Singapore: Heaven on Earth?

Friendly Observer

By Arthur Keefe

                Another trip, another comparison! This time, I was able to spend nearly a week in Singapore, and reflections and comparisons are not self evident.

                Many aspects of Singapore invite envy.  They have one of the best integrated public transport systems in the world, excellent information, electronic through ticketing between bus and MRT, reliable, clean and comfortable.

                The streets are clean, with no potholes, signaled pedestrian crossing and level access everywhere for disabled people.

                Crime is rare; people are very helpful and polite to the tourist.

                The economy continues to boom, and the per capita income is now one of the highest in the world, outstripping both the Americas and the Europe.

                For the tourists, accommodation and entry to visitors, attractions are expensive.  I paid P400 (equivalent) for a cup of coffee on one occasion, the most I have ever paid anywhere!

                This is offset by low cost transport (except taxis) and cheap appetizing food if you "go local."  My favorites are the Indian curries for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a cup of (cheap) tea.

                So, on the face of it, for residents and tourists alike, Singapore has it all.

                However, all is not as simple as it seems.  Many luxury cars crowd the streets and the cost of a car is nearly double than here.  Congestion charges and expensive parking add to the costs of motoring.

                Housing is so expensive that gardens are rare.  And, everybody lives in small high rise, which costs as much as a similar property in London or New York.  Singapore has traded private green space for public space, and living in a total city can feel claustrophobic.  Fortunately, easy entry to Malaysia with its greenery, allows for refreshing trips out of this city of five million people.

                The explanation for the success of Singapore has to rely on the industry and ingenuity of its people, most of whom are Chinese, but with a hardworking minority of Indians and Malay.  When the British left in the 1960's, they left behind an efficient system of government and a sound, but limited infrastructure.

                However, with virtually, no natural resources, minimal farmland and no water, all the Singaporeans had to develop their country was themselves.

                In 50 years, it has transformed itself into one of the most successful countries in the world, measured by economic wealth, individual well being (such as good health and long life) and social cohesion.  It experienced fairly benevolent but authoritarian government, especially, under Lee Kuan Yew, although within democratic framework modeled on the British Parliamentary system.

                Comparing Singapore and the Philippines is not easy.  If you give the highest priority to economic prosperity and to a well ordered and well regulated society, Singapore wins hands down.  However, many Singaporeans, bemoan the loss of personal freedom, the strict penalties for non-compliance with rules, and the draconian reaction to serious crime, such as the use of the cane for beating (aptly called 'caning') and the death penalty for drug offences.

                Although the opportunity to ignore the law with impunity in the Philippines is a serious problem, the general attitude of personal freedom, and individual responsibility, is an attractive feature for many.

                I once asked a Canadian, what he admired most about the Philippines, he replied, he liked its lawlessness! (Canada has many similarities to Singapore in relation to the regulation of personal behavior.)  So, which is the better place to live depends on the age and stage of life?  If you need to work, raise a family, and go about a busy daily routine, then Singapore is well designed for you.  If you are retired, prefer a less stressful or less demanding lifestyle, and have no driving ambition, then the Philippines, probably, offers you more scope.

                In any event, few people have a choice.  Singapore does not easily give residence or even less so, citizenship to those not born there.  The very many Filipinos working there as domestic helpers, shop workers etc. can work for many years (and visit Lucky Plaza every Sunday as so many do!) but will never get the right to remain once their employment ends.

                As a destination for a tourist, I thoroughly recommend it. As a place to retire, I can happily stay where I am in San Carlos.