A Unique Culture

Home to some 4.6 million people, Singapore is an amalgam of a native Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East. This diversity can be traced back to Singapore’s humble beginnings as a budding port of call in the late 19th and early 20th century. Its strategic location was a nexus for major shipping lines which brought forth an influx of migrations from as far as Arabia.

The eclectic mix of races has given rise to a multi-racial, multi-religion and multi-lingual society. While diverse, Singaporeans are in many ways, similar. Many have gradually acquired a distinct Singaporean identity while retaining their individual customs, practices and festivals.

On the surface, Singapore culture exudes a strong Asian flavour, but delving deeper reveals a highly westernized and modern society. A large part of the television programmes, cinema movies and mainstream music are imported from the West. Over the past 40 years, a substantial number of Singaporeans have worked and/or studied in western countries. These have resulted in a Singaporean consciousness that gives rise to a fusion of East-meets-West way of life.

Despite being globally open to Western influences, Singaporeans are still relatively traditional when it comes to ‘liberal’ western ideas, especially where sex and self-expression are concerned. For example, walking around the beach in the nude is a strict no-no, unless you want to end up in jail.

While still a male-dominated society, women have made much headway in the gender equality balance. The traditional family model of women being the homemaker no longer holds true in the Singaporean context. Indeed, women are highly respected in Singaporean society with many holding major positions in the government and private sector.

Racial Harmony

Racial harmony is a cornerstone of Singapore's culture. After being shaken by the tumultuous 1964 race riots, the government made a concerted effort to cultivate a singular Singaporean identity. Citizens are encouraged to view themselves as Singaporeans first and foremost, and Malay, Chinese, Indian or others, second.

To foster social cohesion and national loyalty, segregation is discouraged by government policy. This is actively pursued through the Housing Development Board (the government’s residential development arm) policies which are designed to encourage the mix of races within each housing district. A quota system ensures a minimum of minorities in each residential apartment block.

Religious Tolerance

Singapore is a cultural montage of religious influences; its variety is a direct reflection of the multi-racial nature. The main religions are Buddhism, Islam, Taoist, Catholic, Christianity, and Hinduism with sizable communities of Sikhs and Jews.

People from various faiths mingle freely with a mutual respect for each other’s beliefs. Such religious tolerance has been carefully nurtured over the years, with many Singaporeans taking pride in the close rapport that it builds.

While religious freedom is enshrined in the constitution, this right is restricted in circumstances where it runs counter to public health, public order or morality. Any attempt threatening to sow discord is met with swift and unequivocal government reprisals.

Language

The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. While Malay is the national language, English is the unifying language between the various ethnic groups. English serves as the primary medium of instruction for road signs, public notices and, radio and television media. It is the lingua franca in government and business, and the first language in schools.

To maintain traditional ties, bilingualism is compulsory in the education system where students must learn English and one other second language. Today’s children are generally exposed to dual languages from infancy since both parents, products of past Singaporean education, are already bilingual. It is common for English to be spoken in public while the mother tongue is used at home.

Tourists may encounter language problems during their initial stay as many Singaporeans engage in a colloquial-like form of English known as Singlish. Singlish is a literal translation of Chinese syntax into English with a generous mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian languages. Phrases can sometimes end with amusing terms like ‘lah’, ‘lor’, ’liao’ and ‘mah’. Generations of communal living has given rise to this unique blend of local languages which Singaporeans have come to recognise as a cultural badge of Singaporean identity.

Food

Singapore’s status as a food paradise is well-deserved. With a diverse range of gastronomic delights – from Chinese to Indian, Malay to Peranakan, Italian to Russian, the island city is a foodie’s delight.

Simply pop into one of the many hawker centres and be greeted by a multitude of local food choices numbering in the hundreds. From the local favourite, chicken rice to the sumptuous chilli crab, these local delicacies can be found all over the island. If cost is not a factor, restaurants serving the finest in champagne and caviar can just as easily be found in the Orchard Road shopping belts.

Singaporeans love their food. It is so easily accessible, day or night, and at such affordable prices, that eating out is a common affair. Food has entrenched itself so much into the Singaporean psyche that it has become central to bonding, entertaining, recreation and a prelude to business ventures.