Settled now in Asia Pacific (APAC), I’m residing in the small yet technologically advanced and bustling island of Singapore. Technology in the city-state of Singapore can be found in various forms, which has compelled me to share my observations. Examples include the broad use of “smart” devices, mobile and kiosk applications galore, local Government regulations enablement, and wireless connectivity via hotspots everywhere. In fact, Singapore High Tech Association (SHTA) was founded in a successful effort to establish Singapore as the world’s most attractive hub to operate and expand High Technology businesses. And the country was just recently ranked 4th highest broadband in Asia. All this after IDA launched the ten year iN2015 initiative back in 2005.
One of my first Singapore experiences upon arriving at Changi International Airport, is the remarkable efficiencies and cleanliness of this Asia hub. Little did I know at the time, the immense technology
Highly Efficient
Lines are minimized when traveling through Changi via the use of smart queuing, thanks to FAST Lane offered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which leverages a biometric-based system they’ve had in place since 2004. This enables SATS , Singapore’s TSA “equivalent”, if you can call it that although there’s simply no comparison in my humble opinion! In fact, SATS not only provides security services at Changi, they offer catering for many local airlines, and even facilitate the sales process for all pork imported into Singapore. Now that’s what I call diversified!
Due to Singapore’s limited space of approximately 34 mile radius to it’s population of 5.5M+ inhabitants ratio, mass transportation and taxi are the primary means for getting around. Thankfully as I’ve opted not to drive while here in Singapore, the taxis are clean, efficient and plentiful (for the most part, exclusive of rainy days and F1 week). Technologically speaking, most taxi companies (namely SMRT & Comfort City cab ) offer electronic payment options by credit card (excluding Visa) and EZ Link. With a quick swipe or scan of your preferred card, payment is complete and you’re on your way! And to top it off, all taxi companies participate in app-based bookings available in the app stores of most smart phones, such as Grab Taxi and Easy Taxi. Or book an SMRT “green” taxi from their eco-smart, fuel efficient fleet via the proprietary Moobi Taxi app.
Uniquely Clean & Safe
From the airport and throughout the entire country, Singapore rightfully prides itself in keeping the streets, sidewalks and architectures in ‘tip top’ shape. With regard to cleanliness, many public restrooms have touch pad screens where you can rate your satisfaction of the cleanliness with a quick “smiley” 😁😊😏😣 vote, sometimes even including the photo of the staff responsible for monitoring the space. Quite often you may even see the staff present tidying up the area in between each use!
And because littering is a highly enforced widely deployed CCTV cameras finable offense, you’re unlikely to see as much as a small piece of trash or cigarette butt lying around anywhere. In fact, EPHA revised the penalties in 2014 to crack down even further on litterers ($2,000 the first time, doubling the second, and again nearly tripling the third!). Money not an issue to offenders? No problem, the NEA has that covered as well with Corrective Work Order, or more simply put, picking up trash wearing an obvious bright green vest. And top offenders may even earn having their photo displayed on the front cover of The Straits Times! Other interesting unlawful acts here include chewing gum and spitting. Gum cannot be sold/purchased (aside from the pharmaceutical type sold over the counter at widely available establishments such as Guardian) in an effort to keep the sidewalks free of the sticky mess, although the island Police will often turn a head to gum chewers. Regardless of the offense, and with the help of broadly deployed CCTV by local Government, such offenses have understandably become rather uncommon occurrences. This not only makes Singapore extremely clean, but also very safe. A female can walk the streets alone into the ‘wee’ hours of the night without being bothered by other late-night street goers, and one may even see children strolling throughout the island without any concern by their families.
Culture Rich
Singapore demonstrates true diversity in its population, which is primarily made up of Singaporeans (of Chinese or Malaysian descent), Indians and a wide variation of Expats (referred to by locals as “Westerners” including from Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the US). As a result, the predominant language broadly spoken is English, yet one can experience a different piece of the variety of cultures around every corner.
Regardless of one’s descent or economic status, literally everyone in Singapore can be seen connected via their “smart” device in hand, and across all platforms and in a variety of options and sizes. Apple and Android are most prevalent, with a lesser common sighting of Windows Phone or Blackberry. Localized apps are plentiful, i.e., for travel, entertainment, dining, transportation, and social (although more widely available for the above top two). In fact, it’s not at all uncommon to observe mobile devices being used to navigate through the narrow ‘shop house’ side streets to locate the latest hot spot, taking selfies (particularly popular with the Filipino population around the Orchard area during their Sunday off), What’s App’ing to stay in touch with friends around the world, streaming their favorite movie, or playing interactive games on the MRT (Singapore’s highly efficient island-wide train system). On the social networking front and somewhat unique to Asia, hopeful singles may become acquainted using Lunch Actually, the SDN (Social Development Network) with the largest membership base throught Asia, which has recently become quite popular in Singapore.
Entertainment & Dining Galore
Singapore offers everything from shopping, sightseeing, outdoor activities, and as a hub to short regional trips throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. If shopping is your forte (as it is mine!), in Singapore there’s a mall literally around every corner, whether your pleasure is bargain hunting like one can find at Bugis Junction, or high-end shopping at ION Orchard, or anything in between.
Because Singapore is such the melting pot, the cuisine here does not disappoint, offering plenty of Asian, Middle Eastern and “Western” choices and across all price levels. For online reservations booking (primarily at the moderate-higher priced restaurants), most establishments leverage Chope, which is the popular Singapore equivalent to OpenTable. And upon restaurant arrival, many places have iPads at the host station for onsite wait listing (i.e., Wild Honey and Itacho Sushi, to name a couple of my weekly faves!). Some restaurants even offer ordering via iPads left at every occupied table, namely Napolean Wine Bar, while not one of my faves, it’s a unique, technological dining experience nonetheless. And if you prefer dining recommendations from fellow travelers, not to worry as TripAdvisor offers plenty of helpful reviews.
After dinner, Singapore has plenty of late-night entertainment options including bar hopping or listening to live music such as is found at popular Clark Quay, or watching live theatrical performances at the classy MasterCard Theater in the Marina Bay Sands. In fact, a surprising fact about Singapore despite the strict enforcement on crimes, is that prostitution is allegedly “legal” and an interesting part of the local culture aimed at “serving” the business traveler and expat community. Don’t believe it? See it for yourself at Orchard Towers, Brix at the Grand Hyatt or Geylang (deemed Singapore’s ‘Red Light’). And if you’re lucky, you’ll even see a beautiful lady boy, a sight that is renowned in Thailand but not realized by most in Singapore.
And day or night (given the weather maintains a range at approximately 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit year round), for the outdoor, adventurous types, there are plenty of hiking and bicycling opportunities throughout the island. One may opt to leave their mobile device at home, or utilize their favorite fitness, mapping or photo apps to “enhance” the outdoor experience. However, the latter is the more common sighting, because after all, it is Singapore! For a more leisurely outdoor experience, visit adjacent Sentosa island reachable by tram or cable car. Here one can explore trendy, beachfront bars, partake in indoor skydiving, or visit Underwater World aquarium, Universal Studios, the casino, or just leisurely stroll around the island. Many visit the island on Sundays for brunch and popular pool parties. And free Wifi is widely present throughout the island, powered by M1! Back on the mainland, award-winning architectural and sustainable “must sees” include the Gardens By The Bay and the Botanical Gardens , particularly for nature lovers.
A Travel Hub
Known as the hub to Asia Pacific, Singapore is a convenient central point to reaching many popular destinations across APAC, the Middle East and even Europe, each with widely varying levels of sophistication and technology. Over the past year plus, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Taiwan, and Philippines within APAC. And more broadly, regional travels have taken me to Abu Dhabi (as part of the F1 circuit!), Dubai, Sri Lanka, Maldives and even Italy.
Regardless of your final destination within the region, there are many great travel deals to take advantage of, if you enjoy bargain hunting (as do I!) or are counting pennies to retirement (aren’t we all??). A few of my faves are Expedia and Kayak. And lastly for regional flights, find plenty of inexpensive options via local airlines like Scoot (owned by top-rated Singapore Airlines, Tigerair, Jetstar and more. Although these economical airlines are technologically deficient while onboard the aircraft (no Wifi, in-flight entertainment, or mobile device charging), TigerAir, for example, prides itself for projected use of fuel-efficient, Eco-friendly A320neo, a later and more technologically advanced model by Airbus.
In closing, emerging into APAC via Singapore has been a pleasurable experience for me both personally and professionally. If you’ve not yet traveled to APAC, I’d highly recommend doing so, whether it be for business or pleasure. If traveling from the US, although the flight time is quite lengthy as you’re traveling half way around the world to the other side of the globe, it’s well worth the trip as there’s much to see, do and experience as you immerse yourself in the cultural melting pot! And remember to have your devices batteries charged before proceeding through the TSA security. New Homeland Security regulation to some destinations now require powering up the device as part of the standard security checks.
Hope to see everyone in Asia Pacific soon, and safe, comfy travels!
staceyalbert 