On the rise
Singapore is constantly remaking itself. And three big projects that are currently rising in downtown Singapore will finally be complete by the time you arrive for ICA 2010.
Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World at Sentosa is a 49-hectare integrated resort that will include six hotels, a casino, Universal Studios Singapore®, The Marine Life Park, the Maritime Experiential Museum and the Equarius Water Park.
The S$6 billion destination opens in early 2010.
Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands™ will feature three hotel towers joined at the top by a sky park, ‘floating’ pavilions, a lotus-inspired Museum, retail stores, restaurants, theatres, night clubs and a Las Vegas-style casino.
Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions facilities, which include a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates.
Singapore is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.
However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.
One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, Singapore is a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks.
Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.
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History |
The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as 'Pu-luo-chung' ('island at the end of a peninsula').
By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ('Sea Town'). Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.
During the 18th century Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station to refit, feed, and protect the British fleet and to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. His policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the US and the Middle East.
By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000. In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between East and West.
During World War II, Singapore was overran by the Japanese. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.
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Demography |
Singapore's population of almost four million comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore became a magnet for migrants and merchants. They came from the southern provinces of China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of Singapore community.
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Geography |
Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between longitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E.
It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges, and the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away. Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.
Do also make time to enjoy the unique cultures and traditions of Singapore and our Asian neighbours. Book your local and regional tours with our recommended tour specialists. They are reliable and the most price competitive.
See Singapore
Luxury Tours & Travel Pte Ltd
Website: http://www.luxury.com.sg/Luxhtml/events/ica2010.html
Tel: +65 6733 2808 / +65 6235 1911
Fax: +65 6732 7928
Email: ica2010@luxury.com.sg
See the Region
Corporate Travel Services Pte Ltd
Website: http://www.eastasia.com.sg/index.php?destinations
Tel: +65 6395 5333 / +65 6395 5300
Fax: +65 6297 2157 / +65 6297 2007
Email: ppc@eastasiatravel.com.sg
Commonwealth Travel Service Corporation Pte Ltd
Website: http://www.ctc.com.sg/free-easy.php
Tel: +65 6216 3455
Fax: +65 6538 3621
Email: mice@ctc.com.sg
ASA Holidays
Website: http://www.asaholiday.com/ICA2010.php
Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6303 5318 / +65 6303 5303
Fax: +65 6438 2522
Email: ICA2010@asaholiday.com
Sights from
Uniquely Singapore
Orchard Road
The best place to shop for a new look, Orchard itself is undergoing a major makeover.
Together with favorites Tangs Plaza and Centrepoint, relative newcomers Wisma Atria, Paragon, and Ngee-Ann City, Orchard has two new malls: the Ion Orchard and the Orchard Central.
Bargain Shopping
While not as cheap as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore does have plenty of shops for bargains. The country prides itself as a shopper’s paradise – and that means shoppers who want bargains as well as Gucci.
Bugis Street Night Market (Fashion, fun and food, for young-at-heart shoppers)
Chinatown (street stalls and street foods, tailors and technology)
Mustafa Shopping Centre (24-hour shopping, selling almost everything!)
Lucky Plaza (luggage, watches, fashion and jewellery)
Far East Plaza Shopping Centre (trendy fashion and strange trinkets, gizmos and gadgets)
Sim Lim Square (electronics of all kinds)
