7 Things That Make Singapore Unique
If you’re wondering how many days you should spend in Singapore for your holiday, you might first want to know what makes this country unique.
So before getting your travel backpack ready, read on to find out some interesting things about this tiny island nation.
What makes Singapore different from other countries?
There are plenty of things that set apart Singapore from other countries, but here are the main ones.
1. It’s a city, island, and nation by itself
Singapore is both a city and a country and also an island nation as previously stated. This unique geographical description makes it one of a kind—the only one of its kind in the world, in fact.
Because it’s bordered on all sides by bigger nations, Singapore has natural disasters so rarely. For people who long for a tropical climate, this tiny nation can offer it practically all year round (with the occasional monsoon weather, of course).
So even if it’s a short Singaporean holiday for you, you won’t run out of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take your pick of hiking trails, islands to visit, and even yacht trips when the sun is shining.
2. It has one of the most open economies in the world
Many foreign and local investors consider Singapore one of the best places to buy businesses (as well as build them). Its economic environment is one that’s free, open, and competitive for many businesses and investments.
Foreigners and nonresidents who choose to invest in Singapore can be taxed anywhere between 15% and 22%. Also, corporations can expect a low VAT rate of 7% and no capital gains tax, estate duties, or dividend taxes.
It’s truly one of Asia’s best destinations for foreign-owned companies. In fact, the World Economic Forum has declared that it has one of the world’s most open economies.
3. It’s one of the safest countries to live in
Singapore’s emphasis on the security and safety of its citizens and visitors has earned it a reputation for being a strict country. Even the pettiest crimes are punished and penalised here.
However, the result speaks for itself: Singapore has one of the world’s lowest crime rates. It also consistently ranks high in international safe cities indexes and surveys.
Being one of the safest countries to live in has made Singapore a great place to run a business and raise a family. But some people might also find all the orderliness and strict compliance boring and unexciting.
4. It has a world-class educational system
For such a small country, Singapore’s excellent educational system has quite a big global reputation. It’s always at the top ranking of international educational surveys.
The presence of good international schools has enticed expats to send their kids here. Plus, English is the official medium of instruction in Singapore, making it easier for everyone to communicate across cultural groups.
Singapore’s education statistics also clearly demonstrate how Polytechnic graduates can expect speedy employment after they finish school. In 2020 alone, 87.4% were employed within six months!
And enterprising people of all ages can get their MBAs in Singapore. Afterwards, they can expect to be armed with the kind of postgraduate education needed for successful ventures.
What are the main cultural values of Singapore?
Three main values have helped shaped Singapore into its current state: multiculturalism, openness, and determination. Its main characteristic is formed by a multiracial and multireligious heritage, too.
Its openness has allowed foreign workers to get employment in Singapore and contribute both to its labour force and industries.
And the presence of Buddhist temples, mosques, and other worship places indicates the freedom to practice various religious rituals here.
These traits aren’t only apparent in the best international schools in Singapore but in other aspects of society, as well. Singaporeans of different cultures have learned not just to coexist in a peaceful community but also to celebrate each others’ traditions.
5. Singapore is ethnically diverse but has its own identity
Because of its history and location, Singapore has become a unique cultural melting pot which you can see in its architecture, Peranakan food, and celebrations like the Chinese New Year festivals.
Its ethnically diverse people and traditions help visitors and foreign workers not just to adjust quickly but to feel right at home. This kind of congenial and harmonious backdrop is arguably Singapore’s best national trait.
And in spite of its colonial past, you can sing National Day songs to celebrate Singaporean pride and achievement today. Songs and other forms of art help underline Singapore’s unique identity, after all.
6. Its “sterile” veneer makes Singaporeans and visitors feel safe
Another famous trait that’s become part and parcel of Singaporean culture is how clean and orderly things are. That’s because efficiency is valued as much as discipline in this small island nation.
So it isn’t just efficient disposal services that keep Singapore’s public infrastructure and private properties safe and sanitised. It’s also the laws and the way people follow them that makes things run like clockwork.
And while some people deem this sort of strict compliance to cleanliness and orderliness “boring” or too sterile, it nevertheless keeps Singaporeans feeling safe and secure when they’re out and about.
7. Singaporeans strive to keep different cultural heritages alive
Instead of choosing to homogenise the different cultures existing in its communities, Singapore decided to allow the unique celebrations and observances of each one. And you can experience it from its cuisine to its nightlife.
On that note, don’t be surprised to encounter lively Indian clubs when in Singapore. They’re a bit different from the usual vibrant nightclubs with their music, food and beverages, interiors, and ambience but quite enjoyable all the same.
You can also look no further than the various offerings of multicultural cuisine ranging from hawker fare to halal buffets in the country. We can’t blame you if you feel spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to eat for your next meal!