Singapore a Modern, Tropical Garden City in the Heart of Asia
Due to its all year round excellent weather, its location in the heart of Asia, its varied food and culture as well as its cosmopolitan society with a large number of foreigners and its low tax rates, life in Singapore is very pleasant. Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure and architecture but it is also host to pristine rainforest and sandy beaches. Singapore has an excellent nightlife with hotspots being Clarke Quay, Mohamed Sultan Road, Harbor Front, Chinatown and the City Centre. The life music scene is hugely varied from Rhythm and Blues to Salsa and is of very high quality. Golf, diving and sailing are all within easy reach and available for small budgets. Students and Staff at the National University of Singapore can use 3 gyms, approximately 20 tennis courts, squash courts, basket ball courts, an Olympic swimming pool, an athletic stadium, a football field and other facilities for recreation and work out.
Research Community
Singapore has two main research Universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS), shown below, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Several specialized research institutes (AStar) are located close to the NUS campus. All in all, approximately 10,000 academic researchers in science, technology and medicine work in those institutions. Many international corporations have research and development operations in Singapore. Particular strengths are in Nanotechnology, Semiconductors, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals. A number of venture investors have opened offices in Singapore and the climate for commercialization of research is very favorable.
Travel
Singapores Changi Airport is within easy reach. European and American style budget airlines have taken a firm hold in its special budget terminal. They serve most Asian destination. Travel to places such as, for example, Hong Kong and Thailand is available for prices of sometimes less than 150 USD / 100 Euros return. Most international airlines serve Singapore. Most Asian destinations (including Australia and the Middle East) are within reach of flights lasting as little as 1 to a maximum of 8 hours. Europe can be reached in around 12 hours. The US can be reached with direct flights in 15 hours. Cost for trips to Europe and the USA can be as low as 600 USD / 400 Euros return. Despite Singapore being an Island State, Malaysia, Thailand and several other South-East Asian countries can be reached by road via Malaysia.
Immigration
Immigration to Singapore is uncomplicated. It is straightforward to obtain working/student visas. If they wish, foreign students at the National University of Singapore are able to obtain permanent residency immediately after graduating and finding a job in any sector. After having been a permanent resident, obtaining citizenship is simple. Like Western European or North American passports, a Singaporean passport allows for smooth entry into most countries.
South East Asia
All of South East Asia is within easy reach from Singapore, most notably via budget airlines such as Tiger, JetStar and AirAsia. The region boast ancient culture, modern bustling cities, spectacular beaches second to none, among many other things. All these destination can be visited over the weekend taking advantage of the extensive budget flight connections.
