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| Executive Travel: Singapore |
Expat Journal: An Oasis of Order
Michael Dee
09/01/2005
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I’ve lived in New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and now Houston, and I
can tell you from experience that the drive into Singapore from Changi Airport
is a rare pleasure. The roadways are lined with colorful flowers and shady trees
that grow together over the streets—very tropical, lush and clean. Best of all,
that lovely drive defines what it is like to live in Singapore.
When I moved
my family there in 2000 for a four-year stay, we adjusted easily. Singapore is a
family-friendly place that is practically designed for overseas executives. We
had a beautiful home with a pool—some called it a single-family resort—right
next to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Once a large monkey came and sat on the
wall near the pool and watched us swim. We always felt close to
nature.
Singapore is a unique place of outstanding civic order. The
politicians are phenomenal administrators who take the long view, even when it
is unpopular. They are extremely skilled at aligWhen you deal with the government,
they do what they say they will do and, as
a
businessperson, that’s what you want. |
ning the interests of the
country with the interests of the individual, which has won them the trust of
the people. The government should also be credited with promoting cultural
sensitivity across a widely diverse population. The result is a harmonious
society where Chinese, Indians, Arabs and whites of various religious beliefs
live and thrive together. The political structure has provided peace, prosperity
and security for a long time. The government focuses on providing jobs—and good
jobs—for its people.
The prosperity that Singapore has achieved in a very
short time compared to anywhere else in Asia is truly extraordinary. Hong Kong
has a higher profile because it has always been marketed better, but Singapore
is safe, clean and practical—everything works. That doesn’t make for an exciting
marketing campaign, but it makes for a great place to live. (Note also that the
tax rate is 20 to 22 percent, with no capital gains tax and no tax on interest
income.)
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