Singapore - A tiny Red Dot on the world map. A dot that packs in a lot of punch.
Singapore is probably the most cosmopolitan and easy to live nation in Asia.
Cosmopolitan because it manages to pack in everything you can imagine and has been and is now also very efficiently run by the Lee family viz. ex-PM and now Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and the current PM, Lee Kuan Yew's son - Lee Hsien Loong.

Easy because things are so smooth and organized and English is the preferred language for almost everyone.

Not only are those at the helm of the country forward and smart thinkers, but their non-egoistical and strong approach has taken Singapore to the heights it could have never ever imagined 42 years ago when it gained independence from Malaysia.

Over the years, Singapore has seen many ups and downs but has always emerged unscathed and stronger than ever. Be it SARS, Asian Financial Crisis or tanking of the Property Market, Singapore has always managed to hold on its own.

Over the last 2 years, more so in that last 18 months, Singapore's red hot Real Estate Market has seen a tremendous upwards trend. Property prices have been going through the roof and rentals are becoming more and more unaffordable for the common man.

This is a matter of concern as Singapore looks to attract more and more foreign talent to pump up its economy keeping in view its ambitious plans to turn the country into a Water Sports heaven and an attractive tourist destination, not just a transit point.

With a view to shed its Nanny state and a Museum country image, Singapore has allowed, for the first time, Casinos on its soil. And not just any casinos, complete integrated resorts.

Construction industry is booming and economy is on an upswing. Singapore wants its population to go up from 4.5 million to 6.5 million in 10 years, more steps are being taken to boost tourism all this is creating new jobs and as a result more and more people are coming into the country to work and relocate here.

But what is causing a spanner in the works is the rising property prices and sky rocketing rents of not only commercial but also residential properties.

Many overseas companies that have set up base here and are stationing foreigners to work and live in Singapore, are having second thoughts due to the sudden rise in property prices. This factor, coupled with an unregulated real estate industry and unscrupulous agents is giving this otherwise spic and span country, a bad name.

Singapore govt is in a fix about whether to step in to stem the spiraling prices as it does not want a repeat of the 1997 fiasco when the Property prices tanked badly after touching new heights. At the same time, it does not want Expats and foreign workers and potential immigrants to be put-off by the almost out-of-reach prices.

But whatever the case may be, as of now Singapore still remains the best destination to live, work and play in Asia and beyond.

Learn more about this author, Amit Nagpal.
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