About Singapore
Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country includes the island of Singapore and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island.
Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s tropical climate welcomes both leisure and business travelers year round. The island republic’s excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary.
In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city . All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore’s abundance of parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery.
History
The British, who were extending their dominion in India, and whose trade with China in the second half of the 18th century was expanding, saw the need for a port of call in this region to refit, revitalise and protect their merchant fleet, as well as to forestall any advance by the Dutch in the East Indies. As a result, they established trading posts in Penang (1786) and Singapore (1819), and captured Malacca from the Dutch (1795).
In late l818, Lord Hastings, Governor-General of India, gave tacit approval to Sir Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, to establish a trading station at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. On 29 January 1819, Raffles landed on the island of Singapore after having surveyed other nearby islands. The next day, he concluded a preliminary treaty with Temenggong Abdu’r Rahman to set up a trading post here. On 6 February 1819, a formal treaty was concluded with Sultan Hussein of Johor and the Temenggong, the de jure and defacto rulers of Singapore respectively.
Singapore proved to be a prized settlement. By 1820, it was earning revenue, and three years later, its trade surpassed that of Penang. In 1824, Singapore’s status as a British possession was formalised by two new treaties. The first was the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of March 1824, by which the Dutch withdrew all objections to the British occupation of Singapore. The second treaty was made with Sultan Hussein and Temenggong Abdu’r Rahman in August, by which the two owners ceded the island out right to the British in return for increased cash payments and pensions.
Excellent education system
education system in singaporeSingapore’s education system has been voted as the best in the world by OECD 2015 study
Singapore offers a progressive education system with state-of-the-art facilities. The standard of education is excellent across all levels, starting right from the primary level. Apart from the public schools, Singapore also has 30+ international schools that follow the foreign education system for children of expatriates. The 5 autonomous universities of Singapore are ranked well globally and all other private institutes of higher education (PEIs) are regulated by the Council for Private Education (CPE.)
Cheaper than UK/ USA/ Australia
The best thing about studying in Singapore is its proximity to India which reduces the expanses incurred in this country as compared to major destinations like USA, UK, Canada or Australia. You can balance out your costs if you plan your expenses wisely (for e.g. use public transport which is quite extensive & affordable there.)
No language barrier – English spoken widely
Indian students studying in Singapore will not face any problem feeling at home as English widely spoken here and majority of Singaporeans can understand English. Even though the national language of Singapore is Malay, the 4 official languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil & English, thanks to the multi-racial nature of Singapore. Students won’t have any difficulty communicating as English is the main language of business & administration.
Clean, green and safe country
Thanks to very strict anti-litter policies (a fine of SGD 1000 if you litter for the first time and a fine of SGD 5000 if you repeat the offence!), Singapore is a very spick and span island state and has also earned the nickname of “fine city”! And despite being a completely urbanized state, Singapore is the greenest city in Asia, with its green cover increasing from 36% in the eighties to 47% in 2016 (Centre for Liveable cities.)
The crime rates are low, the streets are safe – even late in the night. Can the country sound any more appealing? Study in Singapore to experience a high standard of living.
Multicultural Society
You will not feel alienated in this country as you will see a lot of Indian and Asian faces in Singapore. Singapore’s multicultural society is composed of four major ethnic groups: the Chinese, Malays, Indians and smaller minority groups. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living here. Singapore’s principal religions are Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.
Home to many foreign universities
Singapore’s increasing popularity as a business & education hub has attracted a lot of foreign universities of repute to set up their campuses here. S.P. Jain School of Global Management, ESSEC Business School, Queen Margaret University are a few foreign players who have set up base in this country. Also read: List of prominent universities & institutes of Singapore
A Leading Global Business Hub
Ranked by the World Bank in 2016 as the easiest country to do business with, Singapore continues to attract investors and companies thanks to its “business-friendly” nature. It is no wonder that most multinational corporate giants of the world have their presence in Singapore as well. In short, there won’t be any dearth of jobs in this country, which is quite a good reason for students to consider pursuing their higher education in Singapore.
A degree from Singapore is valued by employers
globally
The National University of Singapore (NUS) ranks 17th, the Nanyang Technological University ranks 117th on the Global Employability University Ranking 2015 indicating that degrees from well-known institutes of Singapore are recognized globally by employers.
Enough scholarship opportunities
Even though the country may seem a tad too expensive to Indian students, the good news is that there are many scholarships on offer to help you manage your studies without burning a hole in your pockets!
Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS)
This scheme was introduced by the Singapore government for all international (non-Singaporean) students as a way to make the cost of tuition affordable. If you’re an international student pursuing a full-time undergraduate/ diploma course, the government would subsidize (reduce) your course fee, if you sign an agreement where you commit to work in Singapore for at least 3 years after graduation. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it?