FACTS AND FIGURES

Unique Studying Habits of Young Singaporeans

While home and public libraries are still conventional places for students to grind away at their schoolbooks in Russia, their Singaporean peers prefer restaurants or cafes. Why? Because of the easily accessible island-wide wifi, comfy chairs and spacious tables, in addition to drinks and snacks that may be bought on the spot, which creates a perfect ambiance for those with exams coming their way.

But the students occupying the seats do not always patronise the cafes, which negatively affects the businesses. However, outlets such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Burger King have been tolerant of this practice for years, allocating off-peak periods for study. As for the international Changi airport, students may be spotted there not only in its three terminals’ eateries but sitting on the carpeted floor, attracting looks from puzzled tourists.

Improved Cable Car System to Launch in Q2 2010

Singapore’s cable car service, which connected Mount Faber to Sentosa, is now closed for a US$25.3 million overhaul. When business resumes in the second quarter of this year, the service will offer new cars allowing for better views, an added sound system and flip-up seats. The entire system will also be raised by 20 m (altogether 110 m above sea level). Launched in 1974, the cable car service installed in 1999 boasted the world’s first glass-bottomed cabins, offering riders breathtaking views from under their feet. The old cars were recently put up for sale, being pieces of Singapore’s world-famous tourism icon. Five individuals bought a car each, paying S$2,888 for one.

In the Pipeline

The Singaporean government invested about US$ 13.5 billion in infrastructure last year. Another USS10.5 billion will be injected this year, and USS12 billion in 2011. The financing will go to building a new cruise liner terminal, sports facilities and public housing.

Tying the Knot: How Much?

Singapore’s households with a monthly income of S$6,000 (USD4,300) and above are willing to spend around S$22,000 (USD16,000) on their children’s weddings – more than double the regional average. Parents in Singapore generally want this occasion to be grand and not to “lose face”, especially if their business associates have been invited.

Singapore is Home to the Largest Puzzle Ever

A Singapore family has completed a 24,000-piece puzzle measuring 4.28 m by 1.75 m. The colourful picture of animals, planets and the ocean took Singaporean Andrew Thio and his family 55 days to assemble, and is officially registered as the world’s largest commercial jigsaw puzzle in the Guinness World Records.

Easy to Pay Taxes in Singapore

According to the latest survey of 183 economies by the World Bank Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Singapore maintains, for the second year running, fifth position in terms of being one of the easiest places in the world to pay taxes, with those ahead of it being the Maldives, Qatar, Hong Kong and the UAE. The report looks at how easy it is to pay taxes by accessing the local administrative burden for companies to comply with tax regulations. During the economic crisis of the 1990s, Singapore was one of the first on the mend thanks to the immediate introduction of tax cuts and exemptions.

Singapore: The World’s Third Least Corrupt Country

Singapore’s government has a reputation for honesty and integrity that few others can match.

The city-state took third place as the least corrupt country, according to the 2009 annual corruption survey by Transparence International, a Berlin-based non-governmental corruption watchdog. Taking first and second places, are New Zealand and Denmark only. The score reflects the perception of the degree of corruption by businessmen and country analysts.

No Longer a “Grey” Country

In recent years, Singapore has been taking measures to insure transparency and due diligence in its banking sector. In November 2009, Singapore was taken off the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development’s “grey list” of countries considered lax in sharing tax information. Singapore has signed its 12th Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, which requires governments to disclose financial information when foreign requests are made regarding tax evaders.

Singapore’s Smoking Ban has been Extended

Since last year, smoking has been banned from all Singapore’s all indoor public spaces, and has now been extended to some outdoor areas as well. It is an offence to light up in multi-storey and basement car parks, playgrounds and exercise areas. The smoking ban will also apply to restaurants and bars in the soon-to-open Integrated Resorts.

Traditional Medicine Gains Recognition

In 2008, Singapore exported S$ 4.5 billion worth of traditional medicine and health supplements. Singapore-made Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products now account for over a third of such products approved for sale locally. Seven of Singapore’s hospitals have set up TCM clinics and, in 2005, Singapore’s Ministry of Heath allowed acupuncture and other TCM services to be offered as treatments. Some local import and export companies have chosen to become manufacturers – the decision stemming from the realisation that the made-in-Singapore label carries a lot of weight in the global market.