Hi. I’m back from our prosperous neigbour few days ago. This time, I’ve toured around Singapore with a slightly different perspective. I visited several landmarks where most of the typical tourists won’t be visiting. I travelled around the city-state by using their efficient and affordable transportation system. I observed the entire General Election process of the First World nation. I’ve also tasted several kinds of good food. Last but not least, I spent some of my time there comparing Singapore with Malaysia. It seems that Singapore is multiplying the size of their economic pie aggressively while Malaysia is merely focusing on the way of dividing its economic pie rather than multiplying it. Therefore, the latter has various types of inefficient national policies and still remained as one of the Third World nations. Anyway, Singapore roars while Malaysia purrs. LOL!
Some highlights of my trip:
2nd May 2006:
I reached the causeway at 5.30am. At that moment, around 5,000 Malaysian students were crossing the causeway to attend schools in Singapore while an infinity of working adults from both countries were crossing the strait as well. Definitely no kidding! I had my lunch at Hong Kong Street, BLSC. During the night, I had my dinner together with Reddy and sister Lisa at Fish & Co. Later, I went for an express hair cut in ecHouse, Jurong Point.
3rd May 2006:
I travelled around some nearby landmarks such as National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic by utilizing their efficient transportation system. Obviously, it’s impossible for me to deny that they have better systems in both education and transportation. Lunch: 7-Eleven sandwiches. Dinner: Fried Prawn Noodles at a nearby hawker center.
4th May 2006:
I spent my whole day exploring Changi International Airport. I was like Tom Hanks for a day in his movie ‘The Terminal’. You’re discouraged to laugh at me as I’ve learnt something priceless in the airport! Anyway, believe it or not, the airport is actually one of the preferred destinations for their students to complete their assignments and revisions!!! At night, I watched Mission Impossible III together with sister Lisa at Golden Village of Jurong Point (the movie? highly recommended!). We had our dinner at Mos Burger.
5th May 2006:
I spent my whole day exploring Shenton Way and Tanjong Pagar area. A distinguishing characteristic of that area is the large numbers of tall skyscrapers that help form its beautiful skyline. They are the Monetary Authority of Singapore Building, Central Provident Fund Building, Development Bank of Singapore Building, Temasek Tower, Capital Tower, SIA Building, Springleaf Tower, International Plaza, etc. During the night, I had my dinner together with Reddy and sister Lisa at Crystal Jade of Jurong Point.
6th May 2006:
Singapore’s Election Day. I accompanied my sister for several hours in Tanjong Katong Complex, Geylang. She purposely went there to shop for kebaya and sarong batik to match the theme of her company’s Dinner & Dance event. At night, we went to super-duper Marina Square for some serious shopping. We had our dinner at Sakae Sushi in Marina Square. Then, we walk around the scenic Marina City Park. During our journey back, we got the General Election result: The People’s Action Party (PAP) romped home with 82 of the 84 Parliamentary seats while The Worker’s Party (WP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) retained their seats in Hougang and Potong Pasir respectively. Overall, the ruling party PAP gathered 66.6 per cent of the valid votes cast, compared to 75.3 per cent in the previous election.
7th May 2006:
I spent my day at Jurong Point together with sister Lisa. We had both meals at a nearby hawker center. At 9.00pm, I travelled hundreds of kilometer heading to my hometown, situated in a country where various races live peacefully - but separately.
