Singapore, Gardens By The Bay
My wife and I recently made a short visit to Singapore & Malaysia. We were joined there by our daughter, a software professional posted at Singapore.
at the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
A small country that hardly spans 710 square kilometers of area, with a small population of 5.3 million, we found it immensely fascinating. An island country, made up of 63 islands of which the main is Singapore. Singapore’s economy depends heavily on exports and refining imported goods. It is the world’s fourth – leading financial center, and its port is one of the five busiest ports in the world. It has the third highest ‘per capita income’ in the world and it ranks in the top countries in “Order and Security”, “Absence of Corruption”, and “Effective Criminal Justice”.
Singapore is an extremely clean city and is very well maintained. Interestingly, Singapore is known as “The Fine City” – not only for its beauty and cleanliness, but also because of the amount of hefty fines the government imposes for violating rules regarding cleanliness.
If you are planning a trip to Singapore better get disciplined and acquainted with the laws lest you run out of your pocket compensating for the following offenses:
Chewing Gum: S$500 ($375 U.S.)
Littering: S$300 ($225)
Jaywalking: S$500 ($375)
Smoking in public areas: S$200 ($150)
Pack of Cigarettes not declared: S$500 ($375)
Spitting in Public: S$500 ($375)
Eating in a public bus or MRT: S$500 ($375)
Despite all the hefty fines and regulations, I whole-heartedly recommend Singapore to anyone and everyone. It is a beautiful city and there is lot to see and do.
As an integral part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden” and with an aim to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city, the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ have been beautifully developed in the form of Glass Covered Conservatories.
Nice write up. All beautiful things demand hefty maintenance !
you can not be more correct on this…
Sir
Fine. Everything is possible with limited and disciplined population.good governance> Actually more Indians specifically Tamils live in Singapore. They follow all rules and regulations of Singapore govt. When they come to India they don’t follow it and exercise their Indian Republic and Democratic applications.
whereas in our country main task is alarmingly growing population, opportunistic politicians, uneducated population, caste, creed, color apart from all the most sensitive religion .
Dear Chanpree,
Thanks.
“Governance” does not require a justification! Discipline has to be demonstrated by the leaders. Then only a common man will follow.
Singapore has about 10%-12% Indians and Tamil has an Official status.
Singapore also has parliamentary democracy like ours. But it works well there mainly because of stringent rules, honest people, and a corruption free system!
‘Illiteracy’ in our country may be taken as an opportunity to provide more education and improve the conditions rather than exploitation & vote bank.
Common man in Singapore is disciplined mainly because Army Service is compulsory for all (minimum 2 yrs).
A small country, with a population of about 5.3 million has carved a niche in the Globe – with the 3rd highest ‘per capita income in the world’; the lowest unemployment rate (~3%); Home ownership is about 87% – duly encouraged and supported by the government; Singapore has the world’s highest percentage of millionaires; Currently it is the only Asian Country with ‘AAA’ rating from all three- S&P’s, Moody’s & Fitch; It has the highest Trade to GDP ratio in the world( 400 %).
Key factors are Corruption-free environment, Skilled work force and low Tax Rates besides dedicated people!