Singapore Newsletter

ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE2013

CultureISSUE 1

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Introduction to Singapore, the Garden City

Singapura

Singapore is an island country made up of 63 islands located at the south of Malaysia and north of Indonesia. Singapore is a highly urbanized country with a bustling sea port and a population of 5.2 million. Of which, 3.3 Million are citizens and 2 Million are foreigners. The official language is Bahasa Melayu but English is the most preferred mode of communication.

(Sin·ga·pore)

History Introduction to

Singapore, the Garden City

Singapore was originally known as Temasek (sea town) and was given the name Singapura by Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijaya Prince from Surabaya, when he spotted a mystical lion-liked beast believed to be the guardian of the island. He built his kingdom on the island and established a diplomatic tie with China.

Modern Singapore was established by Sir Stamford Raffles when Britain signed a treaty with the sultan to colonize the island and turn it into a trading post. Since then, Singapore has claimed independence from the British and merged with Malaysia for a few years before it became independent solely in 1965.

Singapore’s culture is unique in a way that it is a plethora of cultures of the different ethnic groups in the country. It has a mixture of the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western Culture, a conservative yet liberal culture. The different ethnic groups

live harmoniously together as One Singapore. The culture flavor in Singapore is set to change with the increase in foreigners in Singapore. It can be said that you might be from a different country but you will feel at home in Singapore.

(Sin·ga·pore)

Malay

Culture

The ‘Orang Asli’ or original citizens originates from the Malay Peninsula (from Malaysia to Indonesia) were mostly made up of fishermen. They have a conservative, cohesive and bright culture. The Malay community pride themselves in handicrafts and the arts.

Population: 13.4%

Religion: Sunni Muslims

Food: Halal and scrumptious

Festivals in Singapore: Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji

CultureChineseMalayPopulation: 74.1%

Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, non-religious

Food: Chinese Cuisine

Festivals in Singapore: Chinese New Year, Mid-autumn Festival

The predominant race in Singapore. The Chinese communities are descendants of the Chinese immigrants that worked at the bustling trading port in the early days. They have a conservative yet high striving culture where they pride themselves in businesses.

Indian

The Indian community are also descendents of the Indian immigrants and the Indian Army (British Colony army). They have a bright culture that brings joy and smiles to the citizens. Their cuisines are made up of spices and bread and are enjoyed by citizens of all race and age.

CulturePopulation: 9.2%

Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity

Food: Tamil Cuisine, North Indian food

Festivals in Singapore: Deepavali, Thaipusam

Culture

BlablaThe Eurasian community descends from Europeans who married local Asians in the 19th century. They have a very unique culture which symbolises different ethnicities both European and Asian. Their cuisine comprises of different varieties from French, Italian, Spanish, German and more.

EurasianPopulation: 3.3%

Religion: Christianity

Food: Western Food, French Cuisine, Italian Cuisine,

Spanish Cuisine, German Cuisine

Festivals in Singapore: Christmas, Good Friday