Quality of Life in Singapore

Quality of life is related to feeling good about your life and yourself. It includes factors such as economic, social, physical, political and spiritual well-being. Singapore may be the smallest country in Southeast Asia but it has taken the world by surprise in recent years and has today emerged as one of the best places to live in Asia.

Singapore is known for its materialistic culture. People in this nation push themselves in pursuit of the 5C's - cash, car, condo, credit card and country club. There is constant pressure to excel even at a very young age and this places a lot of stress on the society. Despite this scenario, Singapore emerged as the 'Happiest country in Asia' in a study reported by ABC News. 95% of Singapore residents appreciate the clean, safe and efficient society. It was also revealed that family is the most important unit and despite materialistic goals, the family and community always takes precedence. This is turn helps build a content and happy society.

The Quality of Living Survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting revealed that Singapore ranked 1st in Asia, for the past 3 consecutive years.

Factors that impact quality of life

We will measure quality of life in Singapore on the following factors:

• Political and social environment
• Economic environment
• Socio-cultural environment
• Health and sanitation>
• Schools and education
• Public services and transportation
• Recreation
• Natural environment
• Consumer goods
• Housing

Political and social environment

Singapore is known for its stable political climate. Despite being considered centralized and authoritarian, the political culture is pragmatic, rational and based on the rule of law. The highest goal of the government is the survival and prosperity of this small nation. This often means, having to make unpopular but hard and wise decisions in the interest of the nation. The government believes in being pro-active and thinking ahead. Although many Singaporeans refer to the current ruling party PAP (People's Action Party) as 'Pay and Pay', it is the PAP's governance and intellectual policy decisions that has contributed to Singapore's political stability, social harmony and economic prosperity. Infrastructure and conditions for investment, including ensuring the rule of law, were put in place.

According to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has been able to attract some 9000 multi-national companies, because it offers First World conditions in a Third World region. Good governance is having a good system that will ensure the country survives, so that citizens have secure lives. In the World Bank's Report, Governance Matters 2007: Worldwide Governance Indicators 1996-2006, Singapore was rated very strongly for government effectiveness (quality of policy formulation and implementation), regulatory quality (reflected in sound, market-friendly policies) and control of corruption.

Singapore: Asia's Highest Integrity Government (Source: Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, 2006)

Economic environment

Singapore boasts of a competitive, corruption-free, open business environment. The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest in the world as the country focuses on electronics and chemical exports to richer industrialised nations. However, over the years, Singapore has diversified its economy and today it has become a research & development hub, bio-medical hub, banking and finance center and in recent times the health-care destination of Asia. Today, Singapore is a knowledge-based economy and attracts multinational investments. Its open trade policies, social stability, world-class infrastructure and international communication links, are some of the reasons why foreign investors flock its shores. This is despite the fact that land and labour costs have risen sharply and employers have to pay a sizable portion of their employees' salary to their Central Provident Fund. The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008 cited Singapore as the world's second most competitive economy. It is also known for its low tax regime. Corporate tax rate stands at 18%, while personal tax at 20% and Goods and Services Tax is 7%.

According to a report by financial advisory firm, Ernst & Young and the Japan External Trade Organisation, Singapore was found to be one of Asia's best investment destinations for foreign firms. It has benefited from these firms, as they bring in capital, technology, management know-how and access to international export markets. Singapore has also realised the need to enhance its manpower and encourages top foreign talent to re-locate here. Hence the labour force is highly educated, competent and skilled.

Singapore - 2^nd Best Competitive Economy (Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008)

Singapore - World's easiest place to do business (Source: World Bank Report: "Doing business 2007: How to Reform")

Singapore: Best Labour Force (Source BERI's 2007 Labour Force Evaluation Report)

Socio-cultural environment

Singapore's social and ethnic fabric is a unique blend of cultures and people - Malays, Chinese, Indians and now the expats. Singapore's lifestyle is multi-cultural with each of these ethnic communities maintaining their unique way of life and at the same time living harmoniously. Singapore's society is cosmopolitan due to the influx of foreigners in recent times. Along with it comes an openness towards people and respect for all. People are amiable and courteous to each other. High emphasis is placed on communal and racial harmony. Singaporeans are honest, highly disciplined and extremely hard-working. There is respect for seniority, authority and social norms. While individualism is prominent, Singapore is a society that honours collectivism. Racism is taken seriously in the country, a case in point being the recent arrest of a blogger who made racist remarks about an ethnic community. The Singapore government has laid down five basic 'Shared Vales' to develop a distinct Singapore identity - nation before community and society above self; family as the basic unit of society; community support and respect for the individual; consensus not conflict; racial and religious harmony. Singapore is also a hi-tech society and most people are gadget savvy. For example, 8 in 10 people in Singapore own cell phones.

Singapore is also known for its strict law enforcement procedures, for combating crime and other offences. While popular opinion holds that the country is extremely rigid and rule-bound - with heavy fines and caning as punishments - the legal framework has contributed to Singapore's stability and security. Women can move about freely even late at night, without the fear of being harassed. Expatriates continue to cite safety as one of the most attractive features of living in Singapore. Singapore's overall crime-rate for the year 2007 was 709 cases per 100,000 population - the third lowest in 10 years. There has been no instance of mass shooting, serial killing, terrorist bomb attacks or civil unrest. According to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, 2008, Singapore tops the Asia-Pacific list of cities for 'Personal Safety'.

Health-care

Singapore's life expectancy at birth in the year 2007 was 80.6 years. Singapore's death rate in 2008 is estimated at 4.53 per 1000 population. According to the World Health Organization 100% of the population had access to drinking water and sanitation in 2006. Singapore's population enjoys one of the highest levels of health and nutrition in Asia. The country is also renowned for its world-class health infrastructure, technological advancements in the health-care industry, expert doctors and specialists. The health-care environment is clean, efficient and safe. Singapore has adopted a public-private partnership in health-care financing. Central to this system is the 'Medisave', where every working individual has to make a mandatory monthly contribution to the Medisave portion of his Central Provident Fund account. This can then be used for payment of medical expenses. The government on its part provides good, affordable health-care and subsidised medical services to the needy, at public hospitals and clinics. Apart from registered pharmacies, pharmaceuticals are easily available in super-markets, shopping centres and departmental stores. Drugs are safe for consumption and have a high standard of quality. All medical practitioners are registered with relevant bodies.

According to a National Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2004, there was a decrease in diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension levels. There was a significant increase in physical activity among the people. Singapore promotes a clean and green environment. It encourages a healthy lifestyle and diet. Cleanliness and hygiene are imbibed in its system, with fines for even failing to flush a toilet after use. The National Environment Agency conducts surprise checks all over the island for instances of mosquito breeding and imposes heavy fines at breeding sites. Steps like these have played a vital role in trying to contain the spread of diseases like chikungunya and dengue. According to a survey published by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy in 2003, Singapore's health-care system was rated as the third best in the world (after USA and Australia), by expatriates in Asia. The World Health Organisation in 2002, ranked Singapore health-care system as the best in Asia, ahead of Japan (ranked 10).

Schools and education

Since Singapore is a knowledge based economy, great emphasis is placed on education. The education system arms individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive in a globally competitive environment. Singapore's public schools have high standards of teaching and learning, with many of its students winning International competitions. Apart from the 3 internationally renowned local Universities - National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University - Singapore houses several internationally renowned world-class institutions like INSEAD, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and United World College to name a few. The country has taken cognizance of a mushrooming expat community and set up many International/Foreign System schools. These schools are registered with the Ministry of Education and follow a curriculum identical to those in their home country. However, they come with a price. Fees per year range from 4,600 SGD to 18,000 SGD.

There are several reasons for Singapore's success in education. An updated syllabus relevant to the changing times, a highly competitive environment, streaming students according to academic ability, a system based on meritocracy and esteemed faculty/teachers are some of the factors behind its success story. Most educational institutions provide scholarships and financial assistance to students from lower income households.

• National University of Singapore was ranked 18th in Times of London survey of the 200 Best Universities of the World for 2004.
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU) MBA students have also been rated as among the 'Best in the World' in a 2004 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit. NTU was among the world's top 100 MBA schools.

Public services and transportation

Singapore was ranked first in "Cleanliness" for four consecutive years, from 2003 to 2006, in the Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards. Singapore has also been rated best for overall quality of environment among Asian cities for the past six years, by PERC.

Singapore is acutely aware of the need to have good water, clean energy, clean air, managing traffic congestion, water conservation, reliable energy supply and good urban planning. Over the past few years, the government has focused efforts on building Singapore as a 'Garden City' (green up the island and create a garden effect), with good urban planning and pollution control as key considerations. Today the city is clean and green and free of traffic congestion. Residents have access to well planned parks and nature reserves. The nation's clean water bodies provide reliable water supply and opportunities for sports and recreation.

The country has very progressive environmental policies as well and the government advocates the 3 R's - reduce, reuse and recycle. By 2007, 79% of the electricity used was generated by natural gas, which is among the highest in the world. Efforts are being taken to conserve its resources and mitigate the effects of pollution, climate change and population increase. Steps are being taken to make buildings energy and resource efficient, introduce skyline greenery, promote resource efficiency in business and encourage the use of public transport. Several initiatives such as 'Bring your Own Bag Day' at supermarkets, Clean & Green Singapore Schools Carnival 2008 and ABC Waters Programme have gone a long way in trying to make Singapore 'a city within a garden'.

According to the National Environment Agency, air quality in terms of Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) was good on 95% of the days in 2007 and moderate on 5% of the days. In recognition of the progress and achievement that Singapore has made in integrated water resources management, the national water agency, Public Utilities Board, was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Industry Water Award in 2007. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, Singapore residents are more satisfied with the quality of their water than citizens in any other country surveyed in 2006-2007.

Singapore boasts of a highly efficient, hassle-free and affordable public transportation system, which includes taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) rail system. These modes of transport are air-conditioned and operate from 5:30 am until 12 mid-night and link the entire city. They are safe, clean and efficient. Bus and rail fares are relatively cheap when compared to other countries and cost anything between 70 cents to 2.50 SGD per trip. Taxis on the other hand are more expensive. Taxis are reliable and drivers do not fleece customers or demand even a cent more than the metered fare. According to a survey conducted by Singapore's Land Transport Authority in 2006, 8 out of 10 Singaporeans were satisfied with bus and rail services.

In order to curb traffic congestion, the government has introduced a Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. This means that you have to pay a minimum fee when you ply on certain congested roads and expressways in the CBD. Owning a car can be extremely expensive in Singapore, costing anywhere between 60,000-100,000 SGD, excluding registration, insurance and tax costs. Leasing a vehicle is a cheaper alternative.

Singapore has also achieved excellent port and maritime growth. It has won several accolades such as: 11th most important maritime nation and Best Seaport in Asia.

Singapore's Changi airport has also received several accolades and awards consistently. Its liberal air policy to open up to the rest of the world, emphasis on competitiveness, efficiency and service has made it the best airport in the world.

Singapore: 1^st in the World for Quality of Air Transportation (Source: World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006)

Recreation

Dining and shopping are the two most popular activities in Singapore. Most expatriates feel the lack of adequate recreational options and resort to exploring nearby places in Malaysia (Langkawi, Tioman, Genting etc.) and Indonesia (Bintan, Batam, Bali etc.) over the weekend. Singapore does have a vibrant night life and there are several bars and night clubs that are frequented by patrons. Cinemas are another option that rates high on popularity. There are art festivals, plays, music concerts, cultural performances etc., but these options are seasonal and could be expensive. Another irritant for most expatriates is the ban placed on smoking in public places.

Natural environment

Singapore is a safe island to live in. It does not face the danger of volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes etc. It is either hot and dry or cool and wet for most of the year.

Access to Consumer goods

Singapore's retail sector experiences brisk trading conditions practically all year round. With an increase in disposable income, housing boom and aggressive retail promotion, people spend on luxury items, automotive and household items like furniture and other consumer durables. Hence, every retailer is setting up shop in Singapore. According to the 1990 national census 'window shopping' was the number one leisure activity. Both Fast Moving Consumer Goods (packaged food, cosmetics, toiletries, household products etc.), and luxury brands are easily available. Many consumer durables have become basic necessities in Singapore. By the year 2003, most households had a television (98%), refrigerator (99%), hand-phone (89%), air-conditioner (72%), and a computer (70%). Time saving household appliances like washing machines (93%), microwaves and vacuum cleaners have also become common. Even for higher priced durables like a piano, organ or a car, ownership is fairly prevalent.

Hyper-marts like Carrefour and Giants are a one stop shop where everything is available under one roof. Super markets like Cold Storage (popular with the expats), NTUC Fair Price (co-operative supermarket chain), Shop & Save have several outlets that dot the island. Most of these supermarkets offer promotions and discounts and also stock basic Mexican, Australian and Indian products. This apart, there are convenient stores like 7-Eleven and small local grocery shops near the housing estates. You wold also find speciality supermarkets like Media-Ya (Japanese products and sea food), Tanglin Market Place (American products), Tierney's (Scandinavian, Swiss and German products) and Mustafa (Indian products). Heat-and-serve meals, semi prepared food, frozen food, western-type convenience foods are gaining importance. Low fat foods, diet beverages, yogurt, fruits and other health foods are also becoming popular. Since Singapore imports every possible item from every corner of the globe, the choice is wide and prices are competitive.

Housing

Due to the recent influx of foreign talent in Singapore, housing is no longer as cheap as it used to be. The year 2007 saw unprecedented growth in the property market and expats felt the pinch as well. However, when compared to Hong Kong or Japan, housing is still affordable in Singapore. Housing falls under two main categories - public HDB flats (built by the Housing Development Board) and private condos/bungalows. The choice of housing purely depends on budget, location, facilities/amenities, transportation and personal preferences.

Most expats prefer to live in condos, close to their place of work or their children's schools. Condos are mid to high rise buildings with stylish exteriors and interiors, 24 hours security, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, BBQ pits and covered car parks. A two bedroom condo close to the CBD rents at 5000-8000 SGD, while units located outside the CBD rent between 3000-5000 SGD. HDB flats, where 90% of Singaporeans live, are a less expensive option. However they do not come with the luxury amenities like swimming pools or gyms. The upside is that they are part of an 'estate', which has a neighbourhood centre comprising of shopping malls, food courts/restaurants/hawker centres, a library, supermarkets, clinics and sports/recreational facilities. A three bedroom HDB close to the CBD rents at 2500-3000 SGD, while at other locations it costs 1500-2200 SGD. Expats from India, China and Malaysia find HDBs a viable and convenient option.

In a nutshell

Positive Factors

• Easy country to adjust to when relocating from elsewhere
• Modern, westernized environment
• Scores high on safety and low crime rates
• Wide use of English is appreciated and attracts foreigners
• High quality transport, infrastructure and health facilities
• Readily available and affordable domestic help
• Clean, green and healthy environment to live in

Negative Factors

• Limited sports/recreation options
• Rule-bound and sometimes stifling
• Expensive to own a car
• No change in climate which is hot and humid most of the time
• Can be difficult to mix easily with the locals

According to a survey conducted by the PERC, Singapore's most negative features are: the high cost of living; lack of sports facilities and limited forms of entertainment. Singapore's most attractive features are: safety; cleanliness; efficiency.

Singapore: Best Place to Live for Asian Expatriates (Source: ECA international 2006)

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