About Singapore
Economically vibrant and culturally diverse, Singapore’s strategic location in the heart of Asia and her world-class infrastructure make it an ideal place to study and live in. Within 4 hours by air to her Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) partners and within 8 hours, to Beijing, New Delhi and Sydney. As a testament to its standing in the world today, Singapore was ranked the third most competitive economy in the world by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitive Scoreboard 2008.
Singapore’s compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, it has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Singapore is:
- the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines
- one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres
- a major supplier of electronic components
- a leader in shipbuilding and repairing
- one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks
- home to a superb communications network which links the nation to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems
Four million people of various ethnic communities and cultures live together harmoniously in this vibrant cosmopolitan country. English is the language of business and administration and the medium of instruction in schools and at the University. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and are able to speak English and at least one other language – usually Mandarin, Malay or Tamil.
Being a food paradise, Singapore has a wide variety of Asian or Western cuisines which can be found everywhere. From food centres to expensive restaurants, there will be ample opportunities for you to savour both local and international cuisine, including the food of your own country.
Well-known as one of Asia’s most modern cities, it is also famous for being a ‘clean and green Garden City’, as well as a shopper’s paradise.
More information about Singapore can be found at www.sg and www.stb.gov.sg