Singapore Education

 

 

In the late 1980s the country had some 290 primary schools with 278,300 pupils and 160 secondary schools with 200,200 students. The principal institutions of higher education are the National University of Singapore (founded in 1980 with the merger of two major universities), several technical colleges, and a teachers college.

Singapore, Republic of, independent city-state in southeastern Asia, comprising one major island and more than 50 small adjacent islets, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore Island, the one major island, is separated from Malaysia on the north by the narrow Johor Strait. On the south, it is separated from the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia by Singapore Strait, an important shipping channel linking the Indian Ocean to the west with the South China Sea on the east. The city of Singapore is at the southeastern end of the island; it is one of the most important port cities and commercial centers of Southeast Asia. The total area of the republic is 640 sq km (247 sq mi).

Land and Resources
Low-lying Singapore Island has no prominent relief features. A central area of hills rises to the maximum elevation of 176 m (577 ft). Coral reefs are found in certain coastal areas, and numerous short streams drain the island. The country has a wet tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 27.2° C (81° F). The average annual rainfall is 2413 mm (95 in); the wettest months are November through January. Most of the primary jungle and swamps have been removed for residential, industrial, and, to a lesser extent, agricultural use. A small area of the central hills retains its natural jungle cover. Soils are relatively infertile, and clays and sand are the only mineral resources.

Population
The population (1992 estimate) was 2,818,200. The overall population density was 4400 persons per sq km (11,410 per sq mi). The majority of the population is concentrated on the southern part of the island. The population is ethnically diverse and consists principally of Chinese (about 78 percent), Malays (14 percent), and Indians (7 percent). The country has four official languages—English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English is the language of administration. Among the principal religions of Singapore are Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Government
Singapore is governed under a constitution of 1959, as amended. A president, elected to a four-year term, is head of state, and a prime minister is head of government. The president used to be elected by Parliament, but by a 1991 constitutional amendment, the president is now elected directly by the people. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament, the 81 members of which are popularly elected. The People's Action party has been the dominant political party since Singapore became independent.

Economy
Singapore has one of the highest standards of living of any country in Asia. In the late 1980s the gross domestic product was estimated at $23.7 billion, or $8870 per capita; the annual budget included $5.8 billion in revenue and $6.2 billion in expenditure. Agriculture is relatively unimportant to the economy because of the limited land area and the relatively poor soils, but market vegetables and fruits are grown. The fishing industry is centered on the port of Jurong, on southwestern Singapore Island. In the mid-1980s the annual catch landed by Singapore vessels was about 13,200 metric tons.
Industry has grown rapidly since the 1960s, and Singapore now produces a diversity of goods, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronic items, clothing, plastics, rubber products, steel pipes, plywood, and processed foods. Shipbuilding and petroleum refining are also important. The leading industrial area is the Jurong Industrial Estate.
Singapore is a major world port and has extensive dock facilities along Keppel Harbour on the southern coast. Much of its trade involves the transshipment of goods produced in the region. In the late 1980s annual imports cost $40.3 billion while exports earned $38 billion. Singapore's principal trading partners include the United States, Japan, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Germany, and Hong Kong. Singapore is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Tourism and international banking are important sources of foreign exchange revenue. The country has one of the largest international airports in Asia, and a 26-km (16-mi) rail line that crosses Johor Strait and links with the Malaysian railroad system. The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar (1.629 Singapore dollars equal U.S.$1; 1992).

History
It is believed that Singapore was a trading center in the Sri Vijaya Empire until the 14th century, when title passed to the kingdom of Majapahit. It was claimed in the 15th century by the Malacca sultanate.

European Colonization
The modern city was founded in 1819 on the site of a fishing village by the British colonial administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and deeded to the British East India Company in 1824 by the sultan of Johor. In 1826 Singapore was incorporated into the colony of the Straits Settlements. Its advantageous location on the narrow passage between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and its free-port status soon turned Singapore into a major commercial center. After World War I (1914-1918), Britain designated the island its principal naval base in East Asia and undertook extensive military construction. During World War II (1939-1945) Singapore was captured and occupied by the Japanese. As the British retreated, they only partially destroyed the causeway that linked Singapore with the Malay peninsula. Thus the invaders had easy access to the great port; however, important installations, including the world's largest floating dry dock, were destroyed to deny them to the Japanese. On September 6, 1945, the city was liberated by British troops. The following year Singapore was made a separate crown colony; on June 3, 1959, it became a self-governing state in the Commonwealth of Nations. On September 16, 1963, Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo (renamed Sabah), and Sarawak united to form Malaysia.

The Republic
In 1965 Singapore was separated from Malaysia and became a sovereign state, remaining in the Commonwealth and becoming a member of the United Nations. In December of that year the island was proclaimed a republic. Inche Yusof bin Ishak, head of state since 1959, became the first president. His successors were Benjamin Henry Sheares who held the office from 1971 until his death in 1981, and C. V. Devan Nair, who was elected in 1981. From 1959 to 1990 executive power was exercised by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. His People's Action party captured Parliament in every election from 1968 on, and he governed with a firm hand. Fearing Communist subversion, Lee was a staunch supporter of United States policies in Southeast Asia, and in 1971 he led Singapore into a defense alliance with Australia, Great Britain, Malaysia, and New Zealand. After the end of the Vietnam War (1959-1975) he adopted a more conciliatory attitude toward the Communist regimes in the area, finally extending diplomatic recognition to China in 1990. Nair resigned the presidency in 1985 and was replaced by Wee Kim Wee. Lee resigned in 1990 and designated Goh Chok Tong as his successor. Tong's government won 77 out of 81 seats in the 1991 parliamentary elections. Ong Teng Cheong of the People's Action party became the country's first directly elected president on September 2, 1993.

  

City of Diverse Cultures, The Garden City, The Fun City and City for the Arts - these are some of the names given to Singapore to show visitors what this exciting destination can offer to visitors wanting to indulge their senses on holiday.

 

 

 

 

Whether it be tucking into a traditional breakfast of freshly brewed coffee and kava (egg and coconut jam) and toast, hiking at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - home to more species of plants than the entire North American continent, pampering yourself at a spa or partying all night long at the trendiest nightspots along Mohamed Sultan road, visitors can find many ways to 'live it up' in Singapore throughout the year.

 

Visitors to Singapore are always amazed by what they see. The city's various luxury hotels and modem shopping malls dotting this tropical island are well-connected by the efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network. Singapore's bustling port, world-renowned Changi Airport, and thriving business, are all testimonies to Singapore's standing as one of the leading financial, economic and trading centres in the region. 

 

The various ethnic districts - Geylang Serai, Arab Street, Chinatown and Little India, affirm the city-state's rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage. The religious  monuments, quaint shophouses, wonderful array of traditional food and ethnic goods ranging from Indonesian batiks, Turkish scents to Chinese clogs, jasmine garlands and silk saris provide an interesting insight into the cultural fabric of Singapore.

 

From fascinating treasures and antiques to the latest season's fashion trends, few countries in the world can match the range and variety of goods sold in Singapore. Retail outlets are everywhere. Shoppers ca find an amazing array of state-of-the-art or high fashion products and traditional, ethnic goods in it seemingly endless variety of stores and malls. Great shopping is not just confined to the city - a variety of goods can also be found in the shopping malls in the suburban districts such as Bishan and Tampines. Good bargains can be found during the Great Singapore Sale  - an annual even which offers shoppers on the island to enjoy fantastic discounts. 

 

Check out Singapore's nightlife! Discos, jazz clubs, piano lounges, pubs and wine bars are amongst a whole host of nightlife options that await visitors when dusk falls. Make a trip down to Orchard Road,  Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village and Bugis Street and Mohamed Sultan Road and take your pick of the variety of night entertainment options available there. 

In the evenings, the Singapore River also comes alive with a kaleidoscope of activities at Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. Wander around the restored shophouses at Clarke Quay where you can find restaurants, pubs and bargains of all sorts. At the same time, enjoy the street entertainment provided by baskers and live bands. 

The arts are part of the Singaporean lifestyle. With its cosmopolitan character and international network, Singapore has become a global city for the arts - in fine arts and antique dealing, auctioneering, exhibitions as well as the staging of world :lass musicals, theatre productions, mega concerts, and music and dance performances. In June every year, the Singapore Arts Festival offers an eclectic mix of dance, music and performances from 111 over the world. 

 

Despite or because of its rapid modernisation, Singapore places great emphasis on the preservation of nature. Thus, nestled amongst the ;leek modernity and commercial bustle of the emerald island state are pockets of lush greenery.

 

The Botanic Gardens, near the heart )f the city, combine both primary ungle and landscaped gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life. The Chinese and Japanese Jardens, Mount Faber, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Sungei Guloh Nature Park are some of the other parks and reserves that reflect the Garden City's natural beauty.

  

The other popular nature attractions in Singapore include the Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Hailed as one of the world's best zoos, the Singapore Zoological Gardens employs an "open" concept, using streams, rock walls and vegetation as natural barriers. Be prepared to enjoy breathtaking view of some 2,00 animals from over 240 species can be found at the Zoo. After the sun goes down, visit the Night Safari - the world's first and only night zoo - to observe the natural behaviour of nocturnal animals. The one-homed rhinoceros and striped hyenas are just some of the 1,200 animals to look out for at this award wining attraction. Described as Southeast Asia's largest, the Jurong Brid Park has a collection of over  8,000 birds. Its Southeast Asian Hombills and South American Toucans are the largest in the world. Captivating shows such as the All Stars Birdshow and the Fuji World of Hawks Show are certainly not to be missed. Be trearedto a kaleidoscope of colours when you visit the hummingbirds at the Jungle Jewels exhibit here. 

For a short and delightful island getaway, explore Sentosa - Singapore's resort isle. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Singapore mainland from the cable care as you travel to the island, which offers a wide range of attractions and activities, drawing a large number of Singaporeans and visitors each year. Explore other neighbouring islands such as Pulau Ubin and Kusu. 

Singapore is ideally located as the gateway to regional countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei and Thailand. All are easily reached via ferry, train, plane or even coach, with ravel times being no longer than three hours. Economic progress has given Singapore a 21st century facade and outlook. Yet the country's essence is very much steeped in age-old Asian mores, cultures and traditions. Discover the magic of New Asia - Singapore - a place that is so easy to enjoy.

 

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