Singapore Galore

Marina Bay from Sands Sky Park at sunset

M.B.N. and cousin J.B. eating Chinese pork rib soup in Riverside

by Matt Borden Nuñez and Sarah Prather

Dearest PCV friends, if you are going to Singapore you are in for a real shock (and not a bad one)! The city-state of Singapore has a fascinating, unique history reflected in its super international attitude. Just over 5 million people call S’pore home and 2 million of those are foreign born. Take a minute to ponder that… The state’s four official languages include English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin Chinese. You may be surprised to learn Bahasa Indonesia is a variant form of the Malay language, look it up!

Singapore is tied for 18th (with Austria) above France and the U.K. on the Human Development Index, which means this place is verrry niiice (aaand expensive). The country is likened to “Disneyland with the death penalty” or the “world’s only shopping mall with a seat in the United Nations” but there’s so so much more if you choose to scratch the surface.

Ethnic Malays, Chinese, South Indians, and expats from the world over share this tiny island. Many are highly educated, polyglots, and invested in wrestling with the question of “Singaporean national identity,” just one of many riddles to meditate on during your visit. I’ve found this mix of peoples makes for a rich and truly multicultural stage, one upon which you might happen across say… a steel drum concert performed by a Chinese-language high school band. Who’d have thunk it? Singaporeans are also proud of their roots and you can get to know the stories behind how different ethnic groups came to call this island home by visiting neighborhoods, Hawker Centres (food courts), museums, and plain talking to folks.

Happy travels-lah!