Throughout most of my return journey, I have playfully entertained various writing angles to punctuate a very meaningful trip to Southeast Asia. I could either give a rather relaxed journal or plunge into critical analysis of the visual, political and social stimuli in that part of the world. Maybe I could strike a balance between the two, and offer a few insights. I intend to make this a mini-series so I can do justice to all the sights and scenes I have witnessed and ultimately demonstrate how Singapore is that superior compared to Malaysia.
Pace
The Singaporean lifestyle is highly-mobile, fast-paced and revolves around a very stringent schedule. Public transit or transport is unforgiving if said schedule is taken lightly, since one plans his or her commutes to accommodate clients, deadlines, plans etc. Surely, this is a given in any metropolis, but given the sheer congestion, density and proximity of locations, it often takes 15 minutes via MRT to get to where a 3 minute car would (barring traffic jams).
Also, there is a lot of walking involved. As a result, most Singaporeans are quite fit in stature and physique. It normally is a workout to get from one place to the next in a timely fashion, since one has to dodge rather impetuous human traffic, slither through crowds and resiliently bear a remorseless climate. Accessibility is quite universal, with rather comprehensive facilities and measures to cater for persons with disabilities. However, much of the hustle and bustle loses its appeal in retiring folk who desire a much more relaxed pace of life.
Climate
1. Physical
Many foreigners from the Northern Hemisphere desire the hot and humid weather, since it has quite an exotic and tropical flavor that gives off a 'vacation' vibe. Rest assured, I do not regard the weather as a nicety nor do I believe it to be conducive to the aggregate or overall happiness of the populace. As a local of that region, whatever nostalgia or sensuality associated with dripping sweat and or stickiness is virtually non-existent for me. Yes, the weather is tolerable and one adapts to it over time, but for business people in suits and leather shoes, I can hardly imagine them being pleasant about the climate. The need for air-conditioning and comfort is ubiquitous in Singapore, so the challenge for sustainable and environmentally friendly policies in this area is a very pressing one.
How could I forget about the tropical rainstorms in the region? Malaysia or Singapore alike, it rains cats and dogs there and they truly dampen your spirits much less wreck most of your afternoon plans. Then again, there are always the malls for you to spend your cash, and I am sure most Singaporeans (like Malaysians) take refuge in those mega-structures - their cool, marble floors, designer brands and frosty air-conditioning effectively lock down a significant number of consumers for hours on end. Its either that or more sweat outside.
2. Economic Climate
The economic boon of Singapore is its location of its port, industriousness of its entrepreneurs and success of its ventures. The booming city continually attracts investors, intellectuals and tourists alike. Here, the circulation of capital and wealth is extremely fluid, and its effects are well documented - the gleaming skyscrapers, opulent shopping cascades and pristine guest-houses. Singapore's arm of hospitality is a testament to its financial prominence and dominance in the region. It remains the locus of economic activity, the SGX is as strong as ever and the Singapore Dollar is on the rise. The inflow of capital and investment has spurred countless development projects but yet the distribution of resources is by no means equal. Various conversations that I have had with my colleagues over the past week was centered on the fact that Singapore is not quite a world/global city yet because of its inequitable growth. There still remain pockets around the city of Singapore which are not reaping the benefits of urbanization, rather, the process is increasing the gap of disparity. This is a common scene in many capitalist economies, but I would argue that Singapore's social and political climate is a healthy one, and that translates to policies that incorporate all classes, races and occupations.
3. Socio-political Climate
I have observed the configuration of Singaporean society and concluded that there is an amazing integration of races and ethnicities within a multicultural framework. It differs from the North American or Canadian model of a mosaic; instead, Singapore's multi-ethnic policies heightens the awareness of race as elemental to a Singaporean identity, that is, one is Singaporean because of ones acceptance to living with other races under the national banner. I find that the national ideology of Singapore cultivates very loyal and harmonious citizens, since the process of nation-building in Singapore has been appropriately focused on a Singaporean Singapore, with four official languages, no official state religion and the lingua franca being English. I will contrast these nation-building initiatives with Malaysia's in a future blog post.
I would also like to add that impeccable city-planning has contributed to a very healthy social climate. Not only has the management of HDB units proven itself to be capable, the efficacy of housing over 80 percent of the populace and still have one of the most competitive economies in the world speaks volumes towards very pragmatic social policies. Furthermore, racial integration and frequent socialization between races has formed a rather cohesive social unit.
Further thoughts
I will deal with the challenges that Singapore faces in a future blog post because I feel that this post has exceeded its legible limits. Also, stay tuned for a critical analysis of Malaysia and a comparison between these two neighbours. Brothers in every respect, sharing common bonds of kinship, histories and cultures. There is no reason to expect anything other than a flowering relationship between the two; yet, current trends seem to suggest a shift away from increasing ties or dialogue with one another.
In other news, its good to be home. Well, my secondary home.
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