3. SINGAPORE IS A
CORE COUNTRY
Core countries are defined as wealthy, industrialized
countries that other less developed countries
(periphery and semi periphery) countries depend on.
Core countries share a few distinct features, including
having a wide variety of resources at their disposal.
These nations have strong militaries, powerful alliances
throughout the world, and control the global market.
Residents of core countries are also thought to be the
wealthiest and more educated than people in less-
developed nations. Core countries have certain powers
over other countries regarding the economy, politics,
and the military.
4. I CHOOSE
SINGAPORE
Singapore is famous for being a global financial center,
being among the most densely populated places in the
world, having a world-class city airport with a waterfall,
and a Botanic Garden that is a World Heritage Site.
Singapore is known as a tourist destination and for its
hot and humid climate, being very clean, and growing in
area due to reclaimed land. The city-state is a shopper's
paradise, besides the usual luxury brands sold in
luxurious malls with luxury air conditioning, you can buy
almost everything except chewing gum. Singapore is also
known as "Instant Asia" because it offers visitors a quick
glimpse of the Asian cultures that immigrants have
brought from all parts of the continent.
6. 1. Sauces and Paste
• Savoury, thick and often used
to compliment a variety of
dishes in Chinese cooking,
brands like Woh Hup and Tai
Hua produce bottled sauces
and condiments exported
globally. Woh Hup’s flagship
product is Oyster Sauce,
which is essentially oyster
essence with sugar and other
ingredients added to make it
taste less like oyster
concentrate, and more like
the perfect topping for a
plate of blanched kai lan.
7. 2. READY-TO-DRINK COFFEE AND
ROASTED COFFE BEANS
• Caffeine is king and many of us will
happily remain loyal subjects to what is
arguably the most important thing to
life, only after breathing. The actual
coffee beans may not be grown in
Singapore but Boncafe International
roasts and packs ground coffee on our
very shores. Boncafe has also further
developed into coffee capsulesas well
as exports canned ready-to-drink
coffee. For all the wide-eyed
excitement stemming from this
caffeine overload, let’s remember that
local style kopi deserves just as much
praise.
8. 3. Packaged Instant Asian Foods
• Asian dishes are notoriously
laborious to prepare, the
spice mixes like rempah can
take hours to work on before
the dish is anywhere near
done.
9. 4. Crocodile Meat
• Not quite dinosaur meat but,
close enough. These ancient
beasts are reared in Singapore at
Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm
and I wouldn’t describe it to taste
like chicken. If the old belief that
crocodile meat will cure you of
your asthmatic wheezing isn’t
enough to get you to add some
diversity to your diet, perhaps
the lean nature of crocodile meat
will.
10. 5. Vacuum Packed Frog Meat
• When regular porridge isn’t
cutting it, only a piping hot
serving of frog porridge will do.
The treacly dark kung pao sauce
that frog is so commonly cooked
in isn’t the only way to enjoy it, a
plain version and even deep fried
frog legs are some other ways frog
is prepared.Calorie counters and
those particular about how their
food is produced, frogs are not
only lean but, free from the
cocktail of injections so often
associated with livestock at Jurong
Frog Farm.
11. 6. Fresh Vegetables
• Hydroponics and other (what
used to be) futuristic looking
and sounding farming
techniques were all the rage in
science textbooks. Vegetables
and even mushrooms are
grown in Singapore and are
proof of a rich local agricultural
industry. Sure we don’t have
picturesque postcard terraced
hills and won’t be able to call
our island the leaders in kang
kong production but, we’re
doing alright.
12. 7. Assorted Biscuits
• A national treasure and a
quintessential part of every
Singaporeans’ childhood, Khong
Guan biscuits came by the tin
full and in an assortment of
flavours. They kept rabidly
hungry children like me
satisfied till it was time for
dinner. Cream crackers with a
warm cup of milo, are the
memories flooding back now.
13. 8. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
• Since the olden days where
chilled storage was scarce,
canned foods are a staple in
many households, for their
convenience and long shelf-life.
Hosen Group and Goh Joo Hin’s
Mili brand are local Singapore
companies that specialize in
canned foods (especially fruits
and vfegetables) you’ll see in
various supermarkets
14. 9. Fresh Eggs
• Often touted as the most value-for-money
source of protein, most of the eggs you’ll
find in your local markets and
supermarkets are produced in Singapore at
local egg farms like Seng Choon. Not
limited to just eggs as they are, local egg
products range from regular eggs to the
interesting looking and sounding instant
eggs. Century eggs we’ll eat but, I guess
there’s something about a shelled egg
that’s been vacuum sealed that isn’t
appetising. For those looking to be more
socially and ethically conscious, check out
cage free eggs from Freedom Range
Company.
16. 1.Themost famous landmarkinSingapore: Merlion Park
• The statue is that of the
mythical Merlion, a creature
with the head of a lion and the
body of a fish. The Merlion is
rooted in Singapore’s history
and mythology. The story goes
that once, a prince from the
Srivijayan empire (1183-1377)
named Sang Nila Utama was
sailing across the seas when he
discovered a spot of land. He
encountered a majestic lion
that might have given him the
idea to found the city of
Temasek (the old Malay word
for ‘lake town’), which would
eventually become Singapura,
aka Lion City.
17. 2. Themostfamous buildinginSingapore: MarinaBaySands
• No list of landmarks in Singapore
would be complete without
mentioning Marina Bay Sands. If
millions of wanderlust-inspiring
pictures on the ‘gram are any
indication of popularity, then this 56-
story hotel with a ship perched on its
roof definitely comes out on top.
Housing the world’s largest rooftop
infinity pool, 200 meter high jacuzzis
on observation decks, and boasting
some of the greatest views in the
country, this is the skyscraper Dubai
wishes it had.
18. 3. ASingapore landmarkthatputs natureandinnovation towork: Supertree Grove
• This famous landmark in
Singapore is one of the most
photographed places in the
country. A billion-dollar
mechanized Eden, the Supertree
Grove was designed to be a living
work of art that integrates
technology and greenery. There
are 18 Supertrees in total, and
each one is unique and varying in
height, with some reaching up to
50 meters. You can take an
elevator up these tremendous
tree trunks to walk across
suspended walkways that twist
around the towering skeletal
structures.
19. 4.Gathersomesocialmediacloutatthe Insta-worthyCloud Forest
• Just a stone’s throw away from the
extraordinary Supertree Grove is another
marvel of engineering and a venue that’s fast
becoming a famous landmark in Singapore:
Cloud Forest. With a name that sounds straight
out of a Miyazaki movie, this place was set up
for success from the very start. Cloud Forest is a
35-meter-tall vegetation hill covered in colorful
shrubbery that’s surrounded by beams of
cascading water. Singapore loves toying with
ideas of futuristic urban forests, and this
innovative conservatory is the latest addition to
places like the Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and
Jewel at Changi Airport. See a theme here?
Nature is at the core of all these architectural
wonders, and for a country that’s just 721.5
km², these types of multipurpose constructions
matter. It’s a place for the country’s growing
population to escape to, while also being space
efficient and sustainable.
20. 5.Themostthrilling Singaporelandmark:UniversalStudios Singapore
• A place that needs no
introduction is Universal Studios
Singapore. Southeast Asia’s first
and only Universal Studios
theme park is a huge draw for
visitors from across the globe.
It’s also the most famous
landmark in Singapore for movie
and roller coaster buffs. Located
in Singapore’s designated
playground territory, Resorts
World Sentosa, Universal Studios
Singapore is home to 28 thrilling
rides and seven themed zones,
as well as a ton of spectacular
shows.
21. 6.Themostserene landmarkinSingapore: KranjiWarMemorial
• Let’s step back from flashy forests and
splashy skyscrapers for a second, and
revisit some of Singapore’s darker
history. Singapore was a British
stronghold for so long that it was
nicknamed the ‘Gibraltar of the East’.
In 1942, the Empire of Japan one of
the Axis powers invaded the Malayan
Peninsula. The days of battle that took
place over this time became known as
the Fall of Singapore. It resulted in the
Japanese capture of Singapore and the
largest British surrender in history,
which Winston Churchill dubbed the
“worst disaster in British military
history”.
22. 7.HistoricallandmarksinSingapore: Raffles LandingSite andRaffles Hotel
• So you’re in Singapore, sipping a Singapore
sling at some rooftop garden in are
constructed shipyard on top of a mall that’s
also a vertical rainforest, and you’re
wondering, Who exactly is Stamford Raffles
and why are there so many roads named
after him. The man whose name is
plastered across roads, hotels, and statues
is actually Sir Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant-
Governor of the Dutch East Indies and
founder of modern-day Singapore. He is
credited with transforming Singapore from
an obscure fishing village to a strategic
seaport, and is thus commemorated
throughout the city.
23. 8.Anup-and-cominglandmarkinSingapore: Henderson Waves
• The largest infinity pool, the greenest
metropolitan area in Asia, the largest
indoor garden, the fanciest airport.
For such a small nation, Singapore
sure does love to go big. This is a
country that doesn’t do anything half-
assed, and Henderson Waves joins a
long list of words that end with est in
Singapore. Henderson Waves has
earned the accolade for being the
tallest footbridge in Singapore, sitting
36 meters above Mount Faber Park to
Telok Blangah Hill Park.
24. 9.Home tosome ofthe oldest buildingsinSingapore: ClarkeQuay
• Colorful is the first word that’ll come to
mind when you set eyes upon Clarke
Quay. This rustic row of heritage
shophouses runs along a historical
riverside quay amid a backdrop of
skyscrapers. The facades have been
painted with a spectrum of colors that
look even better at night when the area
is fully lit up. Speaking of lit, Clarke Quay
is Singapore’s top epicenter for nightlife.
All those cute heritage buildings you see
are actually bars, pubs, and nightclubs
that take on a life of their own after
sundown. During the daytime, however,
Clarke Street is a pedestrian mall that is
a different experience altogether.
25. 10.Love history, food, anddrinks: CHIJMES isthe Singaporelandmarkfor you
• CHIJMES is a full-fledged art and
culture venue that features ethnic
cuisine, shops, and a concert venue
for musicals, recitals, theatrical
performances, and even weddings.
There’s always something happening
at this famous landmark in Singapore,
so make sure to pop your head in and
try something off the beaten tourist
track.
26. The Culture of Singapore Where East Meets West!
• The culture of Singapore is a melange of
Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and
Eurasian culture and influences. The
quintessential cosmopolitan, Singaporean
culture has transformed greatly over the
years. The indigenous culture of Singapore
was originally influenced by Austronesian
people who arrived here from Taiwan.
During the course of many years,
Singapore's culture was further influenced
and inspired by multiple Chinese dynasties
and other Asian countries which have
eventually given shape to the eccentric and
striking Singaporean culture that we see
today.
27. Religion in Singapore
BUDDHA TOOTHRELICTEMPLE IN
SINGAPORE
• Chinese Buddhism happens to be the
major religion in Singapore, owing to
the large population of Southern
Chinese immigrants and their
descendants. Hinduism is also
prevalent, being the faith of those with
South Indian heritage. Christianity is
growing quite exponentially as a belief
system, and many young Singaporeans
are leaning towards it.
28. Language of Singapore
• Singapore has four official languages English,
Malay, Tamil and Mandarin Chinese. Being a
former colonial country, English is the most
commonly spoken and written language. It is the
lingua franca in Singapore and therefore the de
facto language used in public service and
administration, trade and commerce and in the
judicial system. In writing, Singapore follows
British English. However, the spoken colloquial
version of Singaporean English is locally called
“Singlish”. Although Malay is the national language
of the country, only 15-17% of Singaporeans speak
the language. It is officially present in the
Singaporean national anthem, in military
commands and in orders and citations only. Most
people in the country are bilingual - they can
speak reasonably good English and one of the
three other languages as their mother tongue.
29. Festivals of Singapore
• The culture of Singapore is highly influenced by a large number of
religious festivities taking place all around the year. August 9 is the
country’s Independence Day, which is celebrated with the National Day
Parade since 2005. Other than this, the public holiday list of Singapore
is a reflection of the country’s racial, religious and linguistic diversity.
Among the assured ones, there is Chinese New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali
and Buddhist Vesak Day or the Death of Buddha, as well as Good Friday,
Christmas and New Year’s Day. Other celebrated festivals are Pongal,
Thaipusam, Buddha Jayanti and Hari Raya Haji. Among cultural festivals,
there is Singapore Food Festival every year from June-end to July-end,
Singapore Art Festival every January, and Singapore Night Festival which
comes alive with different themes every year for two weekends in
August, at Bras Basah Bugis art enclave. The Buddhists celebrate the
Hungry Ghost Festival and offer eatables to the spirits of their
deceased. Between May and June, the Dragon Boat Festival or the
Zhongxao Festival in Chinese takes place at Bedok Reservoir, where
dragon-shaped boats oared by a dozen or so people aside, compete in
the race. Mid-Autumn Festival or the Lantern Festival is one of the
largest celebrations in the country, which marks the 15th and the last
day of Chinese New Year festivities. The sky of Singapore gets covered
with flaming dots of paper lanterns set free.
30. Singapore's Folk Dance and Music
The range of dance comprising traditional, as well as
contemporary, is a reflection of the diversity of the culture
in Singapore. Predominated by the Chinese community, the
island population also consists of Indians, Malays and
Indonesians highlighting Singapore as a multicultural
country. Lion Dance by the Chinese community is
performed during various festivities like New Year while the
Malay National Dance - Zapin - is popular among Malays.
One can even find Indian Bharatanatyam and Kathak been
taught in multiple schools in Singapore. Undoubtedly, this is
one of the best places to experience western-style
performing arts including Opera and Ballet with the
courtesy of the Symphony Orchestra at Esplanade-Theatres
on the Bay which offers free jazz and opera performances
occasionally by the water's edge. The island is also known to
host a range of music festivals like Mosaic Music Festival
and the cutting edge Baybeats every year attracting various
international stars and rock bands from overseas.
ThepopularLionDanceof Singapore
31. The history of the modern state of Singapore dates back to its founding
in the early nineteenth century; however, evidence suggests that a
significant trading settlement existed on the Island of Singapore in the
14th century. At the time, the Kingdom of Singapura was under the rule
of Parameswara, who killed the previous ruler before he was expelled by
the Majapahit or the Siamese. It then came under the Malacca Sultanate
and then the Johor Sultanate. In 1819, British statesman Stamford Raffles
negotiated a treaty whereby Johor allowed the British to locate a trading
port on the island, ultimately leading to the establishment of the crown
colony of Singapore in 1867.During World War II, Singapore was
conquered and occupied by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945.
When the Japanese surrendered, Singapore reverted to British control,
with increasing levels of self-government being granted, resulting in
Singapore's merger with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in
1963. However, social unrest and disputes between Singapore's ruling
People's Action Party and Malaysia's Alliance Party resulted in Singapore's
expulsion from Malaysia. Singapore became an independent republic on 9
August 1965.Facing severe unemployment and a housing crisis partially
caused by the Bukit Ho Swee fire, Singapore embarked on a
modernisation programme beginning in the late 1960s through the 1970s
that focused on establishing a manufacturing industry, developing large
public housing estates, and investing heavily in public education and
infrastructure.By the 1990s, the country had become one of the world's
most prosperous nations, with a highly developed free market economy
and strong international trading links. It now has the highest per capita
gross domestic product in Asia, which is 7th in the world, and it is ranked
9th on the UN Human Development Index.
