SINGAPORE

A MULTI-CULTURED COUNTRY
PEREZ, JOHARA & SUMANG, NELVIN
HISTORY

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 • A third century Chinese account
describes it as "Pu-luo-chung", or the
“Island at the end of a peninsula".
Later, the city was known as Temasek
("Sea Town"),
• According to legend, Sang Nila
Utama, a Prince from Palembang, was
out on a hunting trip when he caught
sight of an animal he had never seen
before. Taking it to be a good sign, he
founded a city where the animal had
been spotted, naming it “The Lion
City” or Singapura, from the Sanskrit
words “simha” (lion) and “pura” (city).
• Located at the tip of the Malay
Peninsula, the natural meeting point of
sea routes, the city flourished as a
trading post for vessels.

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• The National Flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. A
white crescent moon occupies the upper left red section. Next to the moon are
five white stars arranged in a circle.
• Each feature of the Flag bears a unique symbolic meaning. Red stands for
universal brotherhood and equality of man. White symbolises pervading and
everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on
the ascendant, and the five stars depict Singapore's ideals of democracy,
peace, progress, justice and equality.
President: Tony Tan Keng Yam (2011)

Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Loong (2004)

Land area: 241 sq mi (624 sq km); total area: 267 sq mi (692.7 sq km)

Population (2014 est.): 5,567,301 (growth rate: 1.92%); birth rate:

8.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 2.53/1000; life expectancy: 84.38

Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Singapore, 5,183,700.

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 • Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century, thanks to politics,
trade and a man known as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
• During this time, the British empire was eyeing a port of call in this
region to base its merchant fleet, and to forestall any advance made
by the Dutch. Singapore, already an up-and-coming trading post
along the Malacca Straits, seemed ideal.
• Recognising the immense potential of the swamp-covered island, he
helped negotiate a treaty with the local rulers and established
Singapore as a trading station. The city quickly grew as an entrepot
trade hub, attracting immigrants from China, India, the Malay
Archipelago and beyond.
• In 1959, the growth of nationalism led to self-government, and the
country’s first general election. The People’s Action Party (PAP) won a
majority of 43 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister
of Singapore.

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CULTURE

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• The various cultural influences that have come together
to form Singapore make its culture one of the most
diverse in the world.
• Singapore have a number of unusual laws, including
chewing gum and spitting, so make sure to look these
up before you move.
• In Singapore, more than ten different religions are
practiced, however, discrimination is still a prominent
issue.
• Government ensures that citizens pay respect to
different religions and personal beliefs
• Promotes meritocracy, democracy, peace, progress,
justice and equality.
 • Culture in Singapore is largely defined by peace,
justice, and social and religious harmony. The saying
that Singapore is a “fine” city, not only refers to its
cleanliness or its quality of life. In fact, to ensure
safety and order in the state, the government has
UNITY LOYALTY prohibited various things. If you don’t want to pay a
heavy fine or even spend time in jail, you should avoid
the following:
FAMILY - chewing gum - smoking indoors
- spitting - public drunkenness
- littering - drinking and driving
- jay walking - taking drugs
RESPECT - dancing on counters or tables at a bar
 Cosmopolitan Society

Cultural Traditions Language

• Malay • Mandarin
• Indian • Malay
• Chinese • Tamil
• Western • English
Traditions
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SINGAPORE’S CONTRIBUTION TO ASEAN
• Education and Professional Exchange
• Economic Cooperation and Assistance
• Environmental Collaboration
• ASEAN’s integration agenda, reflected in the declaration of the ASEAN
Economic Community in 2015, has also brought benefits not just to
Southeast Asia but to ASEAN’s economic partners. It now represents
around 15% of Australia’s total trade and is our third-largest trading
partner after China and the European Union.”

• Singapore actively promote and enhance the interests and well-being of

ASEAN, ensure the centrality of ASEAN, and represent ASEAN in
strengthening and promoting closer relations with external partners. As
the ASEAN Chair is also mandated to lead the other nine Member States
in setting and directing their working priorities for the respective year.
References:
http://siglap.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/0/4/11046902/ss_3-6c_diplomacy_singapores_contributions_to_asean.pdf

https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/singapore-guide

https://eapac.com.sg/singapore-its-people-culture-and-traditions/

https://eapac.com.sg/singapore-its-people-culture-and-traditions/

https://www.nhb.gov.sg/what-we-do/our-work/community-engagement/education/resources/national-symbols/national-
flag

https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/about-singapore/

https://www.infoplease.com/world/countries/singapore

https://www.internations.org/singapore-expats/guide/29464-culture-shopping-recreation/local-customs-and-culture-in-
singapore-16077

https://www.overseassingaporean.sg/en/stories?ArticleId=%7BC800B7D9-9732-4851-90BB-A9EF5BF300D5%7D