weaving richer connections

Singapore – Lion or Fish?

Is Singapore just a small island?

Or 1 small island and 63 smaller islands?

Singapore’s symbol is the Merlion, representing the lion seen by a Sumatran prince at the city’s founding, and a close association with the sea

Although there have never been lions, Sumatran tigers were once proudly here

Singapore attracts a lot of attention by being a beautiful fish in the global sea

Is Singapore proud tiger, beautiful fish, or both?

Singaporean pride is called KIASU, which means “fear of losing out” and defines the local temperament

Kiasu is Singapore’s version of Asian face, and not losing is more important than winning

Singapore is winning in the air as well as water

And even on dry land!

Despite appearances, Singapore is crowded with more than 5 million people

Singapore is the second most densely populated country on earth (after Monaco), and less sleepy than it once was

So people live close together, but not too close for comfort

They like to keep some distance

Which is why Singapore has the lowest fertility rate in the world and relies on population growth from outside

Inspiring local interest in encouraging more …. (Singapore’s 2010 blog of the year is about first dates!)

The country’s origins and strongest ties are with MalaySIa

And the national anthem is in Malay

English, or Singlish, is the main language spoken

Above all, Singapore is ethnically Chinese with 74% of the population

China is the dominant culture

There are also close ties to India and a significant population from South Asia

This makes Singapore a colourful blend and a meeting point for Asia, with strong ties to China, India and South East Asia

Indian ties

Indeed, it is a global cross roads with 42% of the population born outside the country

Singapore’s blogosphere has all the local preoccupations with celebrity, appearance, individual lifestyle and commerce

And of course FOOD, which is a local obsession!

Singaporeans like to share prosperity cakes

And like to enjoy their prosperity, but does this make Singapore a pleasure garden?

Or perhaps a soft spot?

Whatever the truth, the wanderlust is still there

Which is why Singapore is the #1 logistics hub in the world

And rated #1 country for business by the World Bank

Although a small island

Singapore is a proud swimmer in the global sea

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