Singapore turns 50: Join the party

Since gaining independence in August 1965, Singapore has grown from strength to strength.

Under the stewardship of its first prime minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who focused on rapid economic growth and entrepreneurship, the city-state quickly grew into one of the world’s major commercial hubs.

Singapore’s triumph has been truly remarkable. It is perhaps best highlighted by the fact that its GDP per capita has shot up from US$500 in 1965 to US$55,000 today.

As Singapore celebrates its Golden Jubilee, which marks 50 years of growth and success, we have chosen our pick of local tips that you should be aware of prior to your visit:

The Jubilee has prompted a year-long series of special events, under the inspirational brand ‘SG50’ This innovative government-led initiative is guided by a steering committee comprised of leading figures from across the public and private sectors.

The aim is to celebrate Singapore’s unique mix of people, culture and achievements through collaborations between local and global talent. Visit the dedicated website to learn more, and see how you can get involved – especially if you are extending your stay around Sibos.

Highlights include SG50 mobile apps, treasure hunts and exhibitions exploring the pioneering technologies behind the growth story.

Watch out for the commemorative currency The Monetary Authority of Singapore has just launched a set of SG50 commemorative notes, including a S$50 note and five S$10 notes.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew is featured on the S$50 note, whilst the S$10 notes share a common front design with five varying back designs. The specially-designed currency captures the significant achievements in Singapore’s history, the multiracialism that defines Singapore as a nation, and the values and aspirations that underpin the country’s progress.

Try NEWater A major Singapore success story and the pillar of the city’s sustainability programme, NEWater is high-grade reclaimed water.

Singapore is a major player in water management, having evolved from a water-stressed developing nation into a city recognised for its innovative solutions, based on a combination of strategy and technology. A number of the city’s lauded startups focus on this important area and are developing ideas that can be adopted across the world.

Keep up! Singapore is officially home to the fastest walkers in the world. In 2007, British psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman, studied cities in 32 countries and found that the top five fastest populations in the world can be found in (by order); Singapore, Copenhagen, Madrid, Guangzhou and Dublin.

Researchers in each city found a busy street with a wide pavement that was flat, free from obstacles and not too crowded so that people could walk at their maximum speed. They then timed how long it took 35 men and women to walk along a 60 foot (18 meter) stretch of pavement.

People will be moving even faster this year amidst the festivities, so get prepared by downloading the training plan for this year’s Sibos 5k Fun Run & Walk.

Arrive – and leave – in style Changi Airport is rightly famous for its efficiency and extensive range of amenities. In fact it is the source of great pride for Singaporeans, and in March 2015 was voted the world’s best airport for the third year running at the annual World Airport Awards.

Travelers can enjoy everything from free movie theatres and gaming centres to shower facilities, leg massage stations and even sleeping lounges. So you may wish to find a little extra ‘you’ time.

In recognition of this momentous year for Singapore, we are bringing a little bit of the SG50 celebrations on to the Sibos exhibition floor.

The Singapore Crossroads will house the local institutions that are exhibiting, who have kindly agreed to come together to allow us to create a dynamic feature out of their presence.

Make sure you find time to visit this exciting installation on Level B2, near the Innotribe and SWIFT stands.

*Photograph courtesy of Ben Tay