According to many travel and tourism websites, Singapore ranks amongst the top five spotless cities in the world. Successive governments in Singapore have upheld the commitment to keeping the city clean and Singaporeans have well adapted to the government’s cleanliness policies and are very particular about not transgressing the laws that are nothing short of Draconian.

You could be fined on the spot for spitting or littering or even chewing gum and spitting it out in a public place by plainclothes policemen who appear out of nowhere! So before you can plan a trip to Singapore, apprise yourself of all the strictures on dos’ and don’ts to save your skin in public as many tourists traveling to the city-state for the first time end up paying hefty fines for as mundane an act as chomping on a stick of chewing gum and then spewing it out.

You’re constantly under surveillance

Once you head to the metropolis from the Changi International Airport which keeps on winning numerous awards and accolades for being one of the swankiest and tidiest airports in the world, you enter a high surveillance region. When you step out of the hotel for sampling the local cuisines on the streets or taking a walk through any of the numerous boulevards, you’re constantly being watched by policemen dressed in civil clothes.

You’ll not be able to spot them as they’re intermingled with the crowd and keep moving from one spot to another but nobody knows better than Singaporeans that they can catch you unawares if you happen to spit or litter. Apart from the numerous epithets that Singapore has earned (‘Lion City’, ‘Garden City’, ‘Little Red Dot’, and so on), it won’t at all be out of place to add one more-‘Police-State’.

Orchard Road which is the most bustling shopping district in Singapore has close to 700 police officers in plainclothes from the National Environment Agency that have a knack for swooping down on people committing even the smallest of misdeeds.

Fines are quite hefty

Just try dropping a cigarette stub on the elevator of a supermarket or discarding an empty soda can on the street pavement. From nowhere a policeman will appear and hand you a penalty ticket. It could be anything in the range of $700-1000 Singapore dollars that is equivalent to $600-800 USD which is quite a sum. So now you why Singapore is able to keep itself clinically clean. You’ll come across many billboards and hoardings that list the guidelines for keeping the city spotless. Although it is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore but importing the same in bulk, and then peddling it is. Refrain from jay-walking, littering or spitting as long as you’re on the streets.

Singapore is almost crime free

Singapore is so safe that even a heavily bejewelled lady can move around in the streets late at night without the fear of being mugged or molested. And contrary to what you may think, policing is not very strong at night to nab you red-handed. Singaporeans have ingrained it into their psyche that it‘s not only illegal but also immoral to waylay un-chaperoned women or even men for that matter.

The public toilets in Singapore are so clean that you won’t feel like urinating or emptying your bowels that might mar the sparkle. The first prime of the country, Lee Kwan Yew was the pioneer who set down stringent rules for growth and development and his policies have transformed Singapore in a manner that has caught the attention of the entire world!   

The names of the sweet offerings and dishes are real tongue-twisters and you might have a hard time pronouncing most of them but all your worries will melt away the moment you roll your tongue over them. So the next time you’re in Singapore, extract time from your busy schedule to dig into steamed cakes, Cendol, Fritters, Grass Jelly, Tutu Kueh, and Chinese Sponge Cakes.

Bubble Tea
There’s nothing that can compare to a hot steaming cup of tea or coffee to jumpstart your morning. When you’re in Singapore, take a break from downing those routine cuppas with Bubble Tea. Join in with the locals by sipping rich, creamy tea that is ice cold from a plastic cup. Flavourings such as tapioca seeds, hazelnut milk, and blueberries are added to make it more invigorating. You can ask for bubble tea without milk. It is called ‘Bubble Tea’ because of the froth that develops when preparing the mix in a blender or cocktail mixer.

You can find tea shops serving Bubble Tea almost anywhere and everywhere in Singapore. You can drop in for a cup at Sweet Talk or Koi Cafe.

Cendol
There are many versions of Cendols available in Singapore and each one characterizes the distinct flavour of the region from where it originated. So you’ve Indonesian Cendols, Malaysian Cendols and Thai Cendols. But all the variants essentially contain ice shavings topped with a generous dose of noodles garnished with pandan and thick syrup of fresh palm sugar. This melange sits on a fluid base of coconut milk (or sometimes condensed milk). Don’t shirk from the noodles but fill your mouth with them for a heavenly experience.

Cendol is available in almost all food hawker stalls but if you want to have a special treat, go to the Tekka Market in Little India.

Grass Jelly
Grass Jelly is actually a Chinese herb belonging to the Mint family of plants. It is called ‘Chin-Chow’ in Chinese which means eternal grass. The herb is boiled thoroughly to get the characteristic black, opaque and wobbly slab which is tasteless in itself. It is actually used to flavour drinks or eaten after garnishing it with shaved ice topped with sugar syrup. Grass Jelly works as an immaculate antidote after a heavy dinner or lunch and is very refreshing when the weather is very balmy in Singapore during the summer season.
You can savour Grass Jelly at Koi Cafe in 1-16 People’s Park Complex or at Gogo Beanz at 1, Bedok Road.

Durian Sweets
Durian is a fruit that is typical to Southeast Asia and is known for its pungent odour. The fruit is quite large and the fleshy part has an aroma that some find revolting and others overpowering. Singaporeans really revere this fruit and it is used for flavouring ice-creams, puddings, soufflés, and even taken in raw form. The flesh is so succulent and juicy that you can scoop it out and eat the same.

Taste durian delicacies in People’s Park Centre in Chinatown and also along a string of stalls at Geylang.

Tutu Kueh
It’s a specialty pastry that is a favourite with Singaporeans. It is made by pouring hot and steaming rice paste peppered with powdered sugar in specially made moulds. The dough is stuffed with sweetened pistachios, almonds, coconut pieces or peanuts. Best had with a cup of hot tea or coffee, Tutu Kueh is available in shops that lines Haig Road Putu Piring in the Malaysian section of Geylang.

Food:

There is a multitude of options available to diners- from cheap street food at the stalls of Smith Street to a fine dining experience at hotels. However, dining alfresco at the Chinese Food Street is something that most tourists opt for because of the charm of the place. It is equivalent to heaven for all the foodies out there. The lit-up streets and lanterns create the right kind of ambiance for family and friends to get together and enjoy their meal. Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Food Center are other viable options too. All sorts of local dishes are available here.

Chinatown Heritage Center:

There are three shop-houses situated along the Pagoda Street of this ethnic district that make up the Chinatown Heritage Center  People come here to relive the experiences of the Chinese migrants who moved to Singapore post 1819 in the hope of a better life. It reflects their past and transports you back in time. It is a beautiful cultural journey indeed and anyone who decides to take it will be able to sympathize with the migrants’ lives. Hence, it is much more than just a museum.

Religious Landmarks:

One would be surprised to find out that Chinatown is actually home to a number of religious landmarks such as the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Jammae Mosque. They both lie in the South Bridge Road. It is interesting to note that the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple- renowned for containing Buddha’s tooth- too lies in this enclave.

Shop:

Everyone is compelled to awaken the shopaholic in them at Chinatown! An array of items from fine silk to jewellery to handicraft items can be bought at the Chinese emporium called Yue Hwa. The Chinatown Complex, Chinatown Point and People’s Park Complex are the most popular and noteworthy malls that there are. But, all the ”trend-setters” are advised to visit the chic boutiques in Ann Siang Road and Club Street. It will not fail to impress even the most fashionable people!

Things to do:

There are some things that you one simply cannot afford to miss when in Chinatown. Yes, of course we are talking about the excellent services offered by the spas and massage parlors in the region. The Bath Culture Foot Therapy incorporates a culmination of foot massage using traditional techniques and oriental music to relax the mind and body. Living Wellness, Qimantara and Rustic Nirvana are other forms of treatment meant to rejuvenate oneself. The Toy Factory Theater Ensemble is a theater group which preached free expression in the nation and whose performance is a must see if you want to complete your Chinatown experience!
 
The most ideal time to visit these Chinese quarters would be during the Chinese New Year, when the entire market-place is bustling with activity. It is at its most colorful at bright self at around that time.

History behind the construction

Conceived by Dr. Kisho Kurokawa and DP Architects of Singapore, the flyer was designed during the early 2000s and the formal planning began in 2002. The plan was officially announced in 2003. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Sep 2005 and was launched in the year 2008.

Features of the Giant Flyer

The Singapore flyer is 150 metres in diameter with a height of 165 metres. This huge flyer covers 33,700m2 or 363,000 ft2 area. Each capsule measures 4 metres x 7 metres and it has 28 such capsules. Each capsule carries 28 people and travels at a speed of 0.24m per second. There is no worry about how to board the capsule of this huge flyer since it has the step on platform. It has two doors on the side with a platform for each, hence it is easy to board or get down the capsule.

Flying experiences

The entire joyful ride is for 32 minutes. The flyer has been designed in such a way that passengers experience a smooth ride due to its precision wind engineering. Unlike those old Ferris wheels, this Giant observation wheel does not have cramped carriages that hang on the air and terrify you. Since each capsule is as large as a bus, you can peacefully watch the view of the city without any fear. The flyer coves a view up to 45 kilometers, which means the flyer, gives a view of extra 3 km that does not come under the island city. Some of the significant landmarks that you can see from the flyer are – Changi Airport, Sentosa Island, and glance of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Safety Precautions

Passenger’s bags and handbags will be scanned thoroughly before boarding the flyer at level 2. Also, there are two cameras within each capsule in order to watch the movements within the capsule. As a safety precaution, the flyer will be stopped when the wind is above 10m per second, in order to prevent any unfortunate accidents. This 10m speed of wind occurs only at very rare cases. In case of any emergency, they have evacuation procedures to make you land safe.

Audio guide

To make the ride more interesting, a portable in-flight audio-guide has been introduced to passengers.  It is provided to all the Flyer ticket holders. This audio guide gives the passengers an insight into the past present and the future of the Singapore throughout their ride. Starting from the arrival of Sang Nila Utama to the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the audio provides knowledge in a clear voice.

The popular components of Indian cuisines

Since Tamils form a majority of the Indian population (approximately about 9% of the total population), most of the variety of Indian dishes available also happen to be Tamil. Since the late nineties of the last century, North Indian cuisines have started making inroads courtesy the setting up of some high-class and chic restaurants by successful Indian chefs like ‘Punjab Grill’ by Jiggs Kalra.

Owing to intermingling with the Singaporean culture for years on end, the dishes have become hybrid containing a blend of local spices and condiments yet the flavor is unmistakably Indian. The main elements used in Indian cuisines here in Singapore are Indian pickles, saffron (used in biryanis and pilaos), Rojak-an assortment of fried ingredients including eggs, tofu, and mashed potatoes, indigenized Chinese noodles, mughlai paranthas, and so on. Other signature dishes and elements include rotis, chapattis, Murtabak, curries, and chutneys.

Some dishes, recipes, and ingredients that were brought along when Indian contract laborers and coolies were indentured to work in the rubber plantations of erstwhile Malay have been assimilated with the national cuisines. These include mutton chops, Mulligatawny soup, mince meat of potatoes and peas, and fish moolie.

Street food culture and upmarket restaurants

If you think tucking into street food is the best way of getting an insight of the gastronomic culture of any ethnicity then head straight to Little India. You’ll find an eclectic spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Race Course Road gives stiff competition to Little India as it has some of the most admired restaurants like Muthu’s Curry, Anjappar, and Mustard Restaurant.

Little India can boast of having a more varied spread of both North and South Indian cuisines. If you’re a strict vegan, you don’t need to look beyond Ananda Bhavan restaurant which has been serving delectable vegetarian fare since 1924. You’re familiar with the Masala or Sada Dhosa- the homebred varieties but don’t forget to check out their ‘thosai’ ensemble.

You can head to ‘Annalakshimi’ for a pan-Indian buffet spread.  Just pay $ 5 Singapore dollars and have your fill of yoghurt, dhals (Indian lentils), rotis, Papadis, soups, curries and lassies.  Sample some original Malvani fare at Gajalee that include clams peppered with coriander and coconut paste, grilled tandoori lobster, curried New Zealand oysters. And yes, you can also ask for a mouthwatering preparation of Bombay duck. And if you’re not much into seafood, you can go for the usual vegetarian or non-vegetarian fare.

If you want to wine and dine in a more exclusive and upscale environ, then you can try a few restaurants and bistros at the Marina Bay Sands enclave like the Punjab Grill and the Rang Mahal. The ‘Song of India’, Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant’, and the ‘Tadka Indian Kitchen’ are some other high end addresses serving authentic Indian cuisines.

History says that Hinduism crept into the mainland of Singapore due to the immigration of the Southern India, mainly the Tamils. This reshuffled the existing culture of the nation and a perfect blend of tradition, which had stints of Hinduism incorporated within it came into existence. Like the Indian subcontinent, Singapore soon got its multi secular status.

This region has some very identical Indian temples (nearly in the sense, they are built in the Dravidian style of architecture). One can clearly imagine the mass of immigration, with the large number of Hindu temples all around the place. The “gopurams”, paintings and murals give the feeling of being in India even in a far away land. Hinduism at Singapore is mainly limited within the culture of the Southern Dravidians or the Tamils.

Singapore gets more colorful and vibrant during the celebration times of Indian festivals: Deepavali, Thaipusam, Pongal and Navrathri. What makes the celebration more unique is the eagerness, happiness and interest with which these are celebrated at a place far away than the own country. Unless and until you get the experience of celebrating any of these festivals at Singapore, one can’t figure out the exceptionality of these celebrations at Singapore.

Deepavali: It isn’t just the “festival of lights” when you are at Singapore! Indian communities at Singapore light sacred lamps for a month. Oil lamps are lit and people seek the blessings of Goddess Laxmi for ushering bliss to the family in terms of health, wealth and prosperity. Festive shopping, colorful streets and new clothes clad people move around the market celebrating the festival.

Thaipusam: It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Tamils and Indians at Singapore. Blessings are sought from Lord Murugan. Devotees follow stringent procedures for pacifying their God, like piercing of face, tongue and body parts. In a general practice kavadis (semi circular wooden or metal arches) are pierced to the bodies of the devotees with spikes and hooks. The word “Thaipusam” is derived from two different words: “Thai”, the name of the month which is January/February in the English calendar and “pusam” meaning full moon. The festival is celebrated in the month January/February in a full moon day. People have a belief that any rituals performed during “Thaipusam” makes them cured from all sorts of diseases. Meditation, fast, prayer is done throughout the day. 

Navrathri: It is one of the heavily celebrated rituals in India. At Singapore, the rituals and practices are same as that of the Indian culture and devotees worship Goddess Laxmi, Durga and Saraswati ardently for nine days. Prayers and fast are the important aspects of this festival. And the tenth day is celebrated with much pomp and show: it is the win of good over evil. Goddess is placed on a wooden chariot and paraded all around the temple for being victorious against the demon king Mahisasura.
 
This brief review of Indian festivals at Singapore is all about the global acclamation of the rich Indian custom in a foreign land!

The southernmost point of Continental Asia offers exotic theme parks, food outlets, entertainment and recreational facilities, and serene waterfront, where you can enjoy a candlelit dinner with your spouse or lover.  Sentosa Island offers a lot of entertainment facilities, beachfront restaurants and a gorgeous sunset, which is a perfect place to spend your Valentine’s Day evening.  

Valentine’s Day Ideas in Singapore

Singapore offers some of the best places and facilities to celebrate Valentine’s Day with candlelit dinner, romantic excursions, theme parks for unwinding, and much, much more.  Surprisingly, all of this comes to you in a not so expensive manner.  14th February is an occasion, when husbands and boyfriends take the initiative to offer a host of surprises and parties to their female friends.

Some Exotic Day Ideas

You can visit a place in the vicinity of Singapore taking a short trip to enjoy, relax and unwind in a romantic neighborhood. NATAS Fair, which is held in the month of February every year in Singapore, offers unmatched options, deals, holiday packages and vacation trips all around the world for the Singapore citizens.

Book an evening for a romantic candlelit dinner in any of the Singapore hotels or restaurants in Sentosa, Mount Faber or any of the places of your choice.  It would be a fantastic time spent with the love of your life, as all of the hotels and restaurants in Singapore offer exotic food, flowers and light music, on this occasion.  You can also take a romantic ride on Singapore Flyer.  The other idea would be to spend the day in the ocean on a yacht enjoying the tumbling waves of the blue water ocean and tropical hot winds.

Enjoy “London Eye” in Singapore

Singapore Flyer, the great Ferris wheel and Singapore’s version of London Eye, is the best place to enjoy some romantic moments with your loved one.  The ride is an amazing experience as the location of the Wheel is a surprisingly attractive place as you’d be able to see the skyline of Singapore, with glitzy lights all around from here.

A Romantic Day in the Ocean and Candlelit Dinner at Beachfront

Singapore offers amazing ocean experience such as a yacht ride in the tumultuous waters and tropical hot winds.  However, it would be wise to check the weather conditions prior to your sea excursion.  This is an entire day’s extravaganza, which comes to at much affordable rates.  The entire day at yacht should be followed by a candlelit dinner at Marina beach.  These facilities are available at SAF Yacht Club and Raffles Marina.

Enjoy Two Wheeled Ride at Sentosa

it is also a good idea for Valentine’s Day to enjoy a two wheeled ride at Sentosa World’s open beach.  These are personal transporters, which move on two wheels with the help of one vertically attached handle.  It is a fun ride, which would provide you an amazing and entertaining experience with your loved one.   

Rituals and Practices
Chinese New Year not only marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar, but is also a symbolic renewal of many household practices and accounting.  Therefore, in line with the traditional practices, Chinese communities use the occasion of Lunar New Year to ward off ill-fortune and welcome good luck.  It is also marked as an occasion for get together and the reunions. 

Get Together
Chinese communities across the world try to be at one place with their relatives and friends to enjoy these festivities. “Hong Bao”, the little red package containing the money is provided to the youngsters and children in the house and is considered the special attraction of the festival and a symbol of blessing from the elders. 

Reunion Dinner
Reunion Dinner is another symbolic practice, which is held on the eve of the Chinese New Year, where some delicious Chinese and Cantonese dishes are served among the families.

Music and Red Lanterns
During the New Year festival season, the entire city of Singapore is enlivened with traditional Chinese music, display of red lanterns and Chinese and Cantonese food stalls in many neighborhoods.

Celebrations in Chinatown and Kreta Ayer Square
Chinatown is the hub of the New Year celebrations, where the street light ups, all night markets, and the stunning declaration creates a high-energy festive mood.  The fire eaters, lion dancers, strange umbrellas and dance troupes of girls offer amazing and unforgettable entertainment at Kreta Ayer Square.

Dragon and Lion Dances
Folklore are the central theme of the entire festival and that is the reason you will see dragon and lion dances as part of the festival.  It adds cheerfulness and festivity, as both these characters are an inherent part of Chinese mythology.

Festivities at Chingay Parade
In Singapore, the heart of the celebrations is Chingay Parade.  This parade displays magicians, fire eaters, floats, and dancers.  The venue for the parade is Formula One Pit Building in front of the Marina bay waterfront.

River Hongbao
This is also a remarkable event of the Chinese New Year held in Singapore on the Marina Bay floating platform.  It also displays red lanterns, games stalls and fireworks in the second and third week of February.

Huayi Festival
Held at the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade, it is also another event celebrated in the month of February.  This is actually a celebration to mark the distinguished and elegant Chinese arts.  Displaying both traditional and contemporary arts, including music, opera and theater and visual displays from the prominent Chinese artists, it is an occasion to a heartwarming celebration to honor the creative artists.

So, Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore are actually an opportunity to have a deep insight into the Chinese culture and traditions as a good omen to start the prosperous New Year.  It also presents you with an occasion to enjoy some of the best Chinese cuisines.

Orchard Road
Christmas in Singapore is amazingly festive and gala time for its citizens. The congregation starts thronging the prominent places with the decorated trees all over, right since the mid-November. Orchard Road Christmas Light-up is the most enjoyable and pleasant feature of the Christmas in Singapore. It’s been almost three decades since Orchard Road is being decorated with electric lights giving it a look of a fairyland. You will find beautiful and tall Christmas trees allover and multicolor ornaments adding to the glitz of the place. It’s a place where locals and tourists can’t resist themselves from singing and dancing on Christmas.

People prefer to come here again and again according to a regional tourist survey. For people from Northern hemisphere, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy Christmas. Singapore is a tropical island and it’s hot and humid, so you can also enjoy ice creams and other cold drinks on this occasion. There is also no need to wear overcoats and woolen clothes; you will find it much comfortable to roam in your shorts and tees.

In 2011 alone, around 7 million visitors thronged Marina Bay and Orchard road. This prominent road has also been awarded the Merit Award for Events and Programming by the International Downtown Association for the glitzy decorations of the road during Christmas in 2011.

Sentosa Harbour Front
Sentosa, the erstwhile home to world famous Fantasy Island, is also home to Christmas celebration at harbor front. Not only it offers thrilling decorations, but it’s a place where several programs are organized by harbor front center. The other organizers include Mount Faber Leisure Group, Sentosa. Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and VivoCity also turn the Island into a paradise of entertainment on Christmas.

The entire lighting is controlled by a single switch and the lights dance in synch during this season. The Christmas village, grand Xmas trees and Santa along with his reindeers is a visual delight for the visitors.The orchestras and party venues set the island on fire with amazing musical programs and entertainment shows.

Marina Bay
Marina Bay malls and theaters such as Theatres on the Bay, CityLink Mall, Esplanade, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Marina Square, Millenia Walk, and Suntec City Mall announce a grand promotion extravaganza with the prizes worth thousands of Singapore dollars. It includes dining and shopping vouchers to be awarded on the shopping spends of the visitors. Marina bay Sands is also home to the Santa Claus the Musical, a delightful Christmas adventure by Annie. The performances come with live orchestra and special effects making it even more glamorous.

There are around up to 15 meters tall Xmas trees, and you feel dwarfed in front of them. The glowing stars give them a mesmerizing look. They will simply wake up the child in you. Tanglin Mall decorations also attract adults and children alike. Shipping hours are extended here to enable you to visit and shop from the glitzy shops. You can also get great offers and discounts during the festive period. Plus you get a heavy dose of musical entertainment, concerts and dining opportunities.

Singapore army is also known as the Singapore Armed Forces or SAF. Under ministry of defence Singapore, it is the part of total defence of the republic. Just like other countries it also comprises of land, sea and air divisions viz Singapore Army, Singapore Air Force and Singapore Navy. The strength of regular recruits to its armed forces is around 75,000 and reserve personnel can mobilize around 3.5 lakh additional recruits.

Singapore is strategically located on the southern tip of Malay Peninsula of Malaysia and is a rich coastal town of South East Asia. It’s also very near to Australia. That’s the reason colonial powers and local settlers both tried to capture the city state’s assets. Modern Singapore was basically founded and developed by the British, who were looking to colonize a safe haven in South East Asia against their European rivals, the Dutch. So, during the period before World War I and II, Singapore served the military interests.

History of SAF

The SAF originated from a British armed division called as SSVF in 1920. Prior to this it was referred to as Singapore Volunteer Artillery, which was constituted in 1890. It still serves the artillery division of SAF. SSVF also participated in famous World War II, but aggressive Japanese military crushed this army. In 1948, SSVF was reorganized and was included in the military of the city state. In 1961, when SAF was constituted, it was also transferred to SAF. After the independence of the city state, the government established a much organized military with the help of Israel. They also trained their troops in the jungle combat to counter the challenge from the neighborhoods. Singapore procured modern army tanks even before its sleeping neighbors had it.

Modernization of SAF

Britain evacuated Singapore completely in 1971 and then the era of consolidation of military began here. SAF Day is held on 1st of July every year in Padang. Singapore army has 3 combined divisions, two reserve divisions and three additional divisions to protect the Island nation. The Air Force is also very advanced and it has 17 squadrons. Navy operates from 2 bases and comprises of 8 squadrons.

Hierarchy in Singapore military

The top military commander is called the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), which is equal to Lieutenant General Rank. The chiefs of all the three subdivisions of military, i.e. generals of navy, air force and army report to CDF. The Military Intelligence Organization, the Joint Operations and Planning Directorate, the Joint Logistic Department, the Joint Manpower Department, and the Foreign Military Liaison Branch support CDF to act in coordination to counter internal and external threats. The special operations task force along with its supporting units undertakes the task of securing the nation against the terror threats.

Technologies used by Singapore Army

The SAF uses “force multipliers” technology that helps its various units to act in a synchronized manner. Advanced networks integrate all the three units of the SAF for organized attacks. The state of the art integration technologies make SAF a IIIrd generation combat force. Just on the pattern of Israel, technology replaces the headcounts in the military in Singapore. It is one of the biggest spenders in the entire ASEAN as far as defence budget is concerned. It spends heavily on R&D of its defence systems, weaponry and platforms. SAF has amazing urban combat capabilities.