About Singapore

Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Today, Singapore is rapidly taking its place among the world’s premier global cities, where talents from all around the world gather to share innovative ideas and start new businesses.

Singapore boasts one of the most stable societies in Asia. Its multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual groups are united in the common effort to keep Singapore a prosperous place. Modern Singapore is a city of concrete, glass, freeways and shopping centres. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers still a part of everyday Singapore. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favorite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab Street, the cry of the muezzin can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque. At the Esplanade, you enjoy world-class arts performances while the jet-set club to the latest music at the cosmopolitan clubs.

Singapore may no longer be the rough and ready port of rickshaws, opium dens, pearl luggers and pirates, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the flashing ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. Many other fine reminders of Singapore’s colonial past remain, despite the island’s relentless development.

Perhaps Singapore’s greatest treat is the variety and quality of its food. For only a few dollars you can have a bowl of steaming noodles, curry and rice, or delicious satay, all at the same food stall table. Spend a little more, or a lot more, and Singapore has hundreds of restaurants serving the best Chinese, Indian, Malay, European and other International cuisines. 

Facts at a glance:

Full country name:	Republic of Singapore
Area:	710 sq km
Population:	5 million (Growth rate 1.4%)
People:	76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malay, 7.9% Indian and 1.4% Eurasians and other ethnic groups
Language:	Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English
Religion:	8.5% Taoist, 42.5% Buddhist, 14.9% Muslim, 9.8% Christian, 4% Hindu
Government:	Parliamentary democracy
President:	Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam
Prime Minister:	Mr Lee Hsien Loong

If you come from a temperate climate, the first thing that hits you is the heat. Temperature ranges from 24o to 32o C (75-89o F) with an average daily maximum relative humidity of 84.3%. Rain falls all year round but is most abundant from November to January. Rainfall occurs mostly as sudden showers. It is good idea to carry an umbrella whenever you go out. Wear light, comfortable, cotton clothing to beat the heat.

Cost of Living in Singapore
Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the South East Asia. Daily necessities and luxuries are readily available. These are estimation of how much is required during your stay in Singapore. They do not include tuition fees, costs of books, telephone expenses, and travel expenses from your home country to Singapore.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Accommodation (off-campus):	S$900 - S$1800
Food:	S$300 - S$500
Local Transportation:	S$100 - S$150
Personal expenses:	S$100 - S$300
Total:	S$1400 - S$2750

You will need money (cash) immediately on your arrival for transport, meals, phone cards, etc. You should bring along at least S$300 cash upon arrival.

Generally, there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency, travellers’ cheque and bank draft into Singapore. It is always wiser and safer to bring your sum of money in the form of a bank draft.

You may bring along additional funds using bank drafts made out in Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. Telegraphic transfers may also be made through another bank to your account