Tuesday

Watching your every move - Singapore



This island city, in olden days, was managed by the East India Company. In its marshy heydays it was a trading outpost. And over the past decades Singapore has transformed itself to a plan. As a result today you see this tiny land, flourishing in prosperity and success. It’s a curious blend of ancient and modern sights. At first glance it’s the modern that meets the eye. Gleaming, shiny, tall almost scraping the sky, buildings. And then you see these tall structures dominating the diminutive squat Hindu and Chinese temples in the interiors of this land.

Am not a big fan of Singapore. In fact quite the contrary. However there is one thing that I wish we in India could emulate. And that is their strict no nonsense laws! Generally, the laws are strict and it is because of those stringencies, why Singapore has risen to a World class city status. There are always pros and cons to the strictness for sure. No arguing that.

Singaporeans don't mind the strict laws one bit. Big brother is always watching you in Sing. You can't see them. But you know they're there. Undercover. Watching. Scanning the crowd. That's why the locals are very careful.

Chewing gum is not a sin in Sing, but taking gum into the country in large amount is illegal and the person can be sent to jail. Try going nude or topless when sunbathing, even if in your own back yard. It is forbidden. Jay walking maybe the favourite past time in India, try doing that in Sing. And watch the undercover guys swoop down on you. There are many reminders - posters are put up at eye level everywhere - you cant miss it, telling you what you should do, and if not done, how much you will be fined if you break the rules. That is the reason why Singapore is called "the fine city"


The government in Sing has obviously discovered that the only way to keep the small country clean, safe and manage it efficiently, is by, enforcing some strict rules. A densely-populated city like Sing has thrived to prosperity because of its regulations in all aspects of life which in turn has helped them maintain high health standards, low crime rate, and intolerance for corruption. They have a disciplined work-force and a credible judiciary and police systems to ensure a high level of law and order. Orchard street the most famous shopping street has many plainclothesmen hidden in the crowd. Some 400 plainclothes officers from the government's National Environment Agency. Their job: to pick out those who let things slip out of their hands.

Such an approach has made Sing high on the list, as one of the most livable cities in the world, to attract both tourism and investment. Only with strict laws and efficient govt administration have they managed to maintain high stability in the political, social and economic stratas. It is seen as being one of the very safe and orderly countries by many. There is virtually no crime; no corruption and you are safe even when walking alone at night. Unless you happen to be unlucky and be in some crowded area where pickpockets thrive.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Mee!everythin is well written..But missed one point in there...u knw what? u can't buy a plot there..but u can lease it for like 20years..In singapore u can't buy land and say that belongs to U..But.overall it's really nice to know few things from ur blog which i wasn't aware before..Well written..MEEE...

ashish said...

Mee the places where I felt super comfortable there was at boat quay. At night the place transforms to a large party zone and everything is so chilled out. No rules, Ni fines. Or atleast nothing overt.

Anon said...

Hey those roads there are enviable man! The cleanliness psyches me! It is a 'fine' city for sure if u r not paying heed to the rules.

sanjiv said...

Singapore the small little wonder island. Where everything is so perfect. Well manicured and well turned out. Almost an Asian America if you get it?:)

Unknown said...

Its just not the strict laws or their efficient enforcement, but the attitude of the people living therein which makes Singapore what it is today.It truly sets a 'fine' example for other countries in South Asia.

RavneetSingh said...

Mee, Sing is too perfect and am completely with you on this. Way too clean and way too orderly:)

gita said...

Mechanical. Robotic. Pretty. Efficient. Smooth. Safe. Clean. Yeah all of this is Surprising Singapore. Even its wild orchids are so well cultivated:)

Jim said...

Mee u r not complainting about Singapore right?:) You like the chaos of India right?:)I think both countries have their individualities. The scale and size is so vastly different that one cant compare:) Singapore is lovely dont feel out of place at all, in India everything is overwhelming..feel strange at times.

melinda said...

i like singapore. think its cool and fun. have many friends there too so it kinda makes it special. yes they are pretty strict about the rules and law no messing around that but its for the good of the people there.

Unknown said...

Never been there so really can't comment. However the blog reminds me of Switzerland - very sanitized..too clean....too picture perfect! I love holidaying there but I wonder if I could live there. One of our friend's told us that on weekends, it is so quiet in Switz that they were scared to turn on the washing machine beacuse of the noise!! Now can you beat that??

Mee said...

Vinni- I did'nt know that, ty:)

Ash- river quay, boat quay and the 3rd quay area is a cool night sot sure:)

Runa- yea:)

Sanjiv- yea I know what u mean:)

Pawan- hmmm, wil you live thr?:) Maybe you will:)

RS, Gits- My sentiments exactly too:)

Jim - I dont think I will be able to live in Sing honest:) Too sanitized like smone said here:)

Mel- cool:)

Dammy- heheheheh serious?:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Mee!!I know your feelings for Singapore and you know mine! I love Singapore. Yes its too clean and disciplined but I love it esp after the chaos of India! As somebody else said that both the nations and people are different and really its what u want but for a small nation they have done well! I love my country and would never trade in my passport as others have but living in Singapore is fun! I meet different kinds of people and can holiday in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand etc. And go to Little India if you want to see a dirty, unruly Singapore...

sabith khan said...

Hi Mee
Interesting post...but not sure i would like to live in a police state such as this...Dubai is similar in terms of law enforcement....many places are great for tourists but not to live. Guess S'pore is one of them...

Singaporeans are rather difficult folks to deal with....similar to the japs. Though i havent been to Singapore, would sure like to see what the vision of Lee Ken Yew has achieved

Mee said...

Shuchi my dear friend:), remember you are finding me a job there?:) so I can't afford to not like it rite? if I have to stay thr(wink):)? Plus I think besides mee being sentimental, Singapore certainly has some things working for it well- which we could use in India!:) Thats what I said here in the post:)

Sabith Khan! how many holidays does your company give you?:) You are off to Bali tomo, and you are planning Singapore nxt?:)

Anonymous said...

yeah right, the lady has access to classified information. 400 plainclothesmen indeed. don't go shoplifting or stealing credit cards.