Singapore - Lion or Fish? Singapore is a small island with a large presence in the global sea, and Singapore\'s Merlion combines the pride of a lion (or tiger) with the freedom to swim in the world\'s oceans. This pride and freedom is expressed in unique ways by the people of Singapore, with its diverse culture and economic success, and this short presentation dips a small toe in the local sea. This presentation was originally given at the JMRA/APRC conference in Tokyo on 25 November 2010.

1. weaving richer connections

2. Singapore – Lion or Fish?

3. Is Singapore just
a small island?

4. Or 1 small island and
63 smaller islands?

5. Singapore’s symbol is the Merlion,
representing the lion seen by a
Sumatran prince at the city’s founding,
and a close association with the sea

6. Although there have
never been lions,
Sumatran tigers were
once proudly here

7. Singapore attracts a lot of attention by
being a beautiful fish in the global sea

8. Is Singapore proud tiger,
beautiful fish, or both?

9. Singaporean pride is called
KIASU, which means “fear of
losing out” and defines the
local temperament

10. Kiasu is Singapore’s version of
Asian face, and not losing is
more important than winning

11. Singapore is winning in
the air as well as water

12. And even on dry land!

13. Despite appearances,
Singapore is crowded with
more than 5 million people

14. Singapore is the second most
densely populated country on
earth (after Monaco), and less
sleepy than it once was

15. So people live close together,
but not too close for comfort

16. They like to keep some distance

17. Which is why Singapore has the lowest
fertility rate in the world and relies on
population growth from outside

18. Inspiring local interest in
encouraging more ….
(Singapore’s 2010 blog of
the year is about first dates!)

19. The country’s origins and
strongest ties are with MalaySIa

20. And the national
anthem is in Malay

21. English, or Singlish, is the
main language spoken

22. Above all, Singapore
is ethnically Chinese
with 74% of the
population

23. China is the
dominant culture

24. There are also close ties to
India and a significant
population from South Asia

25. This makes Singapore a
colourful blend and a meeting
point for Asia, with strong ties to
China, India and South East Asia

26. Indian
ties
Indeed, it is a
global cross
roads with 42%
of the population
born outside the
country

27. Singapore’s
blogosphere has
all the local
preoccupations
with celebrity,
appearance,
individual
lifestyle and
commerce

28. And of course FOOD,
which is a local obsession!

29. Singaporeans like to
share prosperity cakes

30. And like to enjoy their
prosperity, but does this make
Singapore a pleasure garden?

31. Or perhaps a soft spot?

32. Whatever the truth,
the wanderlust is
still there

33. Which is why Singapore is the #1 logistics hub in the world

34. And rated #1 country for
business by the World Bank

35. Although a small island

36. Singapore is a proud swimmer in the global sea

37. www.tapestryworks.asia