“Asian Review 015” ― Singapore part1
A small country occupying a great position in Asia
As the third edition of the series “Asian Review” after Shanghai and Hanoi, I would like to explore Singapore.
When I arrive at Singapore Changi International Airport and head towards the city by taxi, I feel some kind of uplifting feeling. Along the beautifully maintained roads, I can see tropical flowers swaying in the wind, fresh green in vivid color, high-rise buildings rising far away, all of which remind me the firm belief of this safe, clean and sophisticated “City State”. The city view from the Infinity Pool on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands seems to symbolize the economic development and vitality of this country.
There are 5.6 million people living on the land of this country which is only about 720 km². This is equivalent to 1.15 times the Tokyo 23 wards. The population density is the second largest in the world. As of 2016, GDP is US $29.7 million, but the GDP per capita is the tenth highest in the world with 53 thousand US dollars, third in Asia, first place excluding oil producing countries. Concerning the population ratio of Millionaires (Individulas with asset over one million US dollars), Singapore is third in the world.
Singapore had been ranked No.1 in the World Bank’s “ease of doing business index” for 10 consecutive years until 2016. Now in the middle of the “Asian Era”, this country is becoming to have influence in Southeast Asia comparable to Japan and China. Low corporate tax rate, stability of currency and other superiority is leading Singapore to a hub in Southeast Asia for multinational corporations.
A small island named “Singa Pula” (Lion’s Island) had caught tremendous interest of Sir Thomas Stamford Ruffles in the UK due to its geopolitical importance, and it had grown his passion to acquire the land. It was in 1824 that the UK colonized the island utilizing the timing of internal conflict of the Kingdom of Johor, and renamed it Singapore.
The colonial era ended in 1965, after which it was ruled by Lee Kuan Yu. However, at the time of being separated from Malaysia, it is said that the country was in a desperate state without resources, water and food.
How did Singapore build its current position in the following 50 years?
In the following few posts, I would like to explore some interesting spots of Singapore from the perspective of a foreigner, looking over the history and future of this country. Stay Tuned!
