Best Of Singapore Vol 3

A wedding project with David Tutera

A Fine Jewellery Boutique
Since 1973

#02-37 Mandarin Gallery 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897

Recognising the spirit Best of Singapore
Volume 3

of excellence International Group Publisher
Sven Boermeester

The Best of Singapore series of books are a showcase to Publishers
the world of the very highest standards that have earned Amit Sen
the city state its remarkable reputation. T. Shanmugaratnam

Given its cosmopolitan mix of cultures, confluence of Managing Editor
international events and convergence of businesses, K Dorai Raja (Alden)
Singapore today is a global city that has come a long
way from its humble origins as a fishing village. Its rapid Editorial Contributors
Lawrence Tan Eleanor Yap
development in less than half a century from a third world Andrea Lee Jimmy Yap
country with no natural resources to one of the most
advanced first world nations helps give meaning to the Editorial Enquiries:
term ‘Asian miracle’. editor@mapletreemedia.com

The book highlights the commercial enterprises and Advertising Enquiries:
organisations that are committed to excellence in the major sales@mapletreemedia.com
sectors of Singapore’s economy and society – business,
Special Thanks To:
dining, design, education, healthcare, hospitality, lifestyles, Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
luxury living, shopping and others. Sentosa Leisure Group
ION Orchard
Given Singapore’s continuous state of development, Clarke Quay
each year, Best of Singapore provides an update on the Tien Wah Press (Pte) Limited
transformational efforts that are shaping the nation. Xpress Print (Pte) Limited
Cover Image Courtesy of STB
The following pages aim to do justice to the island’s
neverending quest to improve the quality of life of its Published by
denizens. Mapletree Media Pte Ltd
#03-05 Red Dot Building
We would like to thank our clients and partners in this 28 Maxwell Road
project – all of whom exemplify the spirit of excellence. Singapore 069120
Tel +65 96276717
(Page 250 includes the full list of these brand names.)
Fax : +65 6372 9458
We also thank the various organisations – the Singapore
www.mapletreemedia.com
Tourism Board, Sentosa Leisure Group, ION Orchard and
Clarke Quay whose support has been invaluable in helping In conjunction with Global Village Partnerships
us put together this book. www.gvpedia.com

The best affirmations of the quality of life in Singapore ISBN No.: 978-981-08-4360-1
come from the various individuals around the world who
have chosen to call this country their home. Interspersed Printed By
across the pages of this book are some of their heartfelt Tien Wah Press (Pte) Limited
4 Pandan Crescent
sentiments.
Singapore 128475
Shopping Paradise, Food Paradise, Healthcare Hub, Tel: +65 67718892

Garden City, Education Hub, Financial Hub – Singapore
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of
is many things to many people, all of which reinforce its the information in Best of Singapore Vol.3. Neither Best of
iconic status. Singapore nor Mapletree Media Pte Ltd nor Global Village
Partnerships take any responsibility for any errors or
omissions. Mapletree Media reserves the right to use the
K. Dorai Raja (Alden) personalised books for its marketing programs.
All rights are reserved
Managing Editor No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copies,
Best of Singapore transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any
means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in
part in any form in any retrieval system.
Best of Singapore is also available in an e-book format at www.gvpedia.com 8 Best of Singapore

Copyright Mapletree Media Pte Ltd (2009)

Chapter 1 17 Chapter 2 27

INTRODUCTION ICONIC SINGAPORE


SINGAPORE INC. FINE DINING


HOTELS AND HOSPITALITY SHOPPING


NIGHTLIFE SENTOSA


SPAS & BEAUTY HEALTHCARE


EDUCATION DESIGN & INTERIOR


PROPERTY LUXURY LIFESTYLE


HOLIDAY GETAWAYS EVENTS

Chapter 17 239

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SINGAPORE

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Johannesburg London Santiago Singapore Sydney Washington DC

Bird of Paradise Jewels Vase
Crystal and mosaic of silver and precious stones,
height 45 cm – 17’ 5/7’’, oeuvre signed by Daum,
limited edition, 50 pieces.

Paradise Collection: a mosaic of crystal and precious stones.
A walk in the Garden of Eden: crystal birds of paradise in ﬂight, wearing masks of solid silver set with diamonds
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peonies and cherry blossoms that hold in their centres cultured pearls, sapphires, amethysts, topazes, citrines
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To receive a brochure by mail, please contact us.
DAUM BOUTIQUES
SINGAPORE: Paragon #01-27 Tel: +65 6100 2312 Email: ART@daum.com.sg
HONG KONG: The Galleria G02 No.9 Queen’s Road Central Tel: +852 2111 2124 Email: boutique@daumhk.com.hk

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1

18
Best of Singapore

Singapore is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a stable and responsive
government, safe and secure environment, and an efﬁcient infrastructure that
attracts foreigners to work, study, live and play.

Best of Singapore 19

INTRODUCTION

Singapore’s success has no parallel. What other nation of less than 700
square kilometers of land space, with no natural resources, has gone
from a forfeited land of migrants, to a global centre and showcase for
excellence – all in a mere 30 years?
If there is one nation that epitomises During the trip to Temasek, the ship ran Dutch prevented the British from extending
excellence in all that it does, it has to be into a great storm and began to take in water. their economic hegemony by either prohibiting
a small diamond-shaped island called The men threw all the heavy things overboard them from operating at Dutch ports or
Singapore, just north of the equator. to lighten the ship, but to no avail. The only charging high taxes. What the British needed
In a single generation, Singapore has heavy thing left on the ship was the prince’s was a new port along the Straits of Malacca.
gone from third world to first world. According crown. The prince decided to part with it as Raffles landed in Singapore on 29 January
to the International Monetary Fund, in 2008, well. Almost magically, once the prince threw 1819. The island’s geographical position, at
Singapore’s per capita gross domestic his heavy crown overboard, the storm abated the southernmost tip of the China-India trade
product, at purchasing power parity, was the and the ship reached Temasek safely. route, made it perfect for British designs.
fourth highest in the world. This success is a Sang Nila Utama landed at the mouth of There was a small Malay fishing village at the
testimony to the hard work and perseverance the present-day Singapore River and ventured island at that time, numbering about a few
of our immigrant forefathers who helped write into the forest to hunt. Suddenly, he saw an hundred inhabitants.
the Singapore Story. animal he had never seen before. It was a The island was then ruled by the Sultan of
big, strong and majestic predator. It sped off Johor, Tengku Rahman, who was controlled by
THE SINGAPORE STORY quickly and disappeared into the jungle. the Dutch. However, Tengku Rahman’s position
The prince’s chief minister told him that the with the Dutch was tenuous. Raffles offered
In the jungle, the lion stands at the top of the animal was a lion. Thus was the island’s name Tengku Rahman British recognition as the
food chain. Singapore’s name literally means born. Sang Nila Utama ruled Singapura for 48 rightful ruler of Johor and a yearly payment,
“lion city” (singa=lion; pura=city) in Sanskrit. years and is believed to have been buried at in return for allowing the British to establish a
Perhaps when the 13th century Indonesian Fort Canning Hill in Singapore. trading post in Singapore. A formal treaty to
prince, Sang Ni La Utama, stumbled upon the this effect was signed on 6 February 1819,
island and christened it “Singapura” he had a BRITISH SINGAPORE and British Singapore was thereby born. A
prophetic premonition of the potential for it to subsequent treaty handed over the entire
be a great city among cities. Modern Singapore owes its existence to island to the British East India Company.
The legend goes like this: During a hunting Sir Stamford Raffles, a British statesman In 1867, Singapore was made a British
trip to one of the Indonesian islands, Sang Nila who played a role in the expansion of the colony. For one-and-a-half centuries after
Utama spotted a deer and started chasing it. British Empire in South East Asia. (During its establishment, Singapore thrived,
The deer led him to a very large rock. When the Napoleonic Wars, he helped conquer the thanks to bustling trade and a continued
he reached the top of this rock, he saw across island of Java from the Dutch and French influx of workers from China, Malaysia,
the sea another island with a sandy beach. His forces.) India and Europe.
minister told him that the island was Temasek. At that time, the Dutch were controlling Singapore’s geographical position has
The prince decided to visit the island. the trade route between China and India. The played a crucial role in its history. Singapore
20 Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore
21
PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

INTRODUCTION

People are a
resource that
has been key to
Singapore’s success.
Today, Singapore
continues to
welcome immigrants.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
Modern Singapore owes its existence to the British statesman
Sir Stamford Raffles.
owes its current success to the growth and credited as the chief architect of the Singapore intended to make a transient living here before
success of its port – the busiest in the world we know today. returning home with their ‘new found’ wealth.
today. It is shielded from tsunamis and In 1963, Singapore declared But eventually, they chose to stay and build
monsoons, and is situated somewhere around independence, and joined the Federation a nation – Singapore. And this nation has
the centre of South-East Asia. Its position of Malaysia. This union was however short- grown leaps and bounds with its numerous
as a hub for the China-India trade route has lived. Due to political differences, Singapore achievements.
been supplanted by a grander role – as separated from Malaysia in 1965 and became
a hub between the Eastern and Western a sovereign nation. TOP AIRPORT
worlds. Major multinational corporations Since then, the country has tackled one
have established their Asian headquarters in issue after another, from unemployment, Changi Airport has been named the best in
Singapore. housing, lack of natural resources, land the world almost 300 times since opening in
scarcity to defence. Each of these problems 1981. In one particular year, it was named the
POST-WAR SINGAPORE was dealt with, in a pragmatic, “never-say-die” best airport in the world a total of 23 times
attitude. The result is a standard of living and by various ranking entities. It quite simply
World War II played a defining influence in achievement that is the admiration of many is a benchmark for efficiency and service
Singapore’s history. The Japanese Army countries in the world. excellence, having been consistently named
invaded Malaya in 1942 and swept all the way The Singapore of today is a hub the best in a range of categories such as
down to Singapore. The British, their forces for finance, research & development, customs clearance time, security, services,
concentrated in Europe, were defeated in manufacturing, shipping, education, retail, dining facilities and many others.
Singapore. During the Japanese occupation, technology, healthcare and a range of other World-class innovative systems are also in
there was widespread murder in Singapore, industrial and economic activities. It is aptly place at the Changi Airport. The Immigration &
mostly of the Chinese population. termed a gateway to the East and a model Checkpoints Authority’s Enhanced Immigration
The war illustrated to Singaporeans the modern city. Automated Clearance System (eIACS) is the
need to retain control of their own destinies. Singapore is amongst the world’s most first biometric system in the world for secure
Elections followed, in which two individuals globalised nations. Among the international immigration clearance at the checkpoints. The
rose to prominence – David Marshall, community, it is ranked “Best place to live, system tackles the challenge of increasing
Singapore’s first Chief Minister, and Lee Kuan work and play in Asia”. This recognition visitor traffic volume, without compromising on
Yew, whose People’s Action Party won a was hard won by generations of citizens security.
landslide victory in 1959, and who has been descended from early immigrants who only


INTRODUCTION

My favorite things
about Singapore are the
wonderful mix of cultures,
the cleanliness and the
lush greenery. After a few
years of staying here,
when our son started
going to play school
and especially after our
daughter was born, we
grew so attached to
Singapore that we knew it
was going to be our home.
So although my husband
had several postings
abroad, we decided
Singapore would be our
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE LAW

base and our home.

Shobha Tsering Bhalla
CEO & Editor-in-Chief
India Se
Citizen since 1994

DISTINGUISHED AIRLINE MODEL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WORLD’S MOST PRO-BUSINESS COUNTRY

The track record of Singapore’s national Singapore’s transportation system is a model Of 181 countries surveyed by the World Bank
carrier – Singapore Airlines – is no less stellar. for modern cities. An intricate but efficient in 2009, 2008 and 2007, Singapore stood right
Since 2000, it has won more than 500 awards network of buses, trains and taxis serve the at the very top in terms of the overall ease
and has been named the best airlines in the nation. Other than the occasional morning of doing business. Whether it is starting a
world numerous times. Whether we are talking and evening traffic jams around the central business, getting credit, cross-border trading,
first class, business or economy, whether it’s business district and key expressways, traffic employing workers, or protecting investors,
about the service standards of the Singapore is generally smooth. Singapore is the first city in each of the categories, Singapore ranked
Girl (the airline’s stewardess, who is a world- in the world to implement an electronic road within the top 10 in both 2008 and 2009. What
renowned icon herself), the quality of its pricing system – a model that is now being was once an indistinct fishing village is today
onboard products or entertainment features, studied by other countries and cities. home to 7,000 multinational companies and a
Singapore Airlines scores excellently. thriving Small & Medium Enterprise segment.
A BEACON FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM
BUSIEST PORT A HIGHLY DESIRABLE HOME
Since 1995, Singapore has consistently
In addition to dominating the air lanes, been rated the second freest economy in Singapore is the choice location for many
Singapore is also dominant as a port of call. the world by the Heritage Foundation’s index foreigners who decide to move. Permanent
The port handles 29.9 million TEUs (twenty- of economic freedom, which rates countries residency is an attractive proposition given
foot equivalent units), making it the world’s according to 10 economic measurements. the country’s high employment rate, financial
busiest port in 2008. In addition, it is also the Singapore is a very vocal global advocate of and political stability, mature infrastructure,
world’s top bunkering port, handling more free trade. The city state has also been highly high quality of life and a genuine sense of
than 30 million tones of bunkers. It is the active in forging Free Trade Agreements safety and security that is the envy of the
preferred port of call for more than 130,000 with countries and regional groupings. To world. Singapore welcomes foreigners who
vessels. About a million visitors also cruise into date, it has 14 bilateral and multilateral trade can identify with its way of life and wish to
Singapore every year. agreements worldwide. contribute positively to its development.

Many of these foreigners decide to take given to the Malays for their historic legacy witness this rich cultural and religious heritage
up Permanent Residence and eventually to the region. The national anthem “Majullah that Singaporeans have preserved and
Singapore Citizenship, making Singapore Singapura” is in Malay. cherished.
their home. With around 5 million people in just over
FESTIVALS CELEBRATED 700 square km of space, Singapore is the
A CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE third most densely populated nation in the
The festivals celebrated in Singapore are a world. About 74.7 percent of Singaporeans
Singapore is not quite the melting pot that reflection of its demographics and culture. are Chinese, 13.6 percent Malays, close to 8.9
America has turned out to be. Its people They ground Singapore in its Asian cultural percent Indians and other races 2.8 percent.
have maintained their distinct religious, roots. Public holidays are granted for the major There is no real majority religion in
cultural and racial identities and yet have festivals – and these include Chinese New Singapore. The major religions of the
co-existed in harmony and peace. The Year, Vesak Day (celebrated by Buddhists), world, namely, Buddhism, Christianity,
majority of Singaporeans are Chinese, but the Muslim festivals Hari Raya Puasa and Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism are significantly
Singapore is also home to sizable Malay and Hari Raya Haji, the Hindu festival of lights – represented in Singapore. While the Jewish
Indian communities, all living together with a Deepavali and Christmas. community is small, it is notable that the first
common national identity. Michael Anthony Chief Minister of the country – David Marshall
Rebaczonok-Padulo, a new Singapore citizen, A WINDOW TO ASIA – was a Jew.
says: “There has always been a respectfulness Interestingly, more than 20 percent of the
and graciousness among Singaporeans, along As Singapore’s forefathers were largely populace constitutes foreigners. Singapore
with an evolving identity, making us unique as immigrants from all over the world, is a firm believer in imported talent. Many
a people.” Singapore is a mix of cultures and religions, who come to work in Singapore eventually
The country has four official languages – woven together by a common respect decide to call it home – a testimony to its
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Malay is and understanding. One only has to visit attractiveness as a place to work, live and
the national language – a special recognition Chinatown, Little India, or Geylang Serai to raise a family.



Chapter 2
ICONIC SINGAPORE


The Merlion is a symbol erected to welcome visitors to Singapore. There
are variations of the Merlion in Japan and China as a testimony to the
city state’s global inﬂuence.


ICONIC SINGAPORE

Singapore is one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The number
of tourists to Singapore in some years is more than twice its entire
population.
According to Euromonitor, Singapore ranks as the fourth most visited Most of Singapore’s tourists hail from the Asia-Pacific – from
city in the world. Country-to-country comparisons probably are not apt Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China, Australia, India, Malaysia
as the city of Singapore itself is also the country. and Japan – in that order. Singapore also receives a significant
In recent years, there has been considerable competition from number of tourists from the United Kingdom and the United States.
regional cities and countries and this has only spurred the Singapore What the Eiffel Tower is for France, the Statue of Liberty is for
Tourism Board (STB)’s resolve to do more to retain the attractiveness America, the Taj Mahal is for India and the Great Wall for China, in
of this city-state. The government is investing billions – into its hotels, all honesty, there is no one icon that distinctly represents Singapore.
integrated resorts and other key attractions. The country is also vying For many years, it was the Merlion, and for years before that, the Sir
and has successfully managed to attract major world events such as Stamford Raffles statue, and more recently, the Esplanade (more
the Formula 1TM Grand Prix. popularly known as the durian) and the Singapore Flyer.
A series of initiatives has also made it easier for visitors coming to
Singapore. For example, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES STATUE
e-Visitor Programme allows visitors and foreigners to apply for a wide
range of immigration facilities such as an extension of stay, application The Sir Stamford Raffles Statue was sculpted by Thomas Woolner.
for visa, long-term visit pass or student’s pass, from the comfort and More than any other monument, the statue is a testimony to the role
ease of their own home. The seamless e-Visitor programme integrates the British played in Singapore’s history. In fact Singaporeans owe to
the multiple functions, giving visitors a delightful and wholesome the British many aspects of their lives – the educational system, the
experience on their stay in Singapore. legal system, the metric system and the pre-eminence of the English
By 2015, the STB aims to increase total tourism receipts to S$30 language for business and communications.
billion, tourist arrivals to 17 million and create an additional 100,000 The statue was originally located in 1887 at the Padang, facing
jobs. The Board hopes to accomplish this through a number of the sea. It stands eight feet tall and had the nickname orang besi,
initiatives: meaning “iron man”. At the base of the statue is a map depicting
the area around the Straits of Malacca, with Raffles having his foot
• Position Singapore as a leading convention & exhibition city in over British Malaya. For more than a century, the Padang was a
Asia popular venue for soccer, which meant that Raffles, through no fault
• Develop and realise Singapore’s full potential as a leisure of his own, was a ‘participant’ in the game, thanks to soccer balls
destination inadvertently sent in his direction. In view of this, the authorities felt
• Invest in Singapore’s service sector, with particular focus on a more respectable location was required, and in 1919, a century
sectors such as education and healthcare. after Raffles founded Singapore, the statue was relocated to Empress

Best of Singapore
31
PHOTO COURTESY OF T S RATNAM

ICONIC SINGAPORE

Place, in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall. at the mouth of the Singapore River. The opening of the Esplanade
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew once commented that the statue Bridge in 1997 prompted the search for a new home for the Merlion as
would stand as a “symbol of public acceptance of the legacy of its distinguished position was now blocked by the bridge. That search
the British and could have a positive effect” in Singapore’s future ended when the Merlion was re-erected at the Merlion Park, along with
development. a smaller replica.
Yet another Merlion statue stands majestically in Sentosa. At 37
THE MERLION metres tall, it is one of the largest statues in the world. It is interesting
to note that there are also variations of the Merlion in Japan and
The Merlion is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and China, perhaps as a testimony of the city state’s global influence.
the body of a fish. While the Sir Stamford Raffles statue stands as
a memorial to the contribution of Singapore’s British founder, the THE ESPLANADE
Merlion, indirectly, is a tribute to Sang Nila Utama, the Indonesian
prince to whom the country owes its name. (According to legend, The Esplanade was built at a cost of S$600 million and officially
the prince, on his arrival here, saw a creature, which he thought opened in 2002. Quite casually referred to by Singaporeans as “the
to be a lion and named the island Singapura – ‘’Singa’’ meaning durian”, the structure, which is adorned with aluminium sunshades,
‘’lion’’ and ‘’pura’’ meaning ‘’city’’ in Sanskrit.) The Merlion’s fish-tail was initially criticised by many. However its distinctiveness, and the
signifies Singapore’s early success as a harbour and is a tribute to the attention it has garnered, whether good or bad, is what lends it its
country’s forefathers who sailed the seas to build their future. claim to fame and recognition as a bona fide Singapore icon.
“The Merlion has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors The Esplanade is a choice location for world-class performances.
to Singapore”, an inscription on the statue states. The original Merlion In addition to state-of-the-art concert and theatre halls, the Esplanade
was designed by Kwan Sai Kheong, the ex-vice-chancellor of the then also has meeting rooms, an audio-visual library, restaurants, cafes
University of Singapore and former Ambassador to the Philippines. and a number of retail outlets. It is believed that there are only five
The Merlion was at first located on Elizabeth Walk on the river-bank, other halls in the world with comparable state-of-the-art acoustics.

The concert hall has an impressive pipe organ, consisting of around THE INTEGRATED RESORTS
4,500 pipes and more than 60 stops. It was designed and built by
renowned organ builder Johannes Klais Orgelbau. The Concert Hall The Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa integrated resorts
seats up to 2,000 people. (IRs) opening in 2010 are set to position Singapore as a major
The Esplanade’s theatre is somewhat modelled after the entertainment destination.
horseshoe design of the European Opera House. The diverse genres The Integrated Resorts provide a strong boost to the tourism
of performances are representative of the globalised city that is sector. In addition to the casinos, the IRs boast a range of facilities
Singapore. The performances range from the traditional modernistic, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping and convention centres,
to multimedia, Eastern and Western, classical and contemporary. theatres, museums and theme parks.
Marina Bay Sands is developed by Las Vegas Sands Corporation.
THE SINGAPORE FLYER It boasts 120,000 square metres of meeting and and convention
facilities, three spectacular hotel towers with 2,600 rooms and suites
The Singapore Flyer is a ferris wheel, albeit on a much grander and a one-hectare Sky Park with panoramic views of the bay. Two
scale. At 165 metres tall, (30 metres taller than the United Kingdom’s theatres, with a seating capacity of 4,000, will provide competition to
famed London Eye), it dwarfs many of Singapore’s skyscrapers. It is the Esplanade.
more aptly described as a giant observation wheel, with a maximum Resorts World Sentosa is a major attraction at Sentosa island,
capacity of close to 800 passengers. Each of the capsules is the which for many years has been inventing and reinventing itself to be
size of a bus and holds up to 28 people. One orbit of the wheel takes a tourist draw. Resorts World Sentosa is a family-oriented venue, with
about 30 minutes. the ﬁrst and only Universal Studios theme park in the region, one of
Launched in 2008, the Singapore Flyer was designed by Dr the world’s largest oceanariums and a maritime museum.
Kisho Kurokawa and DP Architects. Costing S$240 million to build, Singapore’s IRs are set to give the Genting and Macau casinos a
it provides a panoramic view of the Marina Bay, the skyline of run for their money.
Singapore’s ﬁnancial district, as well as a glimpse of Malaysia and
Indonesia.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE LAW

Singapore has all the ingredients for a truly progressive society. There is
safety and security, excellent hygiene and cleanliness, lack of corruption,
and law and order. These are all of a very standard. It is a great island
of opportunities, allowing you to explore your potential and pursue your
dreams.
Ashraf Mohamed
Managing Director and Executive Chef
Amirah’s Grill Restaurant & Café
Citizen since 2004

ICONIC SINGAPORE

Best of the best in airports
Changi Airport regularly makes it to the very pinnacle of the list of best airports by
travellers and travel magazines because of its perpetual commitment to excellence.
In just a month of September, Singapore with climbing plants and also boasts four
Changi Airport already bagged four Best waterfalls.
Airport awards from four well regarded travel
magazines. In fact, since it opened in 1981, More than architecture
Changi has received over 300 awards, a Changi’s attractions are not solely to do with
record that demonstrates that Changi Airport its architecture though. The airport has over
is one of the best, if not the best, in the world. 300 shopping and dining establishments
Changi has been getting these awards throughout its three terminals includes
for close to three decades, thanks to a exclusive retailers like BVLGARI, Prada,
dedication to excellence on the part of Salvatore Ferragamo, Vertu and Mercedes
everyone involved. Benz.
Changi consists of three main terminals Facilities also include a children’s
as well as one budget terminal for budget playground, beauty salons, swimming pools
airlines. The pride of Changi is the ultra and movie theatres. Most unusually, there is
modern Terminal Three or T3, which opened also a Butterfly Garden, which is a world’s
in January 2008. first for an airport. Located in the transit mall
T3 can handle 22 million passengers of T3, this garden features different tropical
annually, bringing Changi’s total capacity to butterfly specimens at different periods of the
70 million. T3 has 28 aerobridge gates, eight year within a seemingly natural environment.
of which were built to handle the A380. Nature lovers can watch the breeding and
The S$1.75 billion building has a floor feeding of butterflies at close range. They
area of 380,000 square metres and is one even have the opportunity to watch butterflies
of the most advanced airports in the world. leaving their pupae and preparing to take
Architecturally, it has two distinguishing flight.
features, one of which is a roof with 919 The airport also organises regular events
skylights to allow the optimum amount of for travellers. In October 2009, for example,
light into the building during the day. T3 also Changi organised a tribute to the late
has a five-story high Green Wall that is 300 Michael Jackson, featuring a world-class
metres long. This stunning wall is covered impersonator.

For the busy business traveller, Changi
has well-equipped business centres
for secretarial services, faxing and
photocopying. In addition, the airport has free
Internet kiosks and free wireless broadband
throughout the terminals.

VIP Treatment Changi also has a terminal
dedicated to Commercially Important People.
The JetQuay luxury terminal provides a
concierge service as well as a limousine
service that will take passengers to and from
the terminal to their aircraft on the tarmac.
The terminal has its own business centre,
meeting rooms and conference room as well
as a bistro, mini gym, spa, private lounges
and nap rooms.
And at the heart of all this is the ethos of
excellence that Changi is famous for. It is this
ethos that results in swift baggage arrivals
and smiling staff that man Changi’s retail
outlets and immigration counters. It is no
wonder then that for many travellers, Changi
is as much a destination as it is a journey.

Tel: (+65) 6595 6868.
Web: www.changiairport.com

SINGAPORE INC.
Chapter 3
SINGAPORE INC.


A mature approach of recruiting the best talent, wherever they may be
located in the world, coupled with training Singaporeans to be the best,
have ensured that the country’s labour force is above the rest.


SINGAPORE INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANGI AIRPORT

It takes an entrepreneur just over six working days to get a business
going in Singapore, at low startup costs.
There are many reasons why Singapore is regarded as a choice include FTAs with the United States, Japan, Korea, Australia, New
location for business. A reliable legal and regulatory environment, Zealand, India and Jordan. FTAs facilitate special trading relationships
transparency, lack of corruption, world-class infrastructure, political and concessions with partner countries.
stability and a pro-business government are some reasons. The
Singapore government, along with statutory boards like the Economic A QUALITY WORKFORCE
Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Development Authority
of Singapore (IDA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and The quality of Singapore’s workforce is another huge plus factor. Much
International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) actively solicit credit goes to the rigour of Singapore’s English-based education
multinational corporations to set up shop in the country. system. The competitive education system, combined with emphasis
In its 2008 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Swiss-based on broad-based learning, business-relevant courses, and life skills
Institution for Management Development ranked Singapore as the have made its workforce one of the most literate in the world,
second most competitive country in the world, after the United States. adaptable and competitive. The government actively encourages
In addition, the World Economic Forum ranked Singapore as the and invests in continued education to ensure that its workforce is
most competitive economy in Asia and third most competitive in the equipped with relevant skills.
world in its 2008-2009 Global Competitiveness report. More than Another crucial factor for which the government needs to be
7,000 MNCs and 10,000 Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have lauded is its pro-expatriate stance. Foreign professionals with relevant
established operations in Singapore, many of them using the country skills are welcomed with open arms. This approach to recruitment,
as their Asian or South-East-Asian hubs. Indigenous SMEs number along with a relatively low level of taxation, a high standard of living
around 100,000. and low crime rates have helped the country attract the best talent.
There is none of the red tape that hampers business in other In the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009, Singapore was
countries. A World Bank Report cites: “It takes an entrepreneur just ranked the 3rd most competitive economy in the world. More than
over six working days to get a new business going in Singapore, with 20 percent of its population and around 30 percent of its workforce
low startup costs. Overall, taking into account other factors, including comprise foreigners.
business licensing, taxes, credit, legal rights and investor protection, This mature approach of recruiting the best, wherever they may
Singapore has about the most business-friendly regulation in the be located in the world, and training Singaporeans themselves to be
world.” the best, has helped ensure that the country has a world class labour
Singapore’s corporate tax rate is one of the lowest in Asia. Despite force with few comparisons – an accolade substantiated by Business
relatively high property prices, the government has strived to reduce Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI)’s 2009 labour force ranking,
the cost outlay involved in setting up and maintaining a business. which ranked the country as having the best labour force in the world.
Singapore has double tax agreements with more than 60 countries, With its rich history of immigration, talents from all over the world
as well as a number of notable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These have contributed in developing Singapore into the vibrant and


cosmopolitan city of today – a hub for commerce, creativity, culture,
education, finance, healthcare, information technology, transportation
and research & development.

KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS

• Banking and finance comprise more than 10 percent of
Singapore’s GDP. Many of the world’s largest and well known
financial brand names have set up operations in Singapore. The
three big local banks – DBS, OCBC and UOB – are pillars of
the banking system. Being a major financial hub, a number of
international/private banks like HSBC, Barclays, Credit Suisse,
Clariden Leu, Pictet & Cie, ANZ, Maybank and CIMB have also
established their presence here. Singapore has one of the most
established capital markets in Asia. After Japan, it has the second
largest Real Estate Investment Trust market in Asia. In addition,
its bond market has grown rapidly, and is among the world’s
five most active foreign exchange trading centres. The country’s
financial institutions manage more than S$1 trillion in assets.
Singapore is the only Asian country with an “AAA” rating. In the
2009 Global Financial Centres Index published by the City of
London, Singapore was rated no. 3, after London and New York

respectively.
The country has also positioned itself as a premier centre for
wealth and fund management. With the Asia-Pacific accounting
for more than 27 percent of high net worth individuals (HNWs),
Singapore with its stability, strong regulatory environment, well-
developed banking infrastructures, and well-developed financial
products and services, is a natural place for HNWs to park their
wealth.

• Biomedical: Singapore has demonstrated considerable foresight
in reaping the opportunities in the biomedical sector. This sector
contributed S$19 million in biomedical manufacturing output in
2008, accounting for 7.6 percent of total manufacturing output.
Leading biomedical companies and world-class research
institutions have established facilities in Singapore. It has also
forayed into uncharted areas such as genomics, cell and

PHOTO COURTESY OF JET QUAY


SINGAPORE INC.

molecular biology, bio-processing,
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRASERS CENTREPOINT
bio-informatics, and bio-engineering.
The industry employs more than 11,000
individuals. According to the EDB,
biomedical companies invested in excess
of US$500 million in Singapore in 2008.
More than 10 leading pharmaceutical
and biotechnology companies have
established regional headquarters in
Singapore. They include AstraZeneca,
Bayer, Boehringer-Ingelheim,
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme,
GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Quintiles,
Sanoﬁ-Aventis and Schering-Plough.
The city state is today one of Asia’s
fastest-growing biotechnology centres,
presenting strategic partnership
opportunities with research institutes,
corporate labs and public hospitals to
develop new medicines for regional and
global markets. With a vibrant biomedical
manufacturing sector, Singapore’s
capability as an international medical
hub is strengthened, ensuring healthcare
providers and patients a constant supply
of the latest medicines and medical
products.

• Tourism: Millions of tourists visit
Singapore each year. There were 10.1
million tourists in 2008 – more than twice
the number of its resident population. The
government has ambitious plans – under
the Tourism 2015 blueprint, Singapore
aims to have 17 million tourists annually,
contributing S$30 billion. The allure
of Singapore is apparent – its cultural
diversity, an English-speaking population,
options for both high-end and low-cost
shopping, a buffet of restaurants and
food courts serving local and international
dishes, as well as entertainment options
make this a must visit destination.

• Electronics is a key pillar of Singapore’s
economy, contributing S$68 billion and
employing more than 90,000 people (as
of 2008). It is an industry that supports
other industries, such as precision
component manufacturing, research &
development and logistics. Many of the
parts that go into consumer gadgets
such as mobile phones and computers
are manufactured in Singapore. The likes
of major brand names such as Hewlett-
Packard, Kodak, Toshiba, Dell and EMC
have all established strategic operations
in Singapore – either as their regional
headquarters, R&D facilities, distribution
or manufacturing centre. Singapore
is attractive because of its holistic
value proposition – from research, to
development, to manufacturing, to supply
chain management, to distribution.

• Chemicals: This industry contributed
almost S$35 billion to manufacturing
output in 2008, almost 40 percent of total
manufacturing output. Singapore is a
world class chemical hub, manufacturing
a range of petrochemicals, advanced
materials and specialty chemicals. Well
known industry players such as 3M,
Dupont, ExxonMobil, Shell and Sumitomo
have all established chemical facilities in

the country. As demand for chemicals grows in Asia, Singapore,
with its foresight in investing in emerging technologies, is well-
poised to ride the surging opportunities.

• Healthcare: The standard of Singapore’s medical practice is
on par with the best in the world. In 2006 the country attracted
400,000 foreign patients, a number that may well swell to one
million by the year 2012, if the government’s target is realised.
Many pharmaceutical and medical technology companies
have established operations here. Ancillary industries such
as biotechnology, as well as the cosmopolitan makeup of its
population make this city an excellent test bed for healthcare
products.

• Marine: Singapore’s success was founded on maritime trade.
Two centuries after Sir Stamford Rafﬂes envisioned its maritime
potential, the port of Singapore is still living up to that promise.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world and in some years the
second busiest. It is also the largest manufacturer of jack-up
rigs, with a 70 percent global market share. It also ranks as world
no.1 for oil and gas drilling units and offshore support vessels.
In addition, it holds a 70 percent global market share for the
conversion of Floating Production Storage Ofﬂoading (FPSO) units.
Finally, it holds 20 percent of the global market share for ship
repairs. The marine and offshore industry contributed S$13 billion
to Singapore’s GDP in 2007.

• Information Technology: One of the key ingredients for Singapore
to be successful as a regional hub for operations or headquarters
is its advanced IT infrastructure. The fact that in the 2008 – 2009
Global Information Technology Report the World Economic Forum
ranked Singapore as the most networked country in Asia (and
fourth in the world) explains why major software, hardware and
internet companies have been keen to establish their strategic
presence here. Government initiatives such as the Intelligent
Nation 2015 Master Plan and the National Broadband Network
are expected to buttress Singapore’s leadership in this area in the
near- to mid-term future.

• Aerospace: Singapore’s dominance in the marine industry is
well-matched by its standing as a regional aviation hub. There are
PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD about 100 aerospace companies in Singapore, offering a range
of services – airframe maintenance, engine overhaul, aircraft



SINGAPORE INC.

modifications and conversion, aerospace design and manufacture adopted a somewhat liberal approach to the previously strong
of engine parts. Regionally, the country is no.1 in aerospace controls it enforced over censorship and broadcasting. Since
maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The Singapore Airshow broadcasting was privatised, there has been a proliferation in
is the biggest aerospace and defence exhibition in Asia, and content, mainly through cable, though satellite TV is still banned.
one of the world’s top three. This is a biennial event that in 2008 The media industry now contributes S$18.2 billion to the economy,
attracted 800 exhibitors from 48 countries and around 45,000 and employs more than 50,000 workers. Singapore has also
visitors. forayed into digital production – into digital gaming as well as
animated TV serials. George Lucas’ Star Wars animated series
• Education: Singapore’s education system carries tremendous “The Clone Wars” was produced in Singapore. There are currently
international credibility. Many leading names in education have set plans to set up Asia’s first Digital Cinema Hub and Network
up institutions here. There are about 90,000 international students. Operations Centre in Singapore.
Singapore is a choice location for international students, thanks to
its cosmopolitan make up and outlook, and integration of East with PROFESSIONAL BODIES
West, without compromising on the distinctiveness of each. There
are a multitude of highly business-relevant courses available. The Singapore has a highly efficient machinery in place to ensure that it
Ministry of Education actively evolves the curricula to meet the is a conducive place for work, investment and business tie-ups. This
needs of the economy, as well as emerging industries. includes various statutory boards with specific functions to market
Singapore to the worldwide investment community. The Singapore
• Energy: Singapore is one of the world’s top three oil export refining government is careful that it functions as more of a facilitator, by
centres as well as the No.1 hub in Asia for oil trading and logistics. putting in place a framework that nurtures business, rather than stifle it
Around 1.3 million barrels of oil a day are refined. In 2007, oil through overregulation.
refining, trading and logistics contributed 5 percent to Singapore’s The Economic Development Board (EDB): The EDB describes
gross domestic product. In anticipation of diminishing oil reserves itself as the “compass for Singapore’s future”. It is the “lead
in the years ahead, the country has also started focusing on government agency that plans and executes economic strategies
alternative energy sources such as liquefied natural gas, bio-fuels that enhance Singapore’s position as a global hub for business,
and solar power. investment and talent.” The EDB’s strategies are three-pronged: 1)
Attract investments locally and from foreigners; 2) Grow industry
• Water: By 2015, Singapore is projecting its water sector to verticals; and 3) Enhance the business environment. One of the
contribute around S$1.7 billion and employ more than 10,000 achievements of the EDB in 2007 was attracting a record S$16.1
people – more than double the current employment. The billion in manufacturing investments – for the first time breaching the
government is further investing to build its R&D and manpower S$10 billion mark.
to cater to an anticipated increase in focus in this area. The One of the key initiatives that the EDB has announced recently
government is already a pioneer in several respects – its method is “Future Singapore”. The initiative includes three business growth
of waste water reclamation is being studied and applied in themes: urban solutions, lifestyle, and healthcare – three areas in
markets overseas. One Singaporean company in particular – which Singapore itself faces challenges and by tackling through
Hyflux – has been making the headlines and has been contracted innovative ideas, the country hopes to present to the world solutions
to build the world’s largest water desalination plant – in Algeria. for the future.
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR): An
• Entertainment: Since the mid-1990s, the government has A-star grade is the best that a student can aspire to obtain. When

it comes to science and technology, Singapore is not prepared to and progressive financial centre. Its functions include the conduct of
accept or provide anything less than the highest standards. A*STAR monetary policy, currency issuance, oversight of payment systems,
was created to answer the need for world-class scientific research, management of the official reserves, and acting as the financial agent
to boost Singapore’s economic competitiveness. While the EDB of the government. Last but not least, the MAS is charged with the
compares itself to a compass, A*STAR describes itself as a “luminous function of developing Singapore into an international financial centre.
constellation”, charting the course for Singapore’s science and SPRING Singapore is the nation’s enterprise development
technology. agency, tasked to nurture innovative startups, foster a competitive
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA): The SME sector, and develop global brands. SPRING Singapore works
IDA’s objective is to attract foreign investment through innovative with partners to help enterprises in their financing, capabilities and
and state-of-the-art information and communications technology management development, technology and innovation, and market
development, deployment and usage. The IDA is committed to access. As the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING
instituting and facilitating a high level of IT infrastructure and usage Singapore also develops and promotes internationally-recognised
for not only business but for Singaporeans as a whole. The IDA works standards and quality assurance to enhance competitiveness and
with government organisations to ensure that almost every sector of facilitate trade.
Singaporeans’ life and work are enhanced through connectivity. It International Enterprise (IE) Singapore: IE Singapore’s mission is
effectively functions as the “Chief Information Officer for the Singapore dual: promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises
government.” and international trade, and promoting Singapore as a base for
Singapore has one of the world’s most wired and wire-free foreign enterprises to further expand into the region, in partnership
infrastructures in the world. Many shopping malls as well as major with Singapore-based companies.
eateries such as McDonald’s and Starbucks have wireless internet As a champion for international trade, IE Singapore actively
access. Under a 2015 master plan, the IDA plans to build a next markets the products of Singapore. It works to broaden the Singapore
generation infrastructure of wired broadband and wireless networks. exporter base and also attract international traders to establish
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Much credit operations here. IE Singapore’s Global Trader Programme provides
for Singapore’s current position as a financial hub has to go to the incentives to attract international traders. IE Singapore’s specific
MAS. The regulation of Singapore’s economy and financial sector responsibilities are wide ranging – providing consultancy on Free
has been a success, if one based it on the results. The high level of Trade Agreements to companies, identifying opportunities, providing
transparency and clarity in laws and processes makes Singapore a intelligence to Singapore companies venturing overseas, forging
highly reliable and trustworthy conduit for financial transactions – in business alliances, undertaking customer research, and overseeing
banking, insurance, wealth management and treasury services. tax incentives and grants.
The MAS is also the central bank of Singapore, charged with the
mission to sustain non-inflationary economic growth and a sound Can anyone ask for a more pro-business environment?

“All relevant processes and rules, from implementing a legal entity to
obtaining licenses, are very clear and transparent. Singapore has to be one
of the most pro-business countries in the world.”
Dino Civitarese
Managing Director
Asia-Pacific Telecom Italia
Citizen since 2009



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Chapter 4
FINE DINING
PHOTO COURTESY OF SONG OF INDIA


The range of delectable food choices available in
Singapore give meaning to the term ‘food paradise’.

Indian cuisine at its best – The Song of India

FINE DINING
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLIFF

From hawker centres to food courts, to fast food, to 24-hour coffee
shops, to the finest restaurants and steak houses, Singapore is quite
simply a gastronomical heaven.
Google “food paradise” and the name “Singapore” is likely to appear both Western dishes and Chinese specialties and offers a view of the
as one of the top three search results. That says a lot about the range South China Sea. Then there is Braise, which offers diners an open
of gourmet choices available here. From hawker centres to food view of Palawan Beach and the sea. Palm trees lend a truly resort feel
courts, to fast food, to 24-hour coffee shops, to the finest restaurants to this restaurant, which serves European cuisines. Also located at
and steak houses, Singapore is quite simply a gastronomical heaven. Palawan Beach is Silk Road of the Sea, which serves famous seafood
In fact, food is a national past time that has been fighting for mind dishes of the Chinese provinces The Knolls on the other hand serves
share with another increasing and counteractive obsession – that of a mix of both Western and Asian food choices. Besides a view of the
watching one’s weight and burning off the calories. It’s a tough choice sea, The Knolls would be ideal for an intimate evening.
when you consider the amount of diversity. If you really want to dine in a romantic setting, then head to the
The cultural diversity of Singapore is more than well-represented in Jewel Box, located at Mount Faber hill, where you’ll have a choice
the culinary choices available. Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, Middle- of high-end restaurants – the Sapphire, Empress Jade, Black Opal,
Eastern, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, American, French, Brit, Moonstone and Emerald Lodge. Set in a natural environment of
Arab, Russian – you name it, we have it. With close to 20,000 food trees and foliage, the Jewel Box offers stunning views of the city, the
and beverage outlets packed into a space of barely over 700 square harbour, the nightscape and the sunset. Alternatively, embark on a
kilometres, Singapore is one of the most densely ‘food-populated’ cable car at Faber Hill for a two-hour sky dining experience, 90 metres
countries in the world. above the sea. The cable car will take you all the way to Sentosa,
where you can chill out with a drink at Café del Mar by the beach.
DINING WITH A VIEW
DINING TO IMPRESS
The Equinox Complex’s restaurants at Swissotel the Stamford
command a breathtaking view of the cityscape. Set 70 floors (230 If you’ve just made a tonne of money in the stock market and feel the
metres) above the ground, they provide a panoramic view of the need to celebrate it by lavishing, head to the Au Jardin Les Amis.
skyline, the river, a good part of Singapore, as well as parts of This luxurious restaurant, renowned for being pricey even among
Indonesia and Malaysia. Designed to offer choice, The Equinox the priciest in Singapore, is located amidst the lush greenery of
restaurant provides both authentic Western and Asian cuisines. The Botanic Gardens. Au Jardin is modeled after the ‘Relais et Chateaux’
complex’s other restaurant, Jaan par André, offers a distinctive menu restaurants found in Europe, and serves contemporary French
of French nouvelle cuisine, in a swanky, stylish environment. cuisines.
There are number of diners in Sentosa island which offer panoramic Less pricey, but equally impressive is Lawry’s the Prime Rib, located
views of the beach and/or sea. Barnacles Restaurant & Bar serves in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district. Decorated with

Best of Singapore
53
PHOTO COURTESY OF EQUINOX RESTAURANT SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT SINGAPORE
FINE DINING

54
Best of Singapore

French Impressionist paintings, and rustic, old English style furniture, the former having a seating capacity of 1,200 diners at any time. No
this restaurant transports you back to a bygone era. Impress your Signboard, Fisherman’s Village and Red House are other outlets at
date with trivia such as “did you know that this place has the highest East Coast, all of which are rather well known. If you are somewhere
ceiling for a restaurant in Singapore?” Lawry’s signature dish is in town and are craving for seafood, head to the Quayside Seafood
Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef, carved and wheeled to diners in silver Restaurant at Clarke Quay.
carts for them to choose their preferred cuts. Other highlights include The dining experience in Singapore is not complete without a trip to
the Original Spinning Bowl Salad, Atlantic Lobster Tails, Yorkshire Little India. Dining at Little India always offers great value for money,
Pudding, and Strawberry English Trifle. and the food is also great. Notable restaurants include Muthu’s Curry
Morton’s the Steakhouse is well known for its beef steaks, and Anandha Bhavan. The Indians have always had a weakness for
particularly its signature 24-ounce Porterhouse steak. Morton’s also desserts and the sweetmeats that you will find here at Little India are
offers a selection of seafood and carefully prepared side dishes such sinfully indulgent, to say the least.
as Mash Potato, Sautéed Spinach and Grilled Jumbo Asparagus. For Indian fine dining, visit the Rang Mahal at the Pan Pacific Hotel
Morton’s has perfected the art of presentation – the servers roll out or the Vaansh at Stadium Waterfront. Crystal Jade and Tung Lok are
a cart with all the meats, seafood and vegetables and provide a the renowned Chinese restaurants.
description of each. If you are game for dessert, the Soufflé and Hot
Chocolate Cake are highly recommended. DINING HUBS

DINING WITH CHOICE There are a number of locations that are today entrenched in
Singapore’s culture as major dining hubs. These include ION Orchard,
If you have not made up your mind on what you want to eat, then Clarke Quay and Holland Village.
the smart thing to do is to head to a place which offers a wide range ION Orchard is the latest trailblazer in shopping and dining to hit
of choice. The numerous food courts in Singapore serve a diversity the town. It is one of the largest food hubs in Singapore – 21 per cent
of favourite dishes, and if you don’t mind the crowd, or the less of its massive floor space is dedicated to a variety of international and
comfortable seating, you will always be able to find something to your local foods, as well as casual and fine dining.
liking. For dining and then partying, head to Clarke Quay, where there
Suntec City offers a good diversity as well, from fast food to are some 60 distinctive food and beverage outlets, of a myriad of
traditional Chinese, to Indonesian, to steak houses and cafes. nationalities. Almost every major type of food – Middle-Eastern,
However, the food court located there, while offering variety, doesn’t Indian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Cuban, Indonesian and local fares
offer the best quality. – is available at this iconic night spot.
If you are a big fan of Japanese food, one of your lifetime goals Almost equally international are the cuisines at Holland Village,
must be to dine at the Inagiku restaurant, one of, if not the premier, where you can find a wide range of restaurants offering Western,
Japanese restaurant in Singapore. The kaiseki meal is a ravishing Middle-Eastern, Chinese, Thai, African and South Asian cuisines, as
multi-dimensional treat, encompassing multiple courses of fresh well as a number of coffee shops. Throw in a hawker centre and the
seasonal ingredients. All the usual Japanese favourites – sushi, ingredients for your typical Singapore food hub are complete.
sashimi, tempura and teppanyaki dishes – are prepared by a team of In all honesty, you can get really good food in Singapore just
expert chefs. around any corner. It really is hard to do justice to the Singapore
If you want to try the famed Chilli Crab or Black Pepper Crab, head food experience within the confines of a few pages. However, the
to the seafood restaurants at East Coast. Jumbo Seafood and Long restaurants and dining locations highlighted in this chapter are among
Beach Seafood Restaurant are the more noteworthy names there, with the finest and most popular in Singapore.

The main dining hall

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE RABBIT


Best Of Singapore Vol 3

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