tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post6791060528347672930..comments2024-03-28T14:51:19.974+05:30Comments on Stonethrower's Rants: SingaporeStonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-76153770112726471022017-01-11T20:15:30.561+05:302017-01-11T20:15:30.561+05:30That's a well - written blog - lucid , interes...That's a well - written blog - lucid , interesting and one that made me think and reflect especially the part about the similarities between Singapore and Dubai. <br /><br />I thought I could share my views based on our years in Singapore and travels to Dubai and hearing about friends' experiences in Dubai: <br /><br />I agree that there are similarities - both man- made beacons of trade, commerce and opulence . Both are multi - cultural and yes run by autocratic but benevolent rulers. However I think there are some differences. <br /><br />First from the aesthetic or the external lens seen thru a tourist's eyes : Singapore has a huge thrust on greenery, orchids and the like e.g. I doubt if Dubai has anything like a Gardens by the bay . Also while there are man made things in Sg, they are conscious of their impact on the environment - I have read articles on how Dubai's over the top construction forays. Dubai seems to have a more ostentatious culture to throw money and make it the best , richest , tallest ...Singapore when it separated from Malaysia in the mid 60s aspired to be a clean self sufficient state that can give its citizens an international level standard of living. While things are man-made and people are materialistic, I don't see similar mega King- size claims or aspirations. Other than perhaps claims (tightly so) of a green, clean and over- disciplined state with one of the best airports in the world. <br /><br />With both places having a huge Indian population , Singapore is more multi cultural - the Chinese impact can be seen and felt a lot. In Dubai it's more of the Islamic and Sourh East Asian influences. <br /><br />After HK in Asia, Singapore is the epicenter of the finance world - hedge funds and banks abound there. So do many other companies with regional HeadQuarters like research , pharma etc. Dubai really isn't on that map . <br /><br />Singapore is better planned, it has a plan B and a Plan C for every eventuality - there may not be another city in the world that compares with this - rendering it predictable. Dubai is probably more fun! <br /><br />From a living point of view, the access that one has to truly international schools, medical facilities and doctors and truly cosmopolitan condominiumss and residential areas is huge. Our Japanese and Korean friends found enough and more of their food and groceries. I am not sure if Dubai can match this! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com