When most people think of Singapore, their first thoughts are of the booming technology sector and strict laws. Singapore's technology has risen just as fast, if not faster, than Japan's. The laws and punishments are strict, but the streets are among the safest in the world. Otherwise, this tiny island nation stays off the radar of the rest of the world, but soon we will have to acknowledge this growing economic powerhouse.
Less than two hundred years ago, Singapore was an undeveloped nation, with only 200 or so native Maylays. In 1819, it was established as a British trading post, and within three years had over 10,000 immigrants. It has endured colonization by the English, occupation by the Japanese, communism and a short merger with Malaysia. Today, Singapore has a booming economy and over four million inhabitants, mostly of Malay, Chinese and Indian descent. ("Brief History"). These groups get along surprisingly well, as religion and ancestry do not play as big a role nationally as growth and knowledge.
English: An aerial view of Parliament House in Sin...
English: United States Secretary of Defense Willia...
English: Downtown Core, Singapore's business centr...Any foreigner to this country may have a bit of a shock. The people and perfection are clearly Asian, yet the technology and business are clearly patterned after Western ideals of capital and commerce. It's a classic case of East meets West. Tech culture and capital are emphasized, in what Singaporeans call "Technopreneurship". Yet the government's stern laws and enforcement hold citizens and visitors to a much more exact standard, sometimes stepping "over the line" in the world view.
Technology and Technopreneurship
Singapore has come a long way from the tigers and fisherman of 200 years ago to a world power. It seems the government has decided to "jump on board" with Western ideas and stick with them no matter what. This is best seen in the tech world,