
1. The flag cannot be used:
a. in any trademark or for any commercial purpose;
b. as a means, or for the purposes, of advertisement;
c. as, or as part of, any furnishings, decoration, covering or receptacle;
d. at any private funeral activity;
e. incorporated or worn as part of any costume or attire; or
f. on any private vehicle.
________________________________________
Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat of Arms or State Crest consists of a shield with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of men; white, purity and virtue. The five stars represent the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. The lion represents Singapore and the tiger represents the island's historical links with Malaysia. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the Republic's motto, "Majulah Singapura" ("Onward Singapore").
The Coat of Arms or State Crest was unveiled on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and the National Anthem at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps


The Lion Symbol

The following information on the so-called Lion Symbol is taken from the According to 13th century Malay Annals, a prince spotted a creature he believed was a lion and named the island "Singa-pura" (Lion City) — from which Singapore was derived. The Lion Symbol was launched in 1986 as an alternative national symbol. The National Flag and State Crest have legal restrictions that prevent their commercial use. The Lion Symbol was chosen as a logo that best captures the characteristics of Singapore's reputation as the Lion City. The lion symbolises courage, strength and excellence. It is in red against a white background — the colours of the National Flag. The five partings of the lion's mane represent the five ideals embodied in the five stars of the flag — democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The lion's purposeful bearing symbolises the nation's single-minded resolve to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

National Flower: Vanda Miss Joaquim Orchid
National Bird: Crimson Sunbird
National Animal: Lion Capital City: Singapore

Pp$2,33
POPULATION:
While the Singapore Department of Statistics reports overall population figures for Singapore (4.48 million in 2006), as a matter of policy, it only provides more detailed demographic breakdown analyses for the approximately 80% of the population who are Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (collectively termed 'residents'). Of this group of about 3.6 million people, Chinese form 75.2%, Malays form 13.6%, Indians form 8.8%, while Eurasians and other groups form 2.4%.
Official figures show that the number of foreigners on short-term permits (termed 'non-residents') has grown from 30,900 in 1970 to 797,900 in 2005, which translate roughly to a 24-fold increase in 35 years, or from 1% of the population in 1970 to 18.3% in 2005. Despite this huge increase, no further breakdown is given by Singstat
.
Ethnic composition (%) of resident population
Ethnic 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006
Chinese 77.0 78.3 77.7 76.8 75.2
Malays 14.8 14.4 14.1 13.9 13.6
Indians 7.0 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.8
Others 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.4 2.4
Note: No breakdown by ethnicity is released for the non-resident population.
Part of non-residents in total population
1970 1980 1990 2000 2006
Non-residents (Residents = Citizens + PRs) 2.9% 5.5% 10.2% 18.7% 19.5%
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics.
Languages


Quadrilingual warning sign written in Singapore's four official languages; English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay.
Main article: Languages in Singapore
There are four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
Malay is the national language of the country, although English is mainly used. English serves as the link between the different ethnic groups and is the language of the educational system and the administration. The colloquial English used in everyday lives is often referred to as Singlish.
Religion in Singapore
Singapore generally allows religious freedom, although some religious sects are restricted or banned, such as Jehovah's Witness, due to its opposition of National Service. The majority of Malays are Muslim. A major portion of Chinese practise syncretic Chinese folk traditions. Buddhism and Christianity is growing among the Chinese, with many converting. Indians are mostly Hindus though many others are Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians.




Resident population aged 15 years and over by religion
Religion Population Percentage
Total 2,494,630 100.0%
Buddhism
1,060,662 42.5%
Islam
371,660 14.9%
No religion 370,094 14.8%
Christianity
364,087 14.6%
Taoism/Chinese traditional beliefs 212,344 8.5%
Hinduism
99,904 4.0%
Sikhism
9,733 0.39%
Other religions 6,146 0.25%






Age structure
Age percentage male female
0-14 years 15.6% 362,329 337,964
15-64 years 76.1% 1,666,709 1,750,736
65 years and over 8.3% 165,823 208,589
(2006 est.)
Population by residential status
Residential Status Number Percentage
Total Population 4,017,733 100.0%
Citizens 2,973,091 74.0%
Permanent Residents 290,118 7.2%
Non-resident Population 754,524 18.8%
(2000 est.)
Population growth rate 1.42% (2006)
Birth rate 9.34 births/1,000 population
Death rate 4.28 deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate 9.12 migrants/1,000 population
(2006 est.)
Sex ratio
Age males/female
at birth 1.08
under 15 years 1.07
15-64 years 0.95
65 years and over 0.80
total population 0.96
Infant mortality rate
2.29 deaths/1,000 live births (222 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 81.71 years
male: 79.13 years
female: 84.49 years (2006 est.)
Fertility rate
Singapore's fertility rate is 1.29 children born per woman (in 2007), which is one of the lowest in the world.
Literacy
Aged 15 years & above
Year 2000 1990
Total 92.5% 89.1%
Male 96.6% 95.1%
Female 88.6% 83.0%
Source: Census 2000.
Education
Highest qualification attained Population Percent
Total 2,277,401 100.0%
No qualification 445,444 19.6%
Primary 276,542 12.1%
Lower secondary 248,598 10.9%
Secondary 560,570 24.6%
Upper secondary 226,275 9.9%
Polytechnic 140,970 6.2%
Other Diploma 112,371 4.9%
University 266,631 11.7%
Employment
In 2005, the unemployment rate is 2.5%, the lowest in the last four years, with a labour force of 2.3 million people.

Employment
Year Labour Force Unemployment
rate Labour force participation rate CPF contributors
in labour force Union members
among employed
Total Males Females
Thousand Percent
1994 1,693.1 1.9 64.9 79.6 50.9 67.3 14.1
1999 1,976.0 3.6 64.7 77.8 52.7 62.0 15.4
2000 2,192.2 3.5 68.6 81.1 55.5 58.1 15.0
2001 2,119.7 2.7 65.4 77.8 54.3 59.9 16.5
2002 2,128.5 4.2 64.7 77.2 53.4 60.3 19.3
2003 2,150.1 4.4 64.2 75.8 53.9 59.7 20.5
2004 2,183.3 4.3 64.2 75.6 54.2 60.7 21.5
2005 2,317.4 2.5 ? ? ? ? ?
Unemployment rates were seasonally adjusted.
Household income
Average household monthly income
The average household monthly income is SGD$4,943 in 2000, which is an increase from SGD$3,080 in 1990 at an average annual rate of 4.9%. The average household income experienced a drop of 2.7% in 1999 due to economic slowdown.



Malaysia-Singapore border


The Johor-Singapore Causeway as viewed from the Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore towards Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The end of Singaporean territory and start of Malaysian territory can be clearly seen with the differences in road surface and markings near the mid-section of the Causeway.
The Malaysia-Singapore border is an international maritime border between the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, which lies to the north of the border, and Singapore to the south. The border is to a large extent formed by straight lines between geographical coordinates running along or near the deepest channel of the Straits of Johor (Malay: Selat Tebrau).
The eastern continuation of the territorial waters border defined by the 1979 Malaysian map starts near the eastern terminus of the 1927 agreement border at "Point 22", whereby it suddenly goes westwards towards Singapore to Point 23 before travelling southeasterly towards its southmost point at Point 27. It then continues in a general easterly direction to meet the southern terminus of the Indonesia-Malaysia border as defined by their continental shelf boundary agreement of 1969. The Indonesia-Singapore border should intersect this boundary at some point but this has not been determined and the tri-point boundary involving Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore has not yet been determined.


This "Welcome to Malaysia" sign at the entrance of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station was removed in 2004. The station as well as all the land on which the railway is built, although owned by Malaysia, are located within Singapore's sovereign territory, and not Malaysia's.
Introduction to Singapore's Political System.
Since officially gaining sovereignty on 9 August 1965, the politics in Singapore have been dominated by the People's Action Party (PAP). Its dominance could still be seen during the 2006 election, where the PAP won 82 out of 84 seats in the nation's Parliament. Despite the PAP's dealings with communists in the early days, its governing philosophy for the last several decades has been Socialist Democracy.
Singapore, under the leadership of the PAP, possesses a distinct political culture: authoritarian, pragmatic, rational and legalistic. Singapore's power structure is highly centralized, characterized by a top-down style. It features appointment rather than election to most offices. Economic growth and political stability were maintained by the paternal guidance of the PAP. Thus, Singapore is not administered by politicians, but by bureaucrats, in a meritocracy where power is gained through skill, performance, and loyalty to the nation and its policies.
Furthermore, Singapore has a multi-racial and multi-religious focus, giving fair treatment to all races in education, housing and health. As such, the minorities are assured of equal representation in Parliament through the Group Representation Constituency or GRC system.
There is a dominance of government-controlled companies in the local economy. In spite of its dominant power position, the Singapore government has maintained a clean, corruption-free image. In addition, rifts within the leadership in Singapore are rare. The mode of decision making is by consensus, and the leadership style is collective.
The Head of State of the Republic of Singapore is the President. Sellapan Ramanathan is the current President and he was sworn in on 1 September 1999. The Prime Minister and Head of Government is Lee Hsien Loong, who was sworn in on 12 August 2004.

The Constitution
The Constitution of Singapore is the supreme law of the Republic of Singapore. It lays down the fundamental principles and framework for the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary -- the three organs of the state. The constitution cannot be amended without the approval of more than two-thirds of the members of the parliament on the second and third readings.
Part IV of the fourteen-part Constitution contains the guarantee of the fundamental liberties of Singapore citizens: liberty of the person; prohibition of slavery and forced labour protection against retrospective criminal laws and repeated trials; equal protection under the law; prohibition of banishment and freedom of movement; freedom of speech, assembly and association; freedom of religion; and rights in respect of education.
The Parliament
Together with the President of Singapore, the Parliament is known as the Legislature. The Parliament has a single house and is modeled after the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy. The Westminster system has Members of Parliament who are voted in at General Elections. The leader of the political party that secures most of the seats in Parliament becomes the Prime Minister (PM). The PM will choose his Ministers from elected MPs to form the Cabinet. The 'life' of each Parliament is 5 years from the date of its first sitting after a General Election. The General Elections are held within 3 months of the dissolution of the Parliament.
The Parliament has three major functions: making laws, controlling the state's finances and performing the critical/inquisitorial role to check on the actions of the governing party and the Ministries.
The Structure of the Parliament
1. The Speaker of the Parliament - The Speaker of the Parliament chairs the sittings of the House and enforces the rules prescribed in the Standing Orders of Parliament for the orderly conduct of the parliamentary business.
2. The Government - The President appoints the Prime Minister and the other Cabinet Members from among the elected MPs. The Prime Minister leads the Cabinet in the administration of the Government.
3. Leader of the House - The Leader of the House is responsible for the arrangement of Government business and the legislative program of Parliament.
4. Party Whip - Party whips safeguard good communication within the party and contribute to the smooth running of the party's parliamentary machinery.
5. Members of the Parliament - MPs act as a bridge between the people and the government by ensuring that concerns of the people are heard in the Parliament.
6. Parliament Secretariat - The Secretariat assists Parliament in its functions and in all matters related to its procedures and practices, the organisation of its business and the undertakings of its committees.
Singapore's Political Parties
Singapore's active parties, to date, are:
1. Democratic Progressive Party
2. National Solidarity Party, The
3. People's Action Party
4. People's Liberal Democratic Party
5. Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura
6. Reform Party, The
7. Singapore Democratic Alliance
8. Singapore Democratic Pary
9. Singapore Justice Party
10. Singapore People's Party
11. Singapore National Front
12. Workers' Party, The
Singapore has a total of 43 active, dormant and historical parties.
The Election Cycle
The Presidential Elections
The legislation governing the conduct of the Presidential Election are:
• The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (The Government, Part V);
• The Presidential Elections Act;
• The Political Donations Act; and
• Subsidiary Legislations.
The President is elected by the citizens of Singapore, and as the Head of State, holds office for a term of 6 years. The Presidential elections have to be conducted within 6 months after the office of the President becomes vacant prior to expiration of the term of office of the incumbent; or not more than 3 months before the date of expiration of the term of office of the incumbent.
The Parliamentary Elections
The legislation governing the conduct of the Presidential Election are:
• The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (The Legislature - Part VI);
• The Parliamentary Elections Act;
• The Political Donations Act; and
• Subsidiary Legislations.
The Candidates can only mount their election campaigns after the close of nomination up to the eve of the polling day. On the polling day, each voter will receive a poll card containing information on where he (or she) can cast the vote in person. Voting is compulsory and votes are confidential. The results of the elections are then published in the government's gazette.
The Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an important pillar of Singapore's public service system. It is the custodian of the integrity and values of the Civil Service. The Civil Service comprises of the ministries and organs of Singapore. The PSC is tasked to appoint, confirm, emplace on the permanent or pensionable establishment, promote, transfer, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over public officers. Its vital role is to safeguard integrity, impartiality and meritocracy in the Civil Service. Thus, the promotion or placement of key government officials is based on qualifications, experience and merit.
Government Jobs in Singapore
The Civil Service employs a total of 60,000 people. The jobs in the Civil service are grouped into the social, economic and security sectors, teaching, uniformed services, corporate services, and operational and administrative support.









List of Presidents of the Republic of Singapore
# Portrait President Start of term End of term
1
Yusof bin Ishak
(12 August 1910 – 23 November 1970)
9 August 1965
23 November 1970

Following the death of President Yusof bin Ishak, the Speaker of Parliament, Yeoh Ghim Seng, was installed by Parliament as acting president until the appointment of Benjamin Sheares on 2 January 1971.

2
Benjamin Henry Sheares
(12 August 1907 – 12 May 1981)
2 January 1971
12 May 1981

Once again, following the death of President Sheares, Speaker Yeoh was installed by Parliament as acting president until the appointment of C. V. Devan Nair on 23 October 1981.

3
C. V. (Chengara Veetil) Devan Nair
(5 August 1923 – 6 December 2005)
23 October 1981
27 March 1985

Following the resignation of President C. V. Devan Nair, Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin was installed by Parliament as acting president until 29 March when he was replaced by Speaker of the Parliament Yeoh Ghim Seng until the appointment of Wee Kim Wee on 3 September 1985.

4
Wee Kim Wee
(4 November 1915 – 2 May 2005)
3 September 1985
1 September 1993

After the Constitution was amended in 1991, the term of President Wee was fixed to end on 1 September 1993. On that date, President Ong Teng Cheong, the first directly-elected President of Singapore, assumed office.
5
Ong Teng Cheong
(22 January 1936 – 8 February 2002)
1 September 1993
1 September 1999

President Ong completed his term of office on 1 September 1999 and was succeeded by S. R. Nathan who ran unopposed on Nomination Day in 1999. President Nathan was subsequently re-elected in 2005.
6
S. R. Nathan (Sellapan Ramanathan)
(born 3 July 1924)
1 September 1999
Present






Malay Food


The Malay cuisine in Singapore is a blend of traditional dishes from Malaysia with strong influences from the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java. Like the Chinese cuisine, rice is also the staple food, which acts as a "neutralizer" for the spicy cuisine. For religious reasons, pork is never used in Malay and Indonesian cuisine.
Coconut
Coconut is an essential ingredient when cooking the dishes of this region. The coconut flesh is grated and squeezed to make coconut milk, which is used in countless gravies, as well as in cakes, drinks, and desserts. Freshly grated coconut is also sprinkled over many cakes.
Belacan
Belacan is another important ingredient in the Malay and Indonesian cuisine. It is a pungent dried shrimp paste, which is often combined with pounded fresh chilies to make the universally popular Sambal Belacan. The Sambal Belacan acts more as a sauce to add extra taste to any dish.
Spices & Herbs
Malay dishes does use a variety of spices to give it its characteristically piquant, spicy flavor. These various herbs are skillfully blended into dishes, gravies, soups, and sauces. Fragrant herbs, such as the kaffir lime leaf and lemon grass, shallots and garlic, ginger and galangal, are used. Dried spices include coriander, tamarind, turmeric, saffron, and cumin.
Satay
One of the most well-known and popular Malay dish is Satay. Pieces of mutton, beef, or chicken are skewered over charcoal and eaten with a rich peanut sauce, sliced cucumber, onions, and chunks of compressed rice.


Beef Rendang
Large chunks of beef are cooked with lashings, spices and herbs to come up with Beef Rendang. It is another hearty, and very spicy, favorite among Singaporeans.
Indonesian Favorites
A long-time Indonesian favorite is Nasi Padang. It is a name that describes a wide range of spicy meat, fish, poultry, and vegetable dishes, which had originated in the Padang district of West Sumatra. Another favorite is Soto Ayam, which is a spiced chicken stock served with chicken, beansprouts, and either potato croquette or compressed rice.
Desserts
Generally, Malay desserts and cakes are very rich in coconut milk and are great for those with a sweet tooth.
Industries in Singapore
Singapore was once a small country with limited natural resources and a small manufacturing base with mediocre infrastructure. It neither had domestic capital nor foreign investments. Today, the picture is quite a contrast. It is one the world's leading economies with robust infrastructure, sizable foreign direct investments and with an impressive record of phenomenal industrial growth.
Key Industry Sectors
At present, following are the industry sectors that play an important role in the Singapore economy.
Established and growing industries
Banking and Finance
Singapore has become Southeast Asia's banking and finance hub. It houses international banks, wealth management firms and other financial institutions. Banking, foreign exchange and insurance have been the key growth areas in this sector. A sound economy, robust infrastructure, pro-business environment, talented international workforce and strong regulatory framework has made Singapore one of the major International Finance Centres of the world. Singapore's unique geographical location and excellent telecommunications network makes 24 hour trading possible and convenient. An important aspect of Singapore's financial centre is its deep and liquid capital markets. According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore is one of the top 5 most active foreign exchange trading centres in the world; the second largest over-the-counter derivatives trading centre in Southeast Asia and is also the leading commodities derivatives trading hub. Singapore houses several internationally renowned names in the industry such as BNP Paribas, Barclays Capital, Prudential, Credit Suisse etc.
The Institute of Banking and Finance was set up to upgrade the expertise in the banking and finance industry in Singapore.
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical sciences has been recognised as one of the pillars of Singapore's economy in recent times. Singapore has become a focal point of bio-med activities such as basic research, clinical development, product and process development, manufacturing and health-care services. Internationally renowned companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Aventis, Pfizer, Baxter, and Wyeth, to name a few have set up manufacturing units in Singapore. Singapore believes in a three pronged approach towards achieving excellence in this sector - Industrial Capital, Intellectual Capital and Human Capital.
The Tuas Biomedical park plays a key role in attracting investment from global biomedical companies. In addition, the S$500 million Biopolis, spread over two million square feet is another stepping stone. The Biopolis is an integrated R&D complex that houses research institutes and R&D laboratories of major biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. Researchers can access state-of-the-art facilities, scientific infrastructure and specialised services. The advantage is that this helps companies cut R&D costs and speeds up development time lines. According to Singapore's Economic Development Board, there are now more than 2000 international researchers in Singapore working on drug discovery, medical technology and translational research.
Singapore's global connectivity, world class infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and pro business environment are some of the reasons as to why it is becoming a popular destination for biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. Additional factors include a rigorous Intellectual Property regulatory framework, drug approval capabilities, promotion of good clinical practices and bio safety. For more information on Singapore's bio-med industry click .
Tourism
Singapore aims at evolving into a Tourism Capital. Tourism is one of Singapore's largest service sector fuelling the nation's economic growth. By marketing the Uniquely Singapore brand, the Singapore Tourism Board aims to triple tourism receipts to S$30 billion and double visitor arrivals to 17 million by 2015. It is aggressively promoting medical tourism, business tourism, retail tourism and has also included education in its foray. There are numerous initiatives being undertaken on a continual basis to make Singapore a "must-visit" destination. Singapore has already launched initiatives such as the Singapore Flyer (an observation wheel similar to the London Eye), building two iconic Integrated Resorts to feature two casinos as well, remaking of Orchard Road as one of the best shopping streets in the world, hosting the Youth Olympics in 2010 etc. It recently hosted the Formula One Grand Prix, first ever Night Race. Such initiatives also complement the Food & Beverage industry and Hotel industry which has seen tremendous growth. The Business Traveller Awards 2008, has voted Singapore Airlines as the Best Airline in the world and Asia, Singapore's Shangri-La as the Best Business Hotel Worldwide and Singapore's Changi Airport as the Best Airport in the World.
Logistics
In order to remain a regional logistics hub, Singapore has been upgrading its infrastructure and connectivity to the world. Singapore's logistics industry is encouraged to adopt best practices, develop supply chain security guidelines and create an industry wide IT platform.
Located at the cross roads of major sea lanes, Singapore's port is one of the busiest in the world, offering strong connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore's port is a focal point, linking the nation to more than 700 ports in 130 countries. It is estimated that there are around 1000 ships in the port at any given point in time. There are six terminals which can accommodate container ships, bulk carriers, cargo freighters, coasters and lighters.
Singapore's Changi Airport is also one of the busiest airports for air cargo. An extensive air network, liberal aviation policies and efficient cargo handling services have contributed to its growth. The Changi Airfreight Center is a 24 hour one stop Free Trade Zone. This means that companies can repack, move, consolidate or store cargo without the need for documentation or customs duties, unless the goods are being moved out of the Center. There are eight air freight terminals and ten aircraft parking bays. The Airport Logistics Park of Singapore provides value-added logistics and regional distribution activities.
The Singapore Logistics Association represents the logistics industry in Singapore.
Chemicals
The chemical industry in Singapore is huge, varied and is growing at a fast rate. According to Singapore's Economic Development Board, Singapore is among the top 10 petrochemical hubs in the world. It is a global leader in oil refining and is among the world's top three oil trading locations. Singapore provides a conducive environment to this sector with its available infrastructure and integrated approach. It binds together innovation, research, manufacturing, distribution and even marketing. Some of the industry's major players like Exxon Mobil, Shell and Sumitomo Chemical are based in Singapore. Jurong Island, an amalgamation of seven islands south of Singapore, houses 94 companies from this sector who have made an investment of S$31 billion in fixed assets on site.
According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, "Singapore is investing heavily in our technology infrastructure, and working with companies to establish new innovation centres to develop new products that serve the Asian and global markets." According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong "Economies of scale translate into cost and operational efficiencies. This is what makes Singapore competitive, despite not producing any oil or gas, the raw materials for petrochemicals. We want to bring in more companies and talent, not to do just laboratory research, but to translate that research into commercial applications. This will ensure that chemicals manufacturing in Singapore continually evolves to meet ever changing market requirements."
The Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) provides highly trained manpower and infrastructure required for future growth. The Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) is the official body representing the chemical industry of Singapore in the private sector.
Construction
Singapore's construction industry has been witnessing tremendous growth in recent years and promises a bright future. The two proposed Integrated Resorts, new shopping malls, hotels, residential projects, expansion of MRT lines and building business parks and a sports hub, will ensure that the construction industry grows strongly in the years to come. Despite the current economic recession Singapore's future does not seem bleak as all eyes are set on the construction sector which shows no signs of slowing down. According to a Channel News Asia report, this industry is expected to lead Singapore's economic growth this year, as per a poll by 19 economists. The construction sector grew 20.3% in 2007. Safety, quality, sustainability and user-friendliness are the four key areas which distinguish Singapore's built environment from those of other cities.
The Building and Construction Authority represents this sector in Singapore.
Emerging industries
Casinos
The casino industry which had been strictly banned in Singapore for the past 40 years is today being talked about as two world class casinos are expected to open by 2009 and 2010 respectively. The driving force behind this move by the government can be attributed to the steady shift in manufacturing jobs from Singapore to China. The casinos are believed to boost the tourism and hospitality sector, along with other service industries. The government believes that this will be a stepping stone towards shedding Singapore's image from a "nanny state" to a more tolerant and fun-loving place.
Given Singapore's strategic location and the fact that gambling is banned in China (except for Macau), this industry is expected to boost tourism and hopes to triple the amount spent by tourists here, to S$ 30 billion by the year 2015. With the emergence of this lucrative industry, the job market is set to expand as well. It is believed that the casino industry will generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. 20 new specialised courses on tourism and hospitality management are being rolled out by educational institutions. A highly specialised course on Casino operation and Management has already begun. According to Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, "What we're really after is to create a compelling, critical mass of attractions and services, which will then attract sufficient flow of human traffic to Singapore and make all this viable."
Health-care
Singapore is poised to become the medical hub of Asia, thanks to its world-class, affordable and safe health-care services. Singapore's health-care sector which boasts of a transparent system, well trained doctors, internationally accredited hospitals and speciality centres, global reputation as a medical convention and training centre, and a clinical research hub has led to an influx of international medical travellers. Patients travel to Singapore for essential, affordable, quality and premium health-care. Some of the services include basic screening, cosmetic surgery, high end surgical procedures and speciality care in areas like Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology etc. According to the World Health Organization's Report 2000, Singapore's health care system is the sixth best in the world and the best in Asia. Thus, the health-care sector is growing by leaps and bounds and presents myriad opportunities to players in this field. John Hopkins International has set up a medical facility in Singapore. Another leading player with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, India and China is Pacific Healthcare Holdings.
For more information on Singapore's health-care system, refer to Healthcare in Singapore.


Education
Singapore positions itself as a global education hub. This can be attributed to its strategic geographic location, reputation for academic excellence, a safe environment and opportunities for institution-industry collaboration. It also has a unique strength of bringing the best of East and West i.e. an Asian school system with western styled practices. Since English is the medium of instruction, there are greater chances of attracting students to the country. It is also a financially viable option, vis-a-vis other popular education destinations like USA, UK and Australia.
Today, several internationally renowned institutions like INSEAD, James Cook University, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Stanford University to name a few, have set up campuses in Singapore. Singapore's education industry is one of its core competencies, where it competes in the global market place. With a large MNC base, increasing number of companies are using Singapore as a platform for corporate training. According to Singapore Economic Development Board, there are more than 16 leading foreign universities from Europe, USA and Asia with substantial activities in Singapore.
To find out more about Singapore's education system, refer to Education in Singapore.


Students having assembly in the hall of a secondary school in Singapore.



Info-communications and Media
Singapore's info-comm sector is a key component of its economy. Singapore aims to become a 'global media city.' Local media companies are beginning to forge partnerships with foreign businesses and are making their presence felt in the international media scene. Home grown content is receiving international recognition.
• 'Rouge', a 14 part TV action-comedy drama produced in partnership with MTV Asia.
• 'Samurai-Behind the Blade', a documentary co-produced by Singapore and Canada, was telecast on National Geographic Channel.
• The world premiere of local feature film, 'My Magic' was held at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008.
Singapore's media industry is braced for growth, with the Asia Pacific media industry expected to grow by 9.6% over the next three years. According to a Channel News Asia report, some of the games played online are fed from servers in Singapore.
Mr. David Ng, Deputy CEO of IAH Games said, "Using the very strong infrastructure that we have in Singapore, we're able to reach out to all the companies in the region, so we target 20 million gamers within the next five years." Singapore houses approximately 500 local and foreign media companies with animation, post-production and distribution being their focus areas. BBC, CNBC Asia, Discovery Channel Asia, MTV Asia, Walt Disney, Star Sports, ESPN etc. have opened offices in Singapore. Special Effects house Lucasfilm; gaming firms like Electronic Arts, Koei Entertainment and Ubisoft have also established Singapore operations.
With the convergence of media, telecommunications and computing, the Digital Media and Entertainment sector (DME) has undergone rapid changes in recent times. High-speed connectivity, excellent infrastructure, strong Intellectual Property rights regulation are the strengths Singapore leverages upon to grow in this sector.
• Singapore ranked fifth globally, as the Most Networked Economy, in the World Economic Forum's Global IT Report 2007-2008.
• Singapore ranked first among 22 countries, ahead of Canada and USA, in Accenture's e-government study: Leadership in Customer Service - Delivering on the Promise, 2007.
• 79% of households in Singapore had access to at least one computer in 2007.
• Computer usage by enterprises grew by 5% to reach 73% in 2007.
To provide more information about Singapore's info-comm industry, the Infocomm Singapore Portal was set up as a government initiative.


Established but declining industries
Electronics
Electronics is a key component of Singapore's manufacturing sector. It is reputed for its quality and reliability. Key industry players such as Seagate Technology, STMicroelectronics, Murata Manufacturing Co and Venture Corporation to name a few, have established themselves in Singapore. The electronics industry comprises of semi-conductors, computer peripherals, data storage, info-comm and consumer electronics as well as component manufacturers. This industry has received international acclaim for manufacturing, assembly, testing, design, R&D, product development and distribution.
According to Singapore's Economic Development Board, Singapore is home to over 14 semi-conductor wafer fabrication plants, 20 assembly and test operations, and 40 Integrated Circuit Design centres. It houses the world's top 3 wafer foundry companies, assembly and test foundries and four of the world's top 10 fabless design companies. The government is continually investing in developing a trained work-force who can make significant contributions to this industry. According to Mr. S Iswaran, Senior Minister for Trade and Industry, " short product cycles, technology obsolescence and intense competition add to the fast paced nature and competitive pressures of the industry." Singapore continues to grow in the R&D sector and provides a supportive business environment for the electronics industry.
The Association of Electronics Industries (AIES) represents the electronics business in Singapore.




Monetary Authority of Singapore


The MAS has now assumed the issuance of Singapore banknotes and coins since October 2002.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (Abbreviation: MAS; Chinese: 新加坡金融管理局; Malay: Penguasa Kewangan Singapura) is Singapore's central bank. It was set up in 1971 to oversee various monetary functions associated with banking as well as finance. Before its establishment, monetary functions were performed by government departments and agencies
The economy of Singapore is a highly developed capitalist mixed economy. While government intervention is kept at a minimum, government entities such as the sovereign wealth fund Temasek control corporations responsible for 60% of GDP. It has an open business environment, relatively corruption-free and transparent, stable prices, and one of the highest per capita gross domestic products (GDP) in the world. Exports, particularly in electronics and chemicals, and services provide the main source of revenue for the economy, which allows it to purchase natural resources and raw goods which it does not have. Singapore could thus be said to rely on an extended concept of entrepot trade, by purchasing raw goods and refining them for re-export, such as in the wafer fabrication industry and oil refining. Singapore also has a strategic port which makes it more competitive than many of its neighbours to carry out such entrepot activities. The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest in the world, surpassing Rotterdam and Hong Kong.[1] In addition, Singapore's port infrastructure and skilled workforce, which is due to the success of the country's education policy in producing skilled workers, is also fundamental in this aspect as they provide easier access to markets for both importing and exporting, and also provide the skill(s) needed to refine imports into exports.
On 14 February 2007, the Singapore government announced that economic growth for the whole year of 2006 was 7.9%, higher than the originally expected 7.7%.

Transportation:- within Singapore is mainly land-based. Almost all parts of Singapore are accessible by road, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island. The other major form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few neighbourhoods. The main island of Singapore is connected to the other islands by ferryboat services.
Singapore also has many links to the rest of the world — there are two bridges which link Singapore to Malaysia — the Causeway, and the Second Link. The Singapore Changi Airport is a major aviation hub for many airlines, and Singapore is a major transshipment port.
Before World War 2, rickshaws were an important part of urban public transportation. Rickshaws were taken over by the trishaw after the world war. The Trishaw has been discontinued for usage as a means of transportation after 1980. However, there are some trishaws left which now serve as tourist attractions, taking tourists for a ride around the downtown district for a unique Singapore experience.
Singapore pioneered the modern use of toll roads to enter the most congested city area with the Singapore Area Licensing Scheme, which has since been replaced with the Electronic Road Pricing, a form of electronic toll collection.
• Total length of expressways: 150 km
• Total length of major arterial roads: 604 km
• Total length of collector roads: 468 km
• Total length of local access roads: 2040 km
• Total road length: 3262 km
Traffic drives on the left which is typical in Asian countries.
The planning, construction and maintenance of the road network is overseen by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and this extends to expressways in Singapore. These form key transport arteries between the distinct towns and regional centres as laid out in Singapore's urban planning, with the main purpose of allowing vehicles to travel from satellite towns to the city centre and vice-versa in the shortest possible distance. These expressways include:
• Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE)
• Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
• Central Expressway (CTE)
• East Coast Parkway (ECP)
• Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE)
• Kranji Expressway (KJE)
• Pan Island Expressway (PIE)
• Seletar Expressway (SLE)
• Tampines Expressway (TPE)
• Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) (under construction)
• North-South Expressway (under planning)[3]
The influence of expressways on Singapore's transport policy developed shortly after independence during the history of Singapore because of frequent traffic congestion in the Central district. The aim was to encourage residential development in other parts of the island and give residents in these new "satellite towns" a convenient link between their homes and their workplaces (which were mostly situated around the city centre.)

Rail



• Total length of railways (MRT & LRT): 138.2km[4]
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a standard gauge system with a total rail network length of 109.4 km and 64 stations. There are three main lines running at present: the North South Line, the East West Line (both operated by SMRT Corporation), and the North East Line (operated by SBS Transit). A new Circle Line is slated for completion in 2010 and will be opened in phases as various stations are completed.
In 1998, a 7.8 km-Light Rail Transit (LRT) system with 14 stations was introduced in Bukit Panjang. The Sengkang LRT Line, a 10.7 km light rail line was opened in 2003; a third LRT line, Punggol LRT Line, was opened in 2005 Jan with the East Loop of the system serving the residences in Punggol.
A 2.1km Sentosa Express monorail built by Hitachi Asia Ltd was opened on 15 January 2007, linking Sentosa island to mainland Singapore.

Cable car
Singapore's only cable car system, the Singapore Cable Car, plies between Mount Faber on the main island of Singapore and the resort island of Sentosa as an alternative means of accessing that tourist attraction.

Public Transport


The Bus, MRT, LRT and taxi system make up the public transport system in Singapore.


A Dennis Trident 3 on SBS Transit Service 51 outside the National Library.


A Comfort Toyota Crown taxi at Raffles Place.
Public transport in Singapore covers a variety of transport modes such as bus, rail and taxi and is widely utilised by her population. This is a result of great emphasis by the Government of Singapore in order to promote its use over private transport. About 5.308 million trips[5] are made on a daily basis on the public transport system and at least half of its population utilizes it daily.
International transport links
Singapore is well connected to other countries via land, air and sea.


Tuas Second Link
Singapore has two land links to Malaysia. The Causeway, built in the 1920s to connect Johor Bahru (Johor, Malaysia) to Woodlands in Singapore, carries a road and a railway line. The Tuas Second Link, a bridge further west, was completed in 1996 and links Tuas in Singapore to Tanjung Kupang in Johor (Malaysia).


Keppel Container Terminal in Singapore
There are boats and ferry services to nearby islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. These services can be found at Changi Ferry Terminal, Changi Point Ferry Terminal, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Singapore Cruise Centre.


Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 at Singapore Changi Airport


Control tower of Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore aims to be Asia's aviation hub chiefly via the promotion of liberal aviation policies in a bid to encourage airlines to commence and maintain operations there. The aviation industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, a statutory board of the Singapore government under the Ministry of Transport.
An open skies agreement was concluded with the United Kingdom in October 2007 permitting unrestricted services from Singapore by UK carriers. Singapore carriers were allowed to operate domestic UK services as well as services beyond London Heathrow to a number of destinations, including the United States. [17]
Singapore Changi Airport, with its four terminals (including one budget terminal), is one of the most important air hubs in the region. The international airport is situated at the eastern most tip of the main island, and serves 185 cities in 58 countries. With the recent opening of the third terminal, Changi is now capable of handling 64 million passengers every year.
Seletar Airport is Singapore's first civil aviation airport and is primarily used for private aviation today. The airport also serves limited scheduled commercial flights by Berjaya Air to the Malaysian islands of Pulau Tioman and Pulau Redang
POLICE AND SECURITY AGENCIES
The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar, and kept in operation with a monthly budget of $300. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities lived in segregated areas around the city.
Appointment Rank Abbreviation Name Address
Commissioner of Police
Commissioner of Police
CP
Khoo Boon Hui
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Deputy Commissioner of Police
Deputy Commissioner of Police
DC
Goh Liang Kwang
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Director (Special Duties) Senior Assistant Commissioner
SAC
Vacant New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Chief of Staff Senior Assistant Commissioner
SAC
Soh Wai Wah
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Quality Service Manager Deputy Assistant Commissioner
DAC
Anselm Lopez
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Department Abbreviation Director Address
Administration and Finance Department
A&F DAC Koh Yan Hong
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Commercial Affairs Department
CAD Mr. Tan Siong Thye
Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block D

Criminal Investigation Department
CID SAC Lock Wai Han
Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block C

Manpower Department
MPD AC Ng Boon Gay
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Operations Department
OPS AC Wong Hong Kuan
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Planning and Organisation Department
P&O SAC Ang Hak Seng
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Police Custodial Department
PCD AC Jarmal Singh
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Police Intelligence Department
PID SAC Hoong Wee Teck
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Police Logistics Department
PLD DAC Kuldip Singh
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Police National Service Department
PNSD AC Tan Ngo Chew
Old Police Academy, 1 Mount Pleasant Road Block 2A

Police Technology Department
PTD MR Kan Siew Ning
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Public Affairs Department
PAD AC Ng Guat Ting New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Security Industry Regulatory Department
SIRD SUPT Lim Chin Tiak
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Service Development and Inspectorate Department
SDI DAC Anselm Lopez
New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road

Volunteer Special Constabulary
VSC DAC (V) S Lakshmanan
Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road Block C

Traffic Police Department
TP DAC Christopher Ng
10 Ubi Avenue 3

Training Command
TRACOM DAC Loy Chye Meng
Home Team Academy, 501 Old Choa Chu Kang Road


Line units Abbreviation Commander Address
Ang Mo Kio Police Division
'F' Division SUPT Lee Chin Ek
51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9

Bedok Police Division
'G' Division DAC Lim Kok Thai
30 Bedok North Road

Central Police Division
'A' Division SUPT Lau Peet Meng
Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road

Clementi Police Division
'D' Division DAC Ng Yeow Boon
20 Clementi Avenue 5

Jurong Police Division
'J' Division DAC Cheang Keng Keong
2 Jurong West Avenue 5

Tanglin Police Division
'E' Division SUPT Paul Lim Choon Wui
21 Kampong Java Road

Airport Police
AP SUPT Teo Chun Ching
35 Airport Boulevard

Gurkha Contingent
GC DAC Ross Forman
Mount Vernon Camp

Police Coast Guard
PCG AC Teo Kian Teck
11 Brani Way

Security Command
SecCom SUPT Tan Hung Hooi
2 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh (Old Toa Payoh Police Station)

Special Operations Command
SOC AC Raymond Yeo
Queensway Base



Police National Service officers contribute to security coverage requirements at the National Day Parade, 2004. Shown left is a full-time serviceman, and he is accompanied at right by a Police National Serviceman (reservist), both in the current SPF uniform.
Dark blue (or more accurately Dacron blue) is the organisational colour of the Singapore Police Force, and has remained so continuously since 1969, although the first police uniforms introduced in 1856 were also in the same colour.
Singapore Army
The Singapore Army (Chinese: 新加坡陆军部队, Malay: Tentera Singapura) is the land force and one of the three services of the Singapore Armed Forces.


The Army is headed by the Chief of Army (COA), currently Major General Neo Kian Hong. Assisting him are the Chief of Staff-General Staff (COS-GS), Brigadier General Hugh Lim U Yang, and the Commander, Army Training and Doctrine Command. There are also six functional departments and an NS Affairs Department (NSAD) dealing with National Service issues, collectively known as the General Staff, an Inspectorate and an NS Affairs Department (NSAD) dealing with National Service issues. The six functional departments handle personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, plans and training respectively. Each department is headed by an Assistant Chief of the General Staff (ACGS). Also advising the COA are the Senior Specialist Staff Officers (SSSOs): Infantry, Guards, Armour, Commando, Artillery, Engineers and Signals.









BIBLIOGRAPHY:-
Websites visited:
1) http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
3) http://www.gov.sg/
4) www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers

Books consulted

1) Singapore: A Pictorial History 1819-2000
by Gretchen Liu.
Singapore: Archipelago Press in Association with National Heritage Board, 1999. 400p.
2)Journey through Singapore: A Pictorial Guide to the Lion City
by Yeo, Nicolette.
Singapore: Times Editions, 2003, 71p.
Special thanks to Mr Mandeep Sani, my beloved teacher for his guidance and help