Welcome to Singapore, a world of immense possibilities, where people, technology and ideas converge to create great value for your business.

Located at a geographical vantage point, Singapore attracts global businesses and is seamlessly connected to almost every part of the world.

It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges, and the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away. Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.

An amalgamation of cultures, robust commerce, leisure and lifestyles, visitors will be enriched by the vibrant exchange of knowledge in this fertile business ecosystem.

History of Singapore

Early History The name Singapura comes from the Sanskrit words Singa (lion) and Pura (City). According to folklores, this name was given by a 14th century Sumatran prince, Sang Nila Utama, who landed on the shores Temasek,(meaning fishing village, the original name of Singapore) after a thunderstorm, spotted a magnificient beast, which was later identified by his chief minister, as a lion, the king of the jungle.

Modern History
The modern history of Singapore started in the 18th century, when the Malay Archipelago was gradually taken over by the European colonial powers, from Portugese to Dutch and ultimately the British, for trading purpose.

In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore, seeking for a new British base in the Malay Archipelago region. Raffles has persuaded the British East India Company to fund an expedition to oust the Dutch from their dominance and control of the passageway along the Straits of Malacca. This is especially important for the company since the trade route between China and British India, which had become important with the institution of the opium trade, passed through the archipelago.

When Raffles arrived in Singapore, he soon recognised the island as a natural choice for the new port. It lay at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, near the Straits of Malacca, and possessed a natural deep harbour, fresh water supplies and timber for repairing ships.

Raffles found a small Malay settlement, with a population of a few hundereds, at the mouth of Singapore River, headed by Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman.

The island was nominally ruled by the Sultan of Johor, Tengku Rahman, who was controlled by the Dutch and Bugis. However, the Sultanate was weakened by the factional divisions and the subjects were loyal to Tengku Rahman's elder brother, Tengku Hussein, who is living in exile in the Riau.

With Temenggong's help, Raffles managed to smuggles Hussein back into Singapore. He offered to recognise Hussien as the rightful Sultan of Johor and provide him with a yearly payment.

In return, Hussein would grant British the right to establish a trading post in Singpaore. A formal treaty was signed on 6 February 1819 and modern Singapore was born.

Within decades of the change in ownership, Singapore had become the main commerical and strategic center for the region. In 1867, Singapore became a British Crown Colony and hosed one of Britain's most important naval bases.

Japanese Occupation
This status remained unchange until 1942, when the Japanese army swept down through Malaysa and occupied the colony during World War II.

The Japanese renamed the island Syonan-to, meaning Light of the South. The Japanese Occupation lasted for 3 years and 8 months when it surrendered in 1945, at the end of World War II.

With the dissolution of the British Empire, Singapore was granted internal self-government in 1959, with Yushof Ishak as the Head of State and Lee Kuan Yew, the first elected Prime minister for Singapore.

Independence
In 1963, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia, but broke away in 1965 from the collapsing federation to become fully independent.

Singapore was expelled from the federation, after refusing to implement a federal edict granting Malays a priviliged economic position ( the disadvantage of the other ethnic populations).

Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965. Yushof bin Ishak was sworn in as the first President of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew remained prime minister for the next 8 terms, from 1965 to 1990, one of the longest serving Prime ministers in the world.

The initial outlook was unpromising: Singapore is tiny and has no natural resources, apart from a good harbour. The fledgling nation had to self-sufficient, and faced problems like mass unemployment, housing shortages and water supply that was beholden primarily to Malaysia and a very limited defensive capabilities were the major challenges that the Singapore government faced.

The administration attacked widespread unemploment, raised the standard of living with Switzerland as its model. Large-scaled public housing programme, with Housing Development Board, provided affordable apartments for the citizens, which is still the main type of housing that the citizens stay in.

The country's economic infrastructure was developed, the threat of racial tension curb, and an independent national defence system, Singapore Armed Forces, centering around compulsory male military service for 2.5 years at the age of 18, was created.

Location
Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between longitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E, at the Southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia.

Land Area
Singapore is a small tropical island of 580sq km with an additional 53 smaller islets, making up total of 692.7sq km.

Climate
Abundant Sunshine with tropical showers. Temperatures range from 24degree Celsius (75F) to 32Degree Celsius (90F). November to January are generally the cooler months, with showers over most parts of the island.

Unity in diversity is the philosophy of this cosmopolitan city. Although geography has played a part in the success of Singapore, its mainstay is its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength is its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.

Seeking a better life for themselves and their families, they came from the southern provinces of China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of Singapore community.

Population
Population of 5 million people that share a common identity as citizens of a modern republic. 77.2% are Chinese, 14.1% are Malays, 7.4% are Indians and 1.3% comprises of Eurasians and others who have chosen to make Singapore their home.

Religion
Buddhism, Christianity, Hindusim, Islam and Taoism are the major religions practised in Singapore.

Language
English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language.

Politics
Singapore is a republic country, headed by a Prime minister from an elected Parliament. The main ruling party in Singapore is People's Action Party.

Executive branch
Chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)
note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal communications is Sellapan Ramanathan
Head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee Hean (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister THARMAN Shanmugaratnam (since 21 May 2011); Senior Minister HENG Chee How (since 21 May 2011)
Cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
Note: there is also a Privy Council advising the king
Election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN was appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Political parties & leaders
National Solidarity Party or NSP [GOH Meng Seng];
People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong];
Reform Party [NG Teck Siong];
Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong];
Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan];
Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]
note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Source of information: The World Fact Book (Singapore) 2011

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries.

The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector. Real GDP growth averaged 7.1% between 2004 and 2007. The economy contracted 1.3% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded nearly 14.7% in 2010, on the strength of renewed exports.

Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity, which has sunk to 1% growth per year in the last decade.

Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $292.4 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 14.7% (2010 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP): $57,200 (2010 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2.1% (2010 est.)

Source: CIA The World Fact Book (May 17' 2011)

Singapore Corporate Tax Rates

Income	Tax Rate
Tax rate on corporate profits for up to 300,000 SGD	8.5%
Tax rate on corporate profits above 300,000 SGD	17%
Tax rate on foreign-sourced income brought into Singapore	0 – 17% subject to conditions

Singapore Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore

Access to Singapore
By Plane
Changi International Airport is often voted as one of the best airports in the world, well-known for her heavy traffic and efficient service. Changi airport currently has 4 terminals, including one for budget airlines.

By Car / Coach
Singapore is linked by two causeways to Peninsular Malaysia, accessible via coach and cars.

By Train
Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railway or KTMB) network with the railway station at Tanjong Pagar at the southern edge of the CBD (Central Business District).

By Ferry
Ferries link Singapore with neighbouring Indonesian province of Riau Islands, and the Malaysian state of Johor.

Singapore has four ferry terminals which handle international ferries, Harbourfront, Tanah Merah Ferry terminal, Changi Ferry Terminal and Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Currency / Exchange Rates
The monetary unit of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar.

Exchange rate:	USD 1 = SGD 1.44
	SGD 1 = ￥62
updated as of 30 December 2008

(Exchange rate is subject to fluctuation and the figure shown served as a guideline)

Electricity
The electric current is generally 220/240 volts, 50Hz AC current using British style 3 Pin plug.

Time
GMT +8hours

Country Dialling Code
65

Visa
Visas are generally not required for social visits of under 14 days. Tourists are generally granted social visit pass between 14 to 30 days on arrival, with possession of valid travel documents and an onward or return ticket to their next destination.

Please check with your nearest Singapore overseas embassy for updates on visa regulations.

Customs & Immigrations (link to www.ica.gov.sg)
Visitors to Singapore are allowed to bring in 1L of wine, beer or spirits duty-free.
Singapore does not allow duty-free concessions for cigarettes and tobacco. Importing large amounts of chewing gum is banned.

Singapore has very strict drug laws, which carries a death penalty for the importation or exportation of significant amount of illegal drugs.