Founded in the 19th century, Singapore is a pretty young country that has emerged as an economic powerhouse within just a few decades after gaining independence from the British in 1965. The modern city-state, which is made up of more than 60 islands between Malaysia and Indonesia, offers highly livable and culturally diverse communities, world-class infrastructure, and a vibrant business environment, making it an ideal place to live, work, and do business in. The economic opportunities and quality of life that one can enjoy in Singapore are much appreciated not just by its citizens but also by people from around the world. A lot of exceptional talents and globally competitive businesses have elected to establish roots in the city-state, and their presence bolsters Singapore’s international character. This small country’s multicultural flare is highlighted by the following:
A Highly Diverse Population Made Up of Locals and Foreigners
As of June 2022, Singapore has a population of 5.6 million. Of this number, 4.07 million are Singapore citizens and permanent residents while 1.56 million are non-residents. About 1 in every 4 people living in Singapore comes from other countries, but many Singapore citizens and residents can also trace their ancestry beyond the shores of the city-state. Aside from living and working together, many of the people in Singapore find partners from another ethnic, religious, or cultural community. Inter-ethnic marriages among citizens are quite common, while transnational couples make up 1 in every 3 marriages among citizens.
The Wide Availability of Excellent International Schools
Many of the international professionals who live and work in Singapore bring their families with them, and they typically have an easy time finding schools for their children. There schools here that offer AP classes and the IB Programme, both of which are honored by universities and colleges around the world. There are also international schools in the country that offer curricula based on the ones being used in countries such as Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Some international families are also fortunate enough to get spots in local schools. Regardless of where they send their kids to study in the country, though, international families can be sure that their children will develop an appreciation for their own culture and that of their peers.
Singapore’s Important Role in International Trading and Logistics
Singapore is home not only to international and multicultural households but also to global enterprises. The city-state’s current location is a natural meeting point for sea routes, and long before the foundation of modern Singapore, it has already served as a flourishing trading post. Today, the country’s advantageous location is just one of the many reasons why international businesses choose Singapore as the springboard for their expansion in Southeast Asia. The city-state offers an open environment to companies and entrepreneurs who want to invest in the country, plus it’s also an important trading partner to other economic powerhouses such as China and the United States. It’s no wonder, then, that plenty of businesses from all over the world have headquarters, facilities, and branches in the Lion City.
A Government That Promotes the Peaceful Coexistence of Different Cultures
Today’s Singapore is made of of different ethnicities, and religions, but building an environment where different people can coexist peacefully and prosper together is an enduring task. The Singapore government is keen on ensuring that its people will continue to live in peace and united community that honors its multicultural heritage. The nation’s commitment to equality is enshrined in its constitution, religious preferences are not allowed to dictate the affairs of the state, and tolerance and moderation are being promoted among different religious groups.
To this end, Singapore has four official and equal languages, and Singaporeans are encouraged to retain their mother tongue and learn second languages. Through housing programs, people of different ethnicities are also given plenty of opportunities to interact with people who have different practices and customs. These activities are carried out to help individuals see that they are a part of a much larger and diverse community that has shared values.
A Country That Promotes World-class Innovation
Singapore is a progressive country, and its government has taken solid steps in ensuring that its people will be able to adapt to and thrive on the global stage. Part of this effort is bringing international innovation into the country and using cutting-edge technology to improve the quality of life in its communities. Businesses for good and companies that specialize in research and development have an easy time setting up shop in Singapore, as the Lion City offers plenty of assistance to help them develop and test their products and systems. This effort, in turn, gives citizens, residents, and non-residents access to internationally acclaimed innovations before they are made available to the rest of the world. It’s one of the many perks of living in a globally competitive city.
Small as it may be, Singapore is a truly cosmopolitan city-state that celebrates the uniqueness of its people while maintaining a unified community. It’s a place where people from all ethnicities, cultures, and religions will feel right at home as long as they treat the other members of their community equally.
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