Culture
More Information on Singapore's Culture
http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/aboutsingapore/people-lang-culture.html
and
http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-heritage/culture-spotlight.html
Your Singapore is a great place to look for more information about everything having to do with Singapore. The page dedicated to culture is very informative and tells the reader about the history of the cultures. This page talks a lot about how children are raised to speak multiple languages. This information is valuable for someone who is more interested on how the cultures arrived in Singapore and how to experience the cultures while visiting.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html
This is another extremely informative webpage on the cultures of Singapore. This article is very organized and easy to follow, so this makes it great for anyone who would like to learn about the cultures of Singapore. From this website someone is able to find out how the citizens of Singapore greet one another based on age and gender, what family means in this country, how to address someone respectfully, and so much more.
and
http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-heritage/culture-spotlight.html
Your Singapore is a great place to look for more information about everything having to do with Singapore. The page dedicated to culture is very informative and tells the reader about the history of the cultures. This page talks a lot about how children are raised to speak multiple languages. This information is valuable for someone who is more interested on how the cultures arrived in Singapore and how to experience the cultures while visiting.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html
This is another extremely informative webpage on the cultures of Singapore. This article is very organized and easy to follow, so this makes it great for anyone who would like to learn about the cultures of Singapore. From this website someone is able to find out how the citizens of Singapore greet one another based on age and gender, what family means in this country, how to address someone respectfully, and so much more.
Transportation is a part of the economics section of cultural universals. One of the largest forms of transportation in Singapore is the Mass Rapid Transit. This is the map of all of the different lines a person is able to take on the MRT. This allows easy travel through Singapore for citizens and tourists. People will be able to experience many different cultures while riding the MRT and also when they get to wherever they are going. The MRT is a great place to find cultures from all over the country.
Owner. (n.d.). Latest Singapore MRT LRT Map New Lines and Future Map | Singapore Real Estate ARENA. Singapore Real Estate ARENA | All About Singapore Real Estate Market, reports, News, Auctions, Services, Giulds, Tips, New Property Launch. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from http://singaporerealestatearena.com/latest-singapore-mrt-lrt- map-new-lines/
Owner. (n.d.). Latest Singapore MRT LRT Map New Lines and Future Map | Singapore Real Estate ARENA. Singapore Real Estate ARENA | All About Singapore Real Estate Market, reports, News, Auctions, Services, Giulds, Tips, New Property Launch. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from http://singaporerealestatearena.com/latest-singapore-mrt-lrt- map-new-lines/
Singapore Statistics
Singapore is in the South-eastern Asia region.
There are 5.4 million people living in Singapore.
The ethnic groups vary in Singapore. 76.8% of the people are Chinese, 13.9% are Malay, 7.9% are Indian, 1.4% are another ethnicity.
50.1% of the population of Singapore is between the ages of 25 and 54.
Buddhism is the highest practiced religion with 42.5% of the population following it. The next largest is Muslim with 14.9%.
The unemployment rate in Singapore is only 1.9%.
Singapore is in the South-eastern Asia region.
There are 5.4 million people living in Singapore.
The ethnic groups vary in Singapore. 76.8% of the people are Chinese, 13.9% are Malay, 7.9% are Indian, 1.4% are another ethnicity.
50.1% of the population of Singapore is between the ages of 25 and 54.
Buddhism is the highest practiced religion with 42.5% of the population following it. The next largest is Muslim with 14.9%.
The unemployment rate in Singapore is only 1.9%.
Religion in Singapore
Singapore contains a few different religions that people follow. The religion in Singapore that is the most followed is Buddhism. Buddhism first started in India, but made its way into Singapore and now is very popular in this area. The Srivijaya times brought Buddhism to Singapore. Hinduism is another religion that is seen throughout Singapore. Hinduism came to Singapore when there was a large amount of immigrants coming from India to this country. This happened in the nineteenth century. Christianity has also made its way to Singapore. Christianity arrived when Singapore become the modern country we now know. “The first Roman Catholic priest came in December 1821to look into the feasibility of opening a missionary and celebrated the first mass”(Destination, par. 12).
The many different religions that are practiced in Singapore have had many effects on the culture of this country. Since there is such a wide range of religions in Singapore this creates a very diverse culture throughout the country. “The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there” (Singapore, par. 6). Citizens are able to be comfortable and follow their religion without feeling pressure to worship something that they don’t believe in, just because it is available. This creates a comfortable atmosphere in Singapore. Having a choice of religions allows people to experience diversity which is very important to the culture of Singapore.
In Singapore there is a very sacred place from Buddhists. This is called the Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. This is located in Singapore City and also goes by the name of the Temple of 1000 Lights. There are two national Hindu monuments in Singapore. The oldest temple is the Sri Mariamman Temple. This temple is near Chinatown in Singapore, so it receives many tourist visits. Tourists are able to visit this sacred Hindu Temple for free, but are encouraged to leave a donation. Along with these there are also around twenty four temples for Hindu followers through Singapore.
For the majority of things Singapore’s government stays separated from any religions. The only interference found during research was that of the government on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Singapore. Singapore does not allow the practice of Jehovah’s Witnesses for a couple reasons. In Singapore all men must participate in the military, which Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to do. Along with this they also will not allow the publishing of works done for Jehovah’s Witnesses. A person can be fined and have to spend time in jail if they are found with these works. This is the only government action on religion that I have found for Singapore.
References
About Singapore. (n.d.). Singapore Expats. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-
and-language.htmFind a website by URL or keyword...
Destination Singapore. (n.d.). Religion and Beliefs of Singapore. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.destination-asia.com/singapore
/about/beliefs/
It's a sacred Hindu place, must to... - Sri Mariamman Temple. (n.d.). It's a sacred Hindu place, must to visit it.. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d324753-r156835814-Sri_Mariamman_Temple-Singapore.html
Join Academia.edu & Share your research with the world. (n.d.). Buddhism in Singapore: A State of the Field Review. Retrieved October 29, 2013,
from http://www.academia.edu/344609/Buddhism_in_Singapore_A_State_of_the_Field_Review
SINGAPORE DENIES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESS. (n.d.). The Watchman Expositor: Singapore Denies Religious Freedom to
Jehovah's Witnesses. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.watchman.org/jw/jwnews.htm
Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. (n.d.). Lonely Planet. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore/singapore-
city/sights/religious-sites/sakaya-muni-buddha-gaya-temple
The many different religions that are practiced in Singapore have had many effects on the culture of this country. Since there is such a wide range of religions in Singapore this creates a very diverse culture throughout the country. “The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there” (Singapore, par. 6). Citizens are able to be comfortable and follow their religion without feeling pressure to worship something that they don’t believe in, just because it is available. This creates a comfortable atmosphere in Singapore. Having a choice of religions allows people to experience diversity which is very important to the culture of Singapore.
In Singapore there is a very sacred place from Buddhists. This is called the Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. This is located in Singapore City and also goes by the name of the Temple of 1000 Lights. There are two national Hindu monuments in Singapore. The oldest temple is the Sri Mariamman Temple. This temple is near Chinatown in Singapore, so it receives many tourist visits. Tourists are able to visit this sacred Hindu Temple for free, but are encouraged to leave a donation. Along with these there are also around twenty four temples for Hindu followers through Singapore.
For the majority of things Singapore’s government stays separated from any religions. The only interference found during research was that of the government on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Singapore. Singapore does not allow the practice of Jehovah’s Witnesses for a couple reasons. In Singapore all men must participate in the military, which Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to do. Along with this they also will not allow the publishing of works done for Jehovah’s Witnesses. A person can be fined and have to spend time in jail if they are found with these works. This is the only government action on religion that I have found for Singapore.
References
About Singapore. (n.d.). Singapore Expats. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-
and-language.htmFind a website by URL or keyword...
Destination Singapore. (n.d.). Religion and Beliefs of Singapore. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.destination-asia.com/singapore
/about/beliefs/
It's a sacred Hindu place, must to... - Sri Mariamman Temple. (n.d.). It's a sacred Hindu place, must to visit it.. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294265-d324753-r156835814-Sri_Mariamman_Temple-Singapore.html
Join Academia.edu & Share your research with the world. (n.d.). Buddhism in Singapore: A State of the Field Review. Retrieved October 29, 2013,
from http://www.academia.edu/344609/Buddhism_in_Singapore_A_State_of_the_Field_Review
SINGAPORE DENIES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESS. (n.d.). The Watchman Expositor: Singapore Denies Religious Freedom to
Jehovah's Witnesses. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.watchman.org/jw/jwnews.htm
Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. (n.d.). Lonely Planet. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore/singapore-
city/sights/religious-sites/sakaya-muni-buddha-gaya-temple
This map shows major religions across the world. Singapore is highlighted with an arrow. Singapore has many different religions throughout it. Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more are examples of religions in Singapore.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/12/18/our-christian-earth-the-astounding-reach-of-the-worlds-largest-religion-in-charts-and-maps/
Food in Singapore
Since Singapore does not have a wide variety of natural resources and space for agriculture they import a large majority of their food. Singapore imports the ingredients and manufactures food products to export to neighboring countries. Singapore imports all types of food including fruits, meat, seafood, and even processed food items. The food is imported from many different countries and places around the world. A major contributor to the food of Singapore is Malaysia. This is where many of the daily necessities due to it's close distance to Singapore. Singapore is able to produce its own seafood supply, even though they still import some from other places. The people of Singapore enjoy many Indonesian, Chinese, and Malaysian dishes along with their own versions of these. One of the favorite past times in Singapore is eating. Singapore is home to foods from many different countries, regions, religions, and cultures. There is a food for everyone to enjoy in Singapore.
Singapore is very diverse in the cultures and customs through the country. This shines through in the food choices you will find. Each culture is able to show their history and beliefs through the food that they serve. It seems as though the overall culture effects the food eaten more than the specific religions that are celebrated in Singapore. Buddhist cuisine is vegetarian or vegan East Asian cuisine. Hinduism beliefs also include that of vegetarianism, but being a vegetarian is not required. This may change the way that these people eat when they are deciding what cuisine they would like that day.
Singapore is very diverse in the cultures and customs through the country. This shines through in the food choices you will find. Each culture is able to show their history and beliefs through the food that they serve. It seems as though the overall culture effects the food eaten more than the specific religions that are celebrated in Singapore. Buddhist cuisine is vegetarian or vegan East Asian cuisine. Hinduism beliefs also include that of vegetarianism, but being a vegetarian is not required. This may change the way that these people eat when they are deciding what cuisine they would like that day.
Ayam Buah Keluak Recipe
This dish has been passed down from generation to generation. It is very labor intensive and carries strong traditions.
Ayam Buah Keluak (serves 8) (adapted from Ayam Buah Keluak by Malcolm Lee)
Ingredients
For the rempah
200g Shallots (Peeled)
70g Garlic (Peeled)
16g Galangal (Peeled and Finely Chopped)
40g Tumeric (Peeled and Finely Chopped)
36g Candlenut
40g Dried Chilli ( Soaked in Hot water)
24g Belachan
30g Lemongrass (White part only, Finely chopped)
2kg Chicken Pieces (chopped into large chunks)
30 Indonesian Black Nuts
100g Tamarind pulp (dissolved in 500ml water and strained)
4-6 Daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves)
Method
1. To prepare the black nut, soak for at least 3 days, scrubbing and changing the water every day. On the day of preparation, crack open nut with a small chisel hammer or pestle of a batu lesung at the “lip” where the nut is smooth. Remove the kernel of the nut and grind through a fine sieve to get a firm smooth paste. Reserve 150g of the black nut paste for the gravy. Season with the remaining paste with a pinch of salt and pepper, and proceed to stuff the rest of the black nut paste into the nut shells, using the back of a dessert spoon to firmly press the paste against the interior of the shells. This helps to prevent them from dislodging during cooking. 2. To prepare rempah, blend chopped garlic and shallots first together with belachan. Strain the mashed garlic and shallots over wire sieve to collect juices. Use the juices to blend buah keras, kunyit, lengkwas, serai. Add some water if necessary. Blend reconstituted dried red chilli separately to make cili boh. Combine all the components together for a final blend till a smooth consistency.
3. To fry the rempah, first heat wok and dry fry rempah without adding any oil. This is to allow the excess moisture and water introduced during blending to evaporate. After the rempah is reasonably dry, add oil and stir fry over medium-low heat until fragrant.
4. Add in the reserved black nut paste and tamarind water simmer for 10 min. Add kaffir lime leaves at this point. For more oomph, crush with a pestle or back of knife the upper parts of the serai and add into the gravy.
5. Add in chicken, stuffed black nuts and enough water or chicken stock to cover and braise till meat is tender. Season with salt and sugar.
6. Serve with hot rice.
Ayam Buah Keluak (serves 8) (adapted from Ayam Buah Keluak by Malcolm Lee)
Ingredients
For the rempah
200g Shallots (Peeled)
70g Garlic (Peeled)
16g Galangal (Peeled and Finely Chopped)
40g Tumeric (Peeled and Finely Chopped)
36g Candlenut
40g Dried Chilli ( Soaked in Hot water)
24g Belachan
30g Lemongrass (White part only, Finely chopped)
2kg Chicken Pieces (chopped into large chunks)
30 Indonesian Black Nuts
100g Tamarind pulp (dissolved in 500ml water and strained)
4-6 Daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves)
Method
1. To prepare the black nut, soak for at least 3 days, scrubbing and changing the water every day. On the day of preparation, crack open nut with a small chisel hammer or pestle of a batu lesung at the “lip” where the nut is smooth. Remove the kernel of the nut and grind through a fine sieve to get a firm smooth paste. Reserve 150g of the black nut paste for the gravy. Season with the remaining paste with a pinch of salt and pepper, and proceed to stuff the rest of the black nut paste into the nut shells, using the back of a dessert spoon to firmly press the paste against the interior of the shells. This helps to prevent them from dislodging during cooking. 2. To prepare rempah, blend chopped garlic and shallots first together with belachan. Strain the mashed garlic and shallots over wire sieve to collect juices. Use the juices to blend buah keras, kunyit, lengkwas, serai. Add some water if necessary. Blend reconstituted dried red chilli separately to make cili boh. Combine all the components together for a final blend till a smooth consistency.
3. To fry the rempah, first heat wok and dry fry rempah without adding any oil. This is to allow the excess moisture and water introduced during blending to evaporate. After the rempah is reasonably dry, add oil and stir fry over medium-low heat until fragrant.
4. Add in the reserved black nut paste and tamarind water simmer for 10 min. Add kaffir lime leaves at this point. For more oomph, crush with a pestle or back of knife the upper parts of the serai and add into the gravy.
5. Add in chicken, stuffed black nuts and enough water or chicken stock to cover and braise till meat is tender. Season with salt and sugar.
6. Serve with hot rice.