Singapore Culture

Singapore's Culture

Introduction

Singapore, formerly known as Temasek (“Sea Town”) during the AD 1298 - 1299 where first settlements are being established and Singapura (“The Lion City”) named by Sang Nila Ultama, a Prince from Palembang. In the 19th century, under the charged of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, he restructured Singapore into a modern city. Singapore is also named the “Fine” City not because of our cleanliness or quality of life but also if anyone commits or break any of the laws here, he/she subjected to a fine or jail term dependable on the severity of the offenses one committed.

Multi-racial, Multicultural, Multilingual Nation

Singapore is a cosmopolitan and multicultural nation inheriting from the cultural diversity set by Sir Stamford Raffles in the 19th century. Singapore has a good mixture of races from the Malay, Chinese, Indian and European who immigrates here as cheap labors or migrate from their origin to Singapore in the olden days. With all the different races in the nation, a common language is required in order for the country to prosper or progress to the next height.

Multi-racial

Singapore became an independent country in 1965, after separation from Malaysia due to political dispute and race riots between the Chinese and Malays. Under the helm of Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister of Singapore), he enforced multiculturalism in order to create a unique identity as a Singaporean. In 2015, Singapore has an approximate population of 5.5 millions; Chinese made up the majority of the population at 74.3%, Malays and Indian constituted at 13.3% and 9.1% respectively and Others at 3.2%.

Multicultural

Singapore still preserve certain district areas that by largely representing each race, like Kampong Glam (Malays), Chinatown (Chinese) and Little Indian (Indian). The major holidays in Singapore are Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali representing the Chinese, Malay and Indian respectively.Although the holidays are catered to each individual race, Singaporeans get to celebrate as a nation by declaring each holiday as a public holiday. In Singapore where it is a multiracial country, each race practice their own religious, for example; the majority of the Chinese practice Buddhism, Taoism and the rest are Christians, Catholics or as “free-thinkers” (Those who do not belong to any religion), the Malays and Indian practiced Muslims/Islam and Hindus respectively.

Having a multicultural society have its own benefits, the most distinct features are culinary or food in simplicity. A wide variety of food are readily available and accessible across the island, local dishes like Nasi Lemak and Laksa alone draws millions of tourists each year. Despite the wide variety of food