Beautiful Singapore

Asia » Singapore
January 16th 2013

Published: January 16th 2013

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After dinner on my first night in Singapore.

Most descriptions I have read of Singapore begin with its strict penal code and end with its economic prosperity and meticulously clean environment. These descriptions imply a tightly run, highly controlled society, with an intelligently managed economy. To me, it also suggests by and large, a consistent set of values that most foreigners cannot immediately understand nor fully appreciate during their typical 3-5 day stay. During my visit I got a sense of these very characteristics that are implied by the many clichés.

Singapore is indeed the cleanest country I know of. It is smooth to get around. This is largely due to the military-like efficiency of its public transportation, but its tourism infrastructure also puts the main sites within easy reach for visitors. However, due to the high costs in this city-state, many of what Singapore has to offer might not be enjoyed by a traveler on a tight budget.

Other things that I found are harder to describe and have much to do with the features that take the back seat when a country moves toward rapid development. These characteristics are little discussed or understood by many of us outside of Singapore. Of course, it is also

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Little India

the case that a country which is focused more introspectively wouldn’t necessarily discuss its sore points out in the open. Likewise, many of us outsiders probably want to look for the salient points that have to do with progress, and will likely not know what to do with any inconsistent bits that we may find.

I do not know much about Singapore. It is only through candid conversations with taxi drivers, food vendors in the hawker markets, and small talk with acquaintances that I gathered a few bits that, to me, seem just as interesting as the more celebrated facts. Such things as economic and educational disparity (very small wealthy and educated classes, compared to those living in or on the brink of poverty) are not details that come to mind when I think about this country. Growing commoditization of education where formal schooling could start at the tender age of two, where the required curriculum becomes more extensive and administration of it more costly, and where students who lack affluence are at greater disadvantage. Having and raising children in Singapore is big and expensive business. There is high priced overvalued real estate that will undoubtedly need to be

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Little India

addressed. Readjustment of social benefits as to lessen the burden on government, practically raising the retirement age from 62-65, even at which point most poor/working class seniors must continue to work in order to survive. And a changing belief system amongst the youth who feel somewhat strained by traditional values. Yes, these things, too, can be found in Singapore.

Having said all this, I cannot imagine the government of Singapore not having a plan to tackle these problems. That would be uncharacteristic.

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