For years Singapore was the meeting point of ships from all over the world, with traders arriving from as far off as China and India. However, when Sir Stamford Raffles set foot on the island in 1819 to claim it for the British East India Company, it was no more than swampy land with a dense jungle, populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies. The arrival of the British set in motion the winds of change for Singapore's future.

By 1911, the island's population had mushroomed to 250,000. Many people were drawn here by Singapore's growing trade with countries around the world. Its strategic location along the shipping routes and close presence to the rest of the region made it a convenient port of call for many traders. These early settlers were mainly from China's southern provinces, Indonesia and India among others. A bewildering number of languages were soon spoken in this growing city.

During World War II, Singapore fell into the hands of the Japanese. When the war ended in 1945, the island was returned to the British, but the seeds of independence had already been sown and in 1965, Singapore attained independence.

These days, Singapore is a bustling city-state that has retained its past while embracing modernity. The island has a population that exceeds 3 million and attracts a further 7 million visitors every year. Singapore's economic success is visibly evident in the astonishing number of skyscrapers that line the waterfront. These modern structures stand side by side with the beautifully restored shophouses that signify Singapore's past.

Walk down the always busy Orchard Road and explore the overwhelming number of shopping centres that line the streets or stroll along Arab Street and the back lanes of Little India to discover silks of all imaginable hues while the heady scent of spices and jasmine fill the air.

You'll find that Singapore easily blends a comfortable modern lifestyle with respect for its multi-cultural past.