Singapore, A global city and a place of power.

SINGAPORE: A GLOBAL CITY AND A PLACE OF POWER

Singapore plays an important role in the global economic system.  It fulfills many of the characteristics of a global city: wealthy, diverse, connected, and creative.

Its strategic location in South Asia makes it an ideal space of economic and financial exchange between the continents.  Singapore is a wealthy city and it plays a key role in the international financial sector. Computer technology, advanced information management, and telecommunications have contributed to the rise of this city.

Singapore has a diverse demographic. The economic development has attracted many people from China, Malaysia, Europe and America. Currently, foreigners in Singapore make up a third of its total workforce.  This has a made the population dense and the majority is young.

Finally, Singapore has built on its advantageous geographical location to become one of the world’s top transportation hubs for sea and air cargo. The city is equipped with all the modern transport systems: airports, train stations, ports, etc.

Singapore's different culture and multicultural heritage makes it a city with a lot of contrasts. The contrasts can be easily found all over the city. For example, there are two different sides of the city: the old Singapore with the old architectural houses such as Chinatown and the modern Singapore with its financial district and many skyscrapers.

Singapore is also a place of power. It has an economic powerhouse; international political and financial leaders, high quality of schools, public service, Furthermore, it has a very good health care system, which resulted in an increase of life expectancy. Singapore has one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. In fact, Singapore is a magnet city that attracts people from everywhere.

Despite its economic development, Singapore has many drawbacks.

Singapore is dependent on other countries for gaz, oil and agriculture. Many of the necessities have to be imported. Furthermore, because the city has a high population density and the transportation systems and private cars, all this has resulted in a high level of pollution.  Besides, the city is very noisy. Other environmental issues in Singapore include air water pollution, urbanisation and deforestation.

Finally, Singapore has harsh judicial punishments, and illiberal social policies. Homosexual acts, for example, remain illegal and protest demonstrations are rarely permitted.

Fifty years ago, Singapore was an undeveloped country with one of the world’s lowest per capita incomes. Today, it is one of the world's fastest growing economies. Despite it lacks territory and natural resources, Singapore's economic ascension has been remarkable. As said Mr Lee: “If Singapore had not been so poor, it might never have transformed itself and prospered as it has”.

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