ST : Singapore as world-in-one

Feb 9, 2010

Singapore as world-in-one

PLANNERS here obsess ceaselessly about making Singapore a city of commercial and cultural distinction, on a scale that is global. Benchmarks often cited are the multi-ethnic and multi-talented vitality of New York and Europe's financial and cultural centres. They also want the city to be 'liveable', such that Singaporeans are proud of their model home and it also acts as a magnet for real talent (not talent defined generously). It's all there in the newest development brief on Singapore as a global city, put out by the Economic Strategies Committee.

Can it be both? Is it even necessary to have dual strengths to achieve the status being sought? The position Singapore aspires to is as a world city that draws smart people - and also lures back Singaporean emigres - to create wealth and vibrancy, and is also fun and safe to live in. This can be accomplished through either route. Quality of life indices usually are dominated by cities in Scandinavia, Canada, the Oceania and Europe's alpine region. Beauty of landscape, a pristine environment and access to such natural recreations as beaches, forests and the hills are common attributes. London, New York, Tokyo and Singapore are self-evidently not among the top-ranking if liveability is defined as a lifestyle devotion. Crowdedness is a prime disadvantage. But these cities score heavily as business and financial centres, with their attendant attractions.

In the blue-riband stakes Singapore is playing for, it is its appeal to talent and risk-takers in diverse fields (corporates and start-ups, research, artistic types, chefs, show promoters, legal and medical enterprise) that has been its starting point. The Government is on to a good thing in focusing on this strength. If Singapore continues to attract Fortune 500 companies, niche learning and research institutes, artistic incubators and what the committee calls 'thought and practice leaders' in services and urban solutions, its liveability will improve on free enterprise.

But planners, being planners, do not leave matters to chance. Hence, the investment in leisure nodes (the quays, casino resorts), performance and display spaces (concert halls, galleries), urban design (Marina Bay, with Tanjong Pagar waterfront city next) and events (Formula One, with a Chelsea-like flower show next). What cannot be created by committee is a vibrant street life after dark. This will complement a city's unforgettable charm. With so little to work with, the Singapore package has been no little wonder. The committee reports that many business and leisure visitors discover an appeal that bears no resemblance to unflattering international perceptions of the city. Now, to build on that.