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SINGAPORE - CULTUREGRAM S

Background

Land and Climate. Singapore is an island about the same size as the city of Chicago (244 square miles, or 633 square kilometers) and is located off the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula.Several smaller island also belong to the republic Part of Singapore occupies land that was reclaimed from the sea through landfill operations. Singapore is actually a city space; while there are named subsections of the city, there are essentially no rural area.

Natural reserve on the island’s central plateau(530 feet ,or 160 meters, in elevation) are home to some 140 species of birds, various small forest animals ,trees, and more than 700 plant species. Bukit Thimah ,the largest reserve, was established in 1883. Singapore’s climate is pleasant and virtually unchanging. Temperature range between 75⁰F (24⁰C) to 91⁰F (33⁰C) all the year. It is humid throughout the year and rainy in the winter. Cool night breezes are common.

History. Before a Buddhist prince named the island Singa Pura and established a thriving port in the 14^th century, only a tiny fishing village called Temasek existed on the island. For many years, the island was source of conflict between various mainland interests. The British were attracted to Singapore’s strategic location and natural deepwater port in 19th century. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post on the island obtained it as a possession in 1824.The trade city, created out of a mangrove wetland, soon began to thrive.

Singapore became a British crown colony in 1948. Internal self-rule was granted in 1959. The activities of several radical political organizations (most notably the communists) caused leaders to accept merger with the Federation of Malaya in 1963. Singapore’s inclusion in Malaysia caused domestic political problem, and Singapore declared its independence in 1965. Lee Kuan Yew, first named prime minister in 1959, led Singapore for 30 years. He is credited for shaping Singapore into a solid economic power and for strategic practicality over ideology.

Although Lee resigned in 1990, successive governments have continued his policies for encouraging strong social values through legislation. Government projects further the country’s five shared values: nation before community and society above self; family as the basic unit of society; community support and respect for individual; consensus, not conflict; and racial and religious harmony.

THE PEOPLE

Population. Singapore’s population of 4.4 million is growing by 1.6 percent annually. The population density is about 18,000 persons per square mile (7000 per square kilometer), making Singapore one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The entire population lives in the urban area. Three major Asian cultures are represented in Singapore. Almost 77 percent of the population is Chinese, 14 percent is Malay , and about 8 percent is Indian. There are also new citizens from Europe, America, Australia, and Japan. Because fewer people are marrying and having children, the median age is rising. The government is worried there may not be enough young people to support the aging population, so it has begun programs  to help adults date and now offer financial incentive for having more than two children.

Chinese, Malay and Indian Singaporeans generally enjoy good relations with one another. If individual share the same relation, their ethnicity does not inhibit intermarriage. Malays associate somewhat less often with people of other two groups because their Muslim dietary codes make it difficult to enjoy Chinese festivals and other gatherings. Therefore, religion sometimes plays a greater role in determining social relation than does race, but there are few serious conflicts between religions and races.

Language.  Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English are all official languages. Most Singaporeans are at least bilingual. Malay was declared the national language in 1959 as a gesture to neighboring Malay states. Malays were also the island’s original inhabitants. The Chinese speak a number of different Chinese dialects (including Hokkein,Chaozhou, and cantonese), but putonguah(Mandarin) has essentially replaced the various dialects to become standard Chinese. Standard English is the language of administration and is used most widely in the science, technology, commerce, and tourism. A colloquial dialect called Singlish combines modified English with elements of Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Government officials discourage its use as a sign of low education, but almost everyone uses it occasionally in informal situations.

 Religion.  Singaporeans enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship. Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as a number of small religion, are all practiced in Singapore. Slightly more than half of the people, most of whom are Chinese are either Buddhist,(43 percent) or Taoist(9 percent). Many practice a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Nearly all Malays, who constitute 14 percent of the total population, are Muslim. Fifteen percent of Singaporeans are Christian, and about 4 percent (mostly Indians) are Hindu. Christians generally are either Chinese or Caucasians. Approximately 15 percent of Singaporeans, many of them Chinese, are either atheists or agnostics (called “free-thinkers”). Singapore has two Jewish synagogues.

The diverse religion in Singapore all operate in harmony, with Buddhists and Hindu temples next to Muslim mosques and Christian churches. Singaporeans discuss issues of religion freely and openly. For certain family matters such as marriage, religions are allowed to establish law for their members.

General Attitude.   Singaporeans consider their nation to be unique among modern societies because they hold to traditional Asian values while also prizing modern ideas and progress. The work ethic is strongly advocated, and Singaporeans have a reputation as one of the world’s best work forces. Likewise, high moral and ethical values are stressed in government and business.

Singaporeans believes the nation’s attention to a well ordered society has allowed it to build a highly prosperous modern economy without suffering the social drawbacks inherent in liberal democracy. Cultural ideas and traditions are enforced by law and programs. For example, a single and never- married mother can purchase low cost housing from government or get public health benefits for her children. Also, financial incentives are given to people who buy apartment near their parents so they can care for them latter.

Singaporeans value honesty, humility, education, discipline, and self-control. Shaming another person in public or causing him or her to “lose face” , also shames the offending individual and is a breach of social courtesy. Likewise, conformity is stressed because “antisocial” acts shame one’s entire family.

 Members of rising generations, having benefited from their parents’ success with establishing racial harmony and economic stability, look to the “Five Cs” as lifelong goals: career, condominium, car, cash, and credit card. Career is defined as having proper educational qualification that will allow for career advancement. Condominium is desired because they are nicer than the more ubiquitous government build flats (apartments). Cars are very expensive due to lack of space on the island. Cash is defined by the ability to afford material possession, and credit cards are only available to those with a certain minimum salary.

Personal Appearance.  Most people wear western-style clothing, Lightweight fabrics are the norm, and young people enjoy the latest fashions. However, traditional attire is also still worn, including the Indian sari (wrapped skirt worn by women), salawar kameez (Punjabi pajama-like outfit), cheongsam (Chinese dress), and kebaya(Malaya dress ), among others. Modesty is important, but revealing clothing is becoming more common.

COUSTUMES AND COURTESIES

Greetings.  Greetings customs vary according to age, ethnicity, and situation. Chinese people shake hands, perhaps adding a slight bow for older people. Malays greet with salaam: two people bring right palms together, as if to shake hands, and then slide them apart; each person then touches the palm to his or her heart. Traditional Indian join their palms together in prayer position at chest level, raise them in front of their face, bow slightly, and say Vanakkam (Tamil for “Hello”). Typical Chinese greeting include Ni hao ma?(How are you?), Whei(Hello), or the Cantonese Neih sihkjo faan meih a? (Have you eaten yet?). Malay greet with Selamat pagi (Good morning), Selamat petang (Good afternoon), or Selamat malam(Good evening). More formal Malay terms include Selamat sejahtera ke atas anda(I wish you peace and tranquility) or Muslim phrase Assalam alaikum(Peace be upon you). English greetings are employed between different ethnic groups.

Friends and relatives address each other by given (or personal) names, but titles and family names are used in formal settings. Chinese names begin with the family name followed by a two-character given name. So, a single woman named Lee Hwi Chern is properly addressed by her full name or as Miss Lee .Many Chinese (especially Christians) adopt Western names, which comes first. So Catherine Tan Leng Yan is Miss Tan but Catherine to her friends.

Malays have no surname but instead use a given name followed by the father’s given name. These are separated by bin (son of) or binti (daughter of) ;Daud bin Hakim (addressed as Mr. Daud) or Salmah binte jufri(Miss Salmah). Indians may have the same basic name structure as Malays, or their given name may be followed by a family clan name: Prabhu Naidu is addressed as Mr. Naidu.

Gesture.  In formal situations, Singaporeans cross legs at the knee; they do not rest an ankle on the knee. It is impolite to allow the bottom of the foot to point at a person or to use the foot to move objects. Hitting the fist into the cupped hand or touching another person’s head is impolite. One beckons by waiving all fingers of the right hand with the palm facing down. Finger gestures, such as pointing or forming the round “OK” sign, are considered rude. A slight bow when joining, leaving, or passing a group of people shows courtesy. Most people do not openly touch member of opposite sex in public, but public display of affection are becoming more common among younger generation.

Visiting.  Visiting relatives is important in maintaining family relations. Married children regularly visit their parents and join them for weekend meal(Saturday for one set of parents, and Sunday for the other). Friends also enjoy getting together. Calling in advance is usually necessary. Hosts nearly always offer their guests something to drink; it is impolite not to. Chinese typically serve tea or juice; Malays, juice or coffee; Indians, tea or coffee. On special holidays, hosts arrange a number of refreshments on the coffee table for all guests to enjoy.

Invited guests are expected to be punctual. If a host or guest gives a gift, the recipient opens it latter, not in givers presence. Most families require that shoes be removed before one enters the home. Singaporeans also remove shoes when entering temples, shrines, or mosques.

Eating.  The family tries to eat dinner together each day, but work schedule often interfere. At the very least they eat lunch together on Saturday. Most families sit around a table to eat, but Malays and Indians may sit on a floor mat for traditional meals or festive occasions. Diners wash and dry their hands before the meal. In Indian and Malay homes, men eat first, followed by women and children.

Diners typically have individual bowls (or plates, or even a banana leaf) of rice. Each person takes small portion of meats and vegetables from the serving dishes placed in the center of the table or mat. One does not put a full meal in the bowl at the beginning but takes small amounts from various dishes throughout the meal. Chinese use chopsticks for rice. Malays and Indians may eat with fingers of the right hand or with utensils. All groups use spoons and forks for some type of food. When guests are present, hosts offer second and third helpings. It is polite to accept seconds but to leave a little food behind(on the serving dishes not in one’s own bowl) to show one has been well fed. Otherwise, the hosts may that they have not made enough food or that the guests are greedy.

Singaporeans dine out often, especially if both spouses are employed. In restaurant, a service charge is included in the bill and tipping is uncommon. Muslim do not eat pork and require that all other meat be halal , cooked according to specific  customs with separate utensils. Hindu and Buddhists do not eat beef, and many are vegetarian. Many restaurants are geared to meet these needs.

LIFESTYLE

Family.   Cooperation, loyalty, respect for elders, and unity are deeply valued in all Singapore families. Children (an average of one or two per family) are expected to obey their parents and care for them (financially and otherwise) in their old age.

Elderly parents sometimes live with their married children but may also live alone nearby. Since both spouses often work outside the home, grandparents might provide child care. For some families, the father remains the primary provider and the mother cares for the children at home. Women have equal political, employment, and educational rights. Men are encouraged to share household chores, but burden usually rests on women. However, an increasing number of families now have maids to care for children and household.

Dating and Marriage.   Parents often discourage dating until children have completed their education because dating interferes with their studies. Still, at around age 17, young people begin going to movie, taking walks, dancing, and enjoying other activities together. Most Singaporeans marry in their late twenties. Wedding traditions vary according to religion and personal choice. A non-Muslim marrying to a Muslim must first convert to Islam. The wedding ceremony takes place in community hall. Guests enjoy traditional food and music and give the newlyweds money. Two-hour Hindu ceremonies in temples are followed by vegetarian meal. Some Indians also have their weddings in community hall.Among the Chinese, the groom might visit the bride’s parents for tea on the wedding day to ask for permission to take away their daughter. Then, after taking wedding photos, they hold an evening celebration at a restaurant. Guests give the bride or groom (depending on who invited them) an ang paw (red envelop with money) as a gift. All marriage must first be registered with Registry of Marriage before any traditional ceremony takes place.

Diet.     Rice is eaten on daily basis. With it, people enjoy fish, seafood, and chicken cooked in wide variety of ways. Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef.  Roti parata, an Indian dough bread, is enjoyed for breakfast by all groups. Chinese noodles are popular for lunch. Dim sum(Chinese dumplings) are favorite snacks. Poh piah are spring rolls filled with shredded turnip, bamboo shoots, bean curd, prawns, and pork. Fish head curry (in a sauce with tomatoes, pineapple, and green onions) is a favorite dish. Spicy Malay foods are dipped in peanut sauce. Pineapple, papaya, bananas, durians, and mangoes are among the most common fruits.

Recreations.    Singaporean enjoy soccer, badminton, basketball, tennis, and golf. Water sports of all kinds are popular. Young people like to learn such material arts as tae kwon do. Older people prefer Chinese exercise (taijiquan) and petanque  (French lawn bowling). People have access to a wide variety of cultural arts, as well as movie and television programs.

Gambling is a popular pastime.

The Arts.   The arts mirror ethnic diversity and modern Western culture. Singapore architecture is a unique blend of colonialstyle buildings, Chinese shop houses, Malay slit houses, Indian bungalows, and modern sky crappers, each adapting architectural form of the others. The government’s National Arts Council and large private corporations are the main sponsors of the art. In popular classical Indian dances, such as Bharat Natyam, each hand movement is a form of sign language telling a story. Chinese temporary street theaters, called Wayang, are popular. Traditional Chinese operas are well attended, as are Asian and U.S. films.

Holidays.   Public holidays includes International New Year(1 Jan), Chinese New Year(set by Chinese lunar calendar), Easter(including Friday), Vesak Day(celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha and held during the fifth lunar month), Labor Day(1 May), and Singapore National day(9 Aug.). Other Chinese celebrations are held throughout the year.

Some non-Chinese holidays include Hari Raya Puasa, which is feast at the end of Islamic month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims go without food or drink each day from sunrise to sundown. Other religions are welcome to join in Hari Raya Puasa  as an expression of tolerance and renewal. Hari Raya Haji , another Muslim festival, celebrates the pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Deepavali  (Festival of lights) for Hindus and Sikhs celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Thousands of light decorate stores and homes during this time of national goodwill. Singapore’s Christians celebrate Christmas.

Commerce.     People shop at open- air markets, neighborhood shops, supermarkets, and shopping centers. Most business are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday until 1 p.m. The government recently announced plans to limit employees to working five days. If business is open on Sunday, it is required by law to close on another day. However department stores and neighborhood shops are often open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SOCEITY

Government.  Singapore is a democratic republic. The president (currently Sellapan Rama Nathan) is head of the state, but prime minister (currently Lee Hsien Loong) exercises executive authority and heads the government with his cabinet. Parliament has 93 members, 84 of whom are elected to five-year term. The remaining nine members are appointed by the president. The voting age is 21; all citizens are required to vote in national elections.

Parliament is dominated by the ruling People’s Actions Party (PAP). Small opposition parties exist but have very little power. Singaporean democracy is not well understood by outsiders. Freedoms are restrained to prevent extremism and to maintain social harmony. Stability has only been the norm since 1960s, and most people appreciate the PAP for its success in creating prosperous, efficient, and unified nation. Government leaders are seeking to balance a growing desire for general personal liberties with leaders’ perceptions of the nation’s overall needs.

 Economy.    Although Singapore is the smallest country in the Southern Asia, its entrepreneurial economy is one of the most prosperous. Most people have access to economic prosperity, and underemployment is typically low. Malays have lagged in economic statistics in the past and so receive government assistance (exemption from school fees, for example) to help improve the balance.

  Manufacturing has replaced petroleum refining as Singapore’s largest industrial activity. Electronics dominate the manufacturing industry. Many large companies in Singapore are foreign-owned. The government activity supports the growth of small and medium businesses. Wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and business services are other important economic sectors. Much of Singapore’s trade consists of receiving exports from other countries and then re-exporting them. Two of the largest trading partners are Malaysia and the United States. Agriculture plays a minimal role in the economy, as land is almost completely urbanized.  Most of Singapore’s food is imported. Tourism is actively promoted. The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD).

Economic growth historically has been high since the country gained independence from Britain, but dependence on certain sectors and export has left the country vulnerable to regional and world economic downturns. Thus, economic restructuring and diversification are government priorities. To achieve long-term economic stability, the government is privatizing businesses, liberalizing the finance industry, promoting foreign investment, and negotiating free-trade agreement.

Transportation and Communication.      Singapore is served by international airlines and is linked to Thailand and Malaysia by road and rail. All roads are paved and well maintained. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway serves most areas. Singapore’s communication system is modern and extensive. Radio and Television facilities are operated by government.

Most newspapers are privately owned, but some are partially government-owned.

Education.    Schooling is compulsory for children ages six to sixteen. For the first four years of primary school, all students take the same courses, including mathematics, English, their native language, and civics and moral education. In the fifth and sixth year of the primary school, students are divided based on their capacity to learn foreign languages and mathematics. Nearly all children complete six years of primary schooling. Primary school student take an exit exam that places them in a secondary school by ability and aptitude. A high percentage of secondary school graduates continue their studies in vocational schools or preuniversity programs. Schools have moved to reduce the traditionally heavy academic load in order to help children develop greater creativity and to relieve them of intense pressure to achieve high test scores. The National University of Singapore and various other technical schools offer higher education. Many students also travel abroad for higher degrees. The literacy rate among young Singaporeans approaches 100 percent.

 Health.  Singapore’s health facilities and services are excellent, but are not subsidized by the government. Employees contribute 20 percent of their wages to Central Provident Fund (CPF), matched by an equal amount from employers. One’s account can be used to pay for medical services, housing, and even investments. A high standard of health is attributed to good housing, modern sanitation, and a general concern for sound hygienic practices. Singapore is often referred to as the cleanest city in Asia.

AT A GLANCE

Events and Trends.

§  After much public debate, the government made the controversial decision to legalize casino gambling in April 2005. Two casinos will be constructed by 2009.The government hopes casino gambling will inject increased tourism revenue into the economy.

§  President Nathan began a second term in September 2005. He was reelected unopposed after the government deemed all challengers unsuitable to run.

§  Lee Hsien Loong became Singapore’s third prime minister when his predecessor, Goh Chok Tong, stepped down in August 2004. Lee is the eldest son of Singapore’s founder and first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew.