SINGAPORE

Singapore

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Thesis Statement3

Discussion3

Singapore Economy5

Subsistence for Singapore5

Technology, Communications and Media as Subsistence for Singapore6

Mobile connectivity6

Home connectivity8

Public connectivity9

Consumers10

Digital and social media12

Future of the Technology, Communications & Media industry in Singapore14

Conclusion16

References17

Singapore

Introduction

The Republic of Singapore is the second-smallest country in Asia and consists of Singapore Island and several smaller islands off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore's geographic location gives it strategic importance in the region. It is mostly low lying and hilly, with sections of rain forest, and mangrove groves. The tropical climate is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. Average winter temperatures are 75°F and average summer temperatures are 88°F. The nation's 4.6 million people are 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, and 8% Indian. They are 42.5% Buddhist, 14.9% Muslim, 8.5% Taoist, and 15% Christian. Roman Catholics represent the largest Christian denomination, claiming about 5% of the population. Singapore's three official languages include Mandarin, English, and Tamil. While Mandarin is the most widely spoken (35%), English is used by the government and taught in schools. Malay, spoken by 14% of the population, is the national language. The entire population lives in urban areas, as the nation is virtually a city-state. The infant mortality rate was ranked as the lowest in the world in 2009. The average life expectancy of nearly 82 years is one of the highest in the world.

Thesis Statement

The economy of Singapore will continue to grow up fast as the country will keep its focus on Technology, Communications and Media as Subsistence.

Discussion

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free market economy thanks to its strategic location on the trade routes and to its industrious population. It is one of the world's most prosperous economies, with strong international trading links. It is also one of the busiest ports in the world. Its per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is equal to that of major Western nations. The economy is largely based on exports, especially of electronics and information technology products. The agricultural sector is extremely small, focusing primarily on orchids, poultry, eggs, and some vegetables. (Ghesquiere 2010)

In 2010, the Fraser Institute of Canada ranked Singapore as the 2nd most economically free nation in the world (after Hong Kong) in the latest edition of their Economic Freedom of the World report.

Singapore Economy

The economy continues to grow at a brisk pace. Low levels of labour productivity could slow progress in the medium term but considerable sums will be spent to rectify the problem. Income inequality is now greater than in either China or the USA. Singapore has one of the fastest ageing societies in Asia. Fiscal policy is being realigned to better deal with long-term issues such as upgrading the economy and reducing the dependence on foreign labour. (Gregory 2010)

Subsistence for Singapore

Manufacturing output shrank by 5.0% in real terms during 2009 but the sector began a recovery in the fourth quarter of the year and grew by 24.0% in 2010. Singapore is an important centre for production and research for electronics and ...