Explore Singapore, the Fascinating Mosaic of Cultural Diffusion!

Singapore History:on medium and high-technology electronics
It would not be an exaggeration to say thatcomponents. Such trade undoubtedly focuses on
millions of global tourists, flocking to Singapore inthe key-strengths of Singapore, including "hi-tech"
search of fashion, shopping, glitz and glamoursectors as information technology and
hardly know the proper history of this islandbio-technology.
city-state located on the southern tip of theSingapore Culture/Religion:
Malay Peninsula. It is a wonder, that being theA cosmopolitan society with harmonious
smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singaporeinteraction among various different races, the
happens to be the site of several ancient portinherent cultural diversity of the island is a source
cities and a possession of several empires in itsof one of the prime attractions of the nation. To
"not-so-well-known" history.be precise, this cultural diversity is the ultimate
To start with, when Singapore was colonized byresult of the diversity of the population, the
the United Kingdom in the 19th century, it wasintermingling of various ethnic groups and the
nothing but a small Malay fishing village, the firstamalagamation of Chinese, Malay and Indian
records of its existence being made in theimmigrants. It is not unnatural for one to witness
Chinese texts as early as the 3rd century. Thea Malay wedding taking place beside a Chinese
island which then bore the javanese namewedding at a void deck, on the ground floor of a
"Temasek" and which happened to be an outpostHDB apartment block in the Singapore city.
of the Sumatran Srivijaya (an ancient MalayInfrequent intermarriage between the Chinese and
kingdom on the island of Sumatra) empire,Indians are not unusual occurences in Singapore.
gradually rose to become a significant trading city.Besides indigenous Malay population, Singapore
However, throughout history, it had to bear thehouses a majority of third generation Chinese as
brunt of several political conflicts, which altered itswell as Indian and Arab immigrants. Thus, the
destiny in course of time.diverse mix of races result in a significant degree
For example, Singapore was a part of theof cultural diffusion with its unique combination of
Sultanate of Johore, untill it was set ablaze byethnic groups. Maybe that is one of the reasons
portuguese troops in the Malay-Portugal wars inwhy one would find very little culture that is
1617. Again, in 1819, British East India Companyspecifically Singaporean. However, there exists a
made a treaty with the Sultan of Johore andEurasian community and a community of
established Singapore as a trading post andPeranakan or "Straits Chinese," (a community of
settlement. Later, seeing instant growth andmixed Chinese and Malay descent).
immigration from various ethnic groups toSuch a significant degree of cultural diffusion has
Singapore, it was declared a crown colony bygiven Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its
Britain in 1867. Its status was soon raised to thatyoung age. One of the prime examples is the
of an entrepot town by the ruling British empireSingapore's cuisine, a massive cultural attraction
due to its strategic location along the busyfor tourists. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian,
shipping routes connecting Europe to China.Italian, Peranakan, Spanish, French, Thai and even
Destiny had written a few more dramatic twistsFusion tops the menu. To speak of art and
and turns for Singapore, "The Lion City", as it alsoculture, Singapore is identified globally an emerging
called. Further occupied by the Japanese Empire incultural centre for arts and culture, including
World War II, it finally became part of the mergertheatre and music. Often called the "gateway
which formed the "Federation of Malaysia. Finally,between the East and West", it has seen the
after much tussels with the Federal governmentemergence of several performing arts groups,
in Kuala Lumpur, the nation ultimately acquiredespecially in theatrical arts. A number of
independence in 1965.productions were staged successfully and several
However, what we see today as a tousists'groups, including TheatreWorks, have performed
paradise was for many years, a fledgling nationoverseas too.
struggling for self-sufficiency. Overburdened withAs a cosmopolitian and multi-racial society,
mass unemployment, housing shortages and lackSingapore has also been the seat of major
of land and natural resources such as petroleum,festivals from various ethnic groups associated
it was a sociopolitically volatile and economicallywith their respective religions. Those again, reflect
undeveloped nation, relying massively on foreignthe diversity of races residing there. While the
investment and government-led industrialisation.Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism
The situation started changing after Lee Kuanand Taoism, there are even Christians, Catholics
Yew joined as prime minister in 1959. Within threeand "free thinkers": ones who don't confirm to
decades, his administration curbed unemployment,any religious faith. Thus, in today's Singapore,
raised the standard of living and developedreligions tend to cross racial boundaries and even
Singapore's economic infrastructure, thus elevatingmerge in unusual ways, combining a little of the
Singapore into a developing nation andmysteries of the older generation with the realistic
subsequently to developed status.world of today.
In the recent years, the country has tackledSingapore Travel/Tourism:
various disasters, the major ones being the 1997Celebrated and renowned worldwide as a delightful
Asian financial crisis, the SARS outbreak in 2003,haven for tourists, Singapore has been able to
and terrorist threats posed by the Jemaahearn major revenues courtesy its booming
Islamiah (JI).tourism industry. With the rise of tourism in
Singapore Economy:Singapore, there is a stiff competition among
It is really heartening to know that with 63hotels to run for the best slot. There are cheap
surrounding islets and with a total land area of 682airline travels to Singapore today, including apex
square km, the main island of Singapore, with itsfare, discounted airfares to Singapore and the like.
market-based economy, has grown into a thrivingA seat for the world's most delectable seafood,
centre of commerce and industry in just 150awe-inspiring sea-beaches, impressive bird-parks
years. Successfully increasing its manufacturingand night safaris that account for wonderful
base after being a 'backward fishing village' forwildlife adventure, Singapore today happens to be
many years, Singapore today thrives on variousa little dynamo in Southeast Asia, embodying the
industries including shipping (Singapore today is thefinest of both East and West. Truly, the dynamic
busiest port in the world with over 600 shippingcity rich in contrast and colour captures the
lines sending super tankers, container ships andhearts of millions of global tourists with its
passenger liners), electronic componentsharmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and
manufacturing and above all its booming travelarchitecture and above all, its unbridled energy.
tourism industry. The island city state located atWhile on entering this cosmopolitan, multi-cultural
the tip of the Malay Peninsula that has sufferedcity, one experiences the mélange of
various political and economic onslaughts is nowflavours from around the globe, the multicultural
home to four million people, also boasting of oneheritage of the nation is bound to sweep one off
of the highest per capita gross domestic productshis feet as he discovers an ever-changing mosaic
in the world. The economic progress of Singaporeof fascinating contrasts. Thus, the amalgamation
as a nation can be an enriching example of how aof ancient beliefs and contemporary culture, of
mere "fishing village" and a British naval base forrich legacies and sleek modern living makes
decades can be reborn as an important financial,Singapore an ever-youthful, ever-enchanting nation
commercial and educational center for South Eastfor tourists.
Asia.Tourist interests in Singapore: While tourism is
The credit for this resurrection goes to the PAPcontinually infesting ChinaTown, a cultural section
Government, who, assisted by a far-sightedof Singapore, with shops and street vendors
Dutch economic adviser, realized the need ofoffering a glimpse into the days of old, the Asian
maintaining its colonial inheritance by attractingCivilizations Museum (a diverse cultural museum) is
foreign capital from the developed world tothere to exhibit antiques like a ninth-century
establish export-oriented industries, while at theBuddha and a Chinese snuff box. For lovers of art
same time building up a modern service sector inand architecture, the Thian Hock Keng Temple
Singapore based on banking and financial services.(Historic Taoist temple near Singapore's
Needless to say, this economic strategy proved awaterfront) happens to be a "must watch"
phenomenal success, producing real growth thatreligious site. Another wonder is the unforgettable
averaged 8.0% from 1960 to 1999. Thus, relyingSingapore Art Museum, which, since its opening in
on foreign investment and expertise, while at the1996, offers an immense rotating collection of
same time building up strong state enterprises,Singaporean and Malay sculpture and art. If you
the provision of infrastructure, housing, transportare a connoisseur of shopping and fine dining,
and other basic services for the local populationthere is Orchard Road, the ritzy shopping and
began increasing notably, and the old Singaporedining area, often referred to as the "Park
consisting of overcrowded and unsanitary slumsAvenue" of Singapore. For the lovers of
was demolished strategically.spectacular underwater beauty, there is the
In recent years, the trade policies of theUnderwater World of Sentosa, showcasing the
Singapore government which includedawe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world
commitment to free trade, active exportbeneath the seas.
promotion strategy, the 'open arms' policyAll said and done, the strategic location of
towards multinationals and the support of tradeSingapore, its cultural contrasts and diverse tourist
liberalization have made Singapore an economicallyattractions contribute to its success as a leading
stable nation. In due course of time, Singaporedestination for both business and pleasure.
has also developed an export trade that thrives