All about Singapore
|
Office buildings and hotels are all aglow this week as Singapore hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged fellow regional leaders to explore new economic growth models that will benefit the region's poor, saying APEC has to "explore new growth paradigms" and make sure that "benefits are spread wider to our people." Below: Singapore's national flower, the Vanda orchid 'Miss Joaquim'. AFP |
Discovered as a tropical fishing settlement more than a century ago, this island city-state has become one of the wealthiest and most advanced countries in Southeast Asia. Singapore banks on its strategic location and facilities to lead in sectors like shipping, oil refining, manufacturing and financial services. The country's efficient administration and multicultural society make it a fitting host this year for leaders of the Asia-Pacific region finding ways to tackle today's global challenges.
