Travel the World with Us—Learners in Singapore Love Thea!

Singapore may be small in size, but it’s packed with history, creativity, and forward momentum. This island city-state is known for its clean streets, futuristic skyline, and multicultural identity. But it’s also a place that values education, innovation, and connection. If you’re walking through a hawker center or attending a world-class university, Singapore is a place where tradition and progress coexist in harmony. 

History 

Though modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British trading post, the island’s history stretches back much further. It was known as Temasek in the 14th century and served as an important port for regional trade between China, India, and the Malay Archipelago. It later became part of the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires, reflecting the deep Southeast Asian influences still present in Singapore’s culture today. 

After British colonization, Singapore quickly grew into a key global shipping hub. Its natural deep harbor and location along major sea routes made it central to British trade. The city saw occupation during World War II when Japanese forces invaded in 1942—a difficult chapter that deeply shaped national identity. 

Following the war, Singapore began a long journey toward self-rule. It briefly joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 but separated just two years later, becoming an independent republic in 1965. It was a turbulent start—facing economic instability, lack of natural resources, and internal divisions. 

But over the next few decades, Singapore transformed itself through investment in infrastructure, education, and technology. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, the country rapidly industrialized and built a strong foundation for long-term economic growth. Today, it’s one of the world’s most competitive and innovative economies. 

Culture and Identity 

Singapore is often described as a melting pot—and for good reason. With a population made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities, it embraces a multicultural model that values diversity and harmony. English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are all official languages, and major holidays like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Christmas are widely celebrated. 

Respect for community, education, and progress are deeply woven into Singaporean life. There’s a strong emphasis on meritocracy and responsibility, but also on preserving the distinct languages, foods, and customs of each community. It’s a country where you’ll hear four languages spoken in a single food court, and where Buddhist temples, mosques, churches, and Hindu temples can all be found on the same street. 

The Flavors of Singapore 

Ask anyone what you should do in Singapore, and they’ll probably say: eat. Food here isn’t just nourishment—it’s identity, community, and pride. Singaporean cuisine reflects its multicultural roots and is one of the best ways to understand the country’s history. 

Start at a hawker center, the beating heart of local food culture. These open-air food courts are where you’ll find iconic dishes at affordable prices, often from stalls run by families for generations. 

Try Hainanese chicken rice, often called Singapore’s national dish—poached chicken served with fragrant rice and chili sauce. Laksa, a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and shrimp, blends Chinese and Malay influences. Char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles), roti prata (Indian-style flatbread), and satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce) are local favorites, each with a story of cultural fusion. 

For dessert, there’s chendol (a mix of shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar jelly), or kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs, a common breakfast pairing with strong kopi (local coffee). And if you’re adventurous, Singapore’s infamous durian—nicknamed the “king of fruits”—is worth a try. 

Travel and Exploration 

Singapore is known for being efficient and easy to navigate, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. Every neighborhood offers a different side of the country—whether you’re into food, art, architecture, or nature. 

In Marina Bay, futuristic buildings and gardens define the skyline. The Marina Bay Sands resort and Gardens by the Bay are architectural marvels, with the Supertree Grove lighting up the night like a scene from science fiction. 

Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam each showcase Singapore’s major ethnic communities, with temples, murals, food stalls, and festivals that bring tradition to life. 

Despite being a global city, Singapore has made space for green living. The Botanic Gardens—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers peace in the middle of the city. East Coast Park is great for cycling and relaxing by the sea, while Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northeast coast, gives a glimpse of what rural Singapore looked like decades ago. 

And if you want a day of adventure, Sentosa Island is home to theme parks, aquariums, beaches, and luxury resorts—all within reach by train or cable car. 

Education and Innovation 

Singapore places a high value on education and lifelong learning. Its students consistently rank among the top globally in science, math, and reading. Institutions like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are world-renowned for their academic research and innovation.

The government also invests heavily in technology, sustainability, and startup culture—making Singapore a hub for entrepreneurship, clean energy, and digital advancement. It’s a place where ideas take root and where students are encouraged to think globally and act locally. 

Back to Thea 

This month, we’re celebrating not just Singapore’s incredible rise as a global city. If you’re a student in Singapore using Thea, we’d love to hear how it’s helping you reach your goals. You’re part of a dynamic, future-facing country—and we’re here to grow with you, every step of the way. 

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