Читать книгу Journey Through Singapore - David Blocksidge - Страница 6

Welcome to the City of the Future!

Singapore is hot, not just because it is nearly on the equator but because of all that is happening here. This proud nation continues to stride confidently forward in the twenty-first century.

For a country that gained full independence as recently as 1965, Singapore has come a long way. Legend has it that the island once known as Temasek was settled back in the mists of time by Sri Tri Buana, who established Singapura—the Lion City—after he sighted a leonine beast in the area. His descendants ruled for five generations until the last ruler, Parameswara, was forced to flee when the Javanese attacked. The first documentary evidence for Singapore dates from the thirteenth century, when it was a flourishing centre for trade. A slow decline followed, with jungle reclaiming the island. By the nineteenth century, seafarers who roamed the region had created a few settlements on the island and some enterprising Chinese migrants had established plantations of gambier and pepper. But the arrival of one man would change everything.

Restaurants and bars line the waterfront of Singapore, making it a scenic place to chill out after work.

A fantastic fireworks display at the world’s largest floating stage—the Float@Marina Bay—to celebrate the country’s independence day on 9 August.

The half-fish, half-lion Merlion is Singapore’s official mascot.

The world’s first Formula One night race has been held in Singapore since 2008.

Over 90 per cent of Singaporeans live in high-rise apartments and own their own homes.

Singapore is the region’s leading banking and commercial hub.

The infinity pool on the 57th floor at Marina Bay Sands is the highest and largest infinity pool in the world.

The Singapore Lions playing against the Indonesia Garudas at Jalan Besar Stadium during the 28th SEA Games.

Chingay is an annual multicultural street parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year and includes performances by local and regional talents.

Buskers in Singapore showcase their skills outside shopping malls, MRT stations and in underground walkways. Some of the more popular buskers have a following on social media.

To counter Dutch trading monopolies in the East, Thomas Stamford Raffles signed an agreement with the younger brother of the Sultan of Johor allowing the British to establish a trading post on Singapore and leasing the island in perpetuity for an annual payment of 4,000 silver dollars. Thus began Singapore’s modern era. Within three years of Raffles’ landing in 1819, the population numbered more than 10,000, of which 60 per cent were Malays. By 1860, at the first census, the population exceeded 80,000 and was mostly Chinese. Other migrants seeking success included Tamils, Ceylonese, Bengalis, Gujuratis, Punjabis, Javanese, Bugis, Balinese and Sumatrans, as well as Europeans. The foundations were laid early on for Singapore’s remarkable growth.

After Raffles, Singapore prospered for many years under the British. In 1929, however, tin and rubber prices collapsed and thousands lost their jobs in the Great Depression. Although considered impregnable by the British, during World War II Singapore was quickly overrun by the Japanese. After peace came in 1945, Singaporeans began planning for independence. Under a new constitution, David Marshall was elected first chief minister in 1955 and he lobbied Britain unsuccessfully for full independence. Meanwhile, a young Straits-born Cambridge graduate led a group of lawyers, teachers and journalists in forming a left-wing political party whose rallying cry was ‘Merdeka!’ (Freedom). In the 1959 elections, Lee Kuan Yew and his People’s Action Party swept to power. After failing to become part of Malaysia in 1963, Singapore became fully independent in 1965. Lee became the first prime minister and stayed in that position for 31 years, stepping aside in 1990 to allow a younger generation to take the political reins. His vision, intellect and integrity have earned him a place in history. With his passing in 2015, Singapore entered a new era.

The Marina Bay area comprises not only the financial district but also dining and shopping options, hotels and attractions like the Singapore Flyer and Gardens By the Bay.

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard displays his driving prowess in an hour-long stunt showcase at Orchard Road to generate interest in the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Music festivals such as St Jerome’s Laneway have been held in Singapore, featuring international and local music acts like Enterprise (pictured).

Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island is a popular weekend getaway.

Orchard Road has more than 5,000 dining and shopping outlets.

The newly refurbished Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall has been gazetted as a National Monument and is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Singapore’s tallest skyscrapers are capped at 280 metres because of their proximity to Paya Lebar Airbase.

Post-colonial Singapore is an astonishing success story. The People’s Action Party, in power to this day, began alleviating poverty early. Infrastructure has always been a high priority. Low-cost, high-rise housing replaced overcrowded downtown areas, and most Singaporeans now own their homes. The container port is one of the world’s busiest and most efficient. The Mass Rapid Transit system is the envy of other nations. Business travellers consistently rate Changi Airport the best in the world. Manufacturing industries fuelled much of the initial growth for many years, aided by the famous Singaporean work ethic. Tourism, too, has been encouraged and is a thriving industry, as has the banking and financial sector.

The costumes of Singapore’s multicultural population include sarongs and shoulder cloths, bright colours and intricate beadwork. Many borrow elements from each other’s costumes.