Singapore is pristinely clean, incredibly efficient, ultimately business friendly and always forward thinking. It has one of the strongest economies in Asia and the world’s busiest port. It is the third-largest oil refiner and a major financial and high-tech hub. Its reputation as one of the top cities in the world in which to do business is legendary. Awards and top rankings abound — in 2011 it was ranked as the No. 1 place to do business in Asia by the World Bank Group and one of the world’s most business-friendly cities by Rediff Business.

The country is made up of 63 Southeastern Asia islands which lie between Malaysia and Indonesia, with the largest and most populated being Singapore Island. According to the 2011 census, 5.1 million people live in Singapore, of which 3.2 million are Singapore citizens.

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 and gained independence in 1965. Today, it is a parliamentary republic.

In January 2012, the Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that Singapore’s economy was estimated to have increased by 4.8 percent in 2011. Tourism receipts saw a 12 percent increase, while total trade was up 12.4 percent. Impressive numbers, considering the instability of the world economy.

A large part of the increase in tourism receipts is undoubtedly the result of Singapore’s entrance into the gaming world. Despite public worries about the negative effect of casino gambling, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced in 2005 that, after weighing the pluses and minuses, he was ready to accept responsibility for approving the go-ahead with the first casino complex.

Resorts World Sentosa, one of the world’s most expansive and expensive integrated resorts, opened on Sentosa Island in February 2010 at a cost of $4.7 billion. Besides the casino, the resort includes Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park; six hotels; a 1,600-seat theater; and the world’s largest oceanarium, not to mention restaurants and retail shops.

To get an idea of the financial benefits, PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated that Singapore’s gaming revenue reached $2.8 billion in 2010. In the first two days alone, it was reported the casino brought in $28.6 million, with 35,000 people trying their luck at the tables.

Tourism officials hope that casinos, such as Resorts World and Marina Bay Sands, will help Singapore achieve its target of 17 million visitors a year, generating $21 billion by 2015.

But Singapore’s accomplishments don’t stop there. In keeping with its efforts to find energy-saving alternatives, in December 2011 Solid Asia, one of the world’s leading solar thermal specialists, unveiled the world’s largest solar cooling system at Singapore’s United World College of South East Asia campus. The system covers almost 2.5 miles, will generate an estimated 1,750 megawatt hours a year and provide energy for 100 percent of the school’s hot water as well as a substantial portion of its air-conditioning.

Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport continues its efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible. Terminals 2 and 3 earned Green Mark Gold status, awarded by the Singapore Building and Construction Authority, which aims to promote the sustainable development of the city’s buildings. Terminal 1 hopes to receive the same status after renovation is completed in 2012.

Singaporeans talk fast, walk fast and love to shop. Shopping complexes are vast, with an impressive assortment of goods for sale. They are also full of places to eat, featuring everything from burgers to sushi. This makes them a great place for a casual meal or a morning coffee.

Singapore runs a tight ship. Its strictly enforced antilitter laws are legendary and have stirred up some controversy, especially the infamous gum-chewing issue. Today, while it is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, a stiff fine can be administered to those not disposing of it properly. In fact, there are stiff fines for not disposing of anything properly, from cigarette butts to plastic water bottles. While critics object to this level of governmental control, these laws make Singapore’s streets and public places some of the cleanest in the world.

Diversions

For a panoramic view of the city, board the Singapore Flyer, the world’s highest observation wheel, for 30 minutes of stunning vistas. Right off busy Orchard Road, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful sanctuary full of lush greenery and stunning orchids. For shopping and eating, Orchard Road is where the action is. A shopper’s dream-come-true is the 1.2 million-square-foot Orchard Central with its 12 floors of restaurants and shops. Chinatown has some colorful buildings, plenty of souvenir shops and Chinese food; but for a historic glimpse of the district, visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre.

Esplanade Singapore is the city’s performing arts center. Its architecturally interesting building houses a concert hall and theaters as well as cafés, restaurants and retail shops. Sentosa Island is vacation central, offering a plethora of attractions and activities including Universal Studios Singapore, an underwater park, zip lining, indoor skydiving, an 18-hole golf course and beaches.

For a unique after-dark adventure, consider Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife night park, home to more than 1,000 nocturnal animals.

Museum-lovers have plenty of options. The National Museum of Singapore celebrates its 125th year in 2012 and is dedicated to preserving the country’s history and culture. The MINT Museum of Toys is a privately owned museum displaying thousands of vintage toys from more than 40 countries. And you don’t have to be a stamp collector to find the exhibits at the Singapore Philatelic Museum fascinating.

For some action and glitz worthy of Vegas, visitors can try their luck at the casinos at Resorts World Sentosa or Marina Bay Sands. And, for a trip back in time, drop by the historic Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, the watering hole of the famous and the infamous back in the day, for one of its signature Singapore Slings.

CHECKING IN WITH IVAN TAN

Senior Vice President, Corporate and Marketing Communications, Changi Airport Group

TELL US ABOUT THE RENOVATION PROJECT SLATED FOR COMPLETION SOMETIME THIS YEAR.

Come summer 2012, passengers at Terminal 1 will enjoy a rejuvenated “Changi Experience,” including new interactive features, art sculptures, installations and themed attractions that range from a public viewing gallery to tropical-themed outdoor decks.

CHANGI’S COMMITMENT TO CREATING AN ECO-FRIENDLY FACILITY IS PRAISEWORTHY. TELL US ABOUT CURRENT AND PLANNED INITIATIVES.

Changi Airport Group supports conservation initiatives which are commercially sustainable and lead to environment-friendly outcomes at the airport. Measures include automatic switching on and off of lights corresponding to peak/off-peak periods, the development of a green renovation guide for airport tenants, the replacement of high-power lamps with low-energy induction lamps, and the use of recycled concrete aggregates for the rehabilitation of aircraft parking stand pavements.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR CHANGI? WHERE DOES THE AIRPORT HOPE TO BE IN 10 YEARS?

Our focus remains on delivering the award-winning “Changi Experience” by providing excellent customer service, seeking innovative solutions and ensuring safe and efficient operations. We will also build on our current efforts to interact with our customers through our social media and digital channels so that we can better understand their needs and expectations. At the same time, we will continue to enhance our air links with the rest of the world.

Changi Airport
changiairport.com

Chinatown Heritage Centre
chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg

Esplanade Singapore
esplanade.com

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
fullertonhotel.com

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
mandarinoriental.com

Marina Bay Sands Casino
marinabaysands.com

MINT Museum of Toys
emint.com

National Museum of Singapore
nationalmuseum.sg

Naumi Hotel
naumihotel.com

Night Safari
nightsafari.com.sg

Orchard Central
orchardcentral.com.sg

Raffles Hotel Singapore
raffles.com

Rang Mahal Pavilion
hardrockhotelsingapore.com

Resorts World Sentosa

rwsentosa.com

Sentosa Island
sentosa.com.sg

Singapore Botanic Gardens
sbg.org.sg

Singapore Flyer
singaporeflyer.com

Singapore Philatelic Museum
spm.org.sg