More than its booming economy or gleaming infrastructure, Singapore's strength lies above all in its people - the mosaic of communities, cultures and traditions that have enriched its unique heritage over the centuries. The City-State fully embraces its heritage. Better still, it celebrates it every year on Racial Harmony Day. Despite its modest size, its territory is home to a wide variety of outside influences, which are embodied in every ethnic district. From the Malay quarter of Kampong Glam to Little India, from Joo Chiat to Katong, not forgetting Chinatown, a visit to one of the ethnic quarters will give you a good idea of just how rich this diversity is. A business trip or corporate event is an opportunity to discover a condensed version of Asia, to enjoy a festival of colours, smells and flavours from Malaysia, China, India and the Peranakans, the descendants of the first Chinese immigrants. The route through the ethnic districts can also become the setting for team-building operations that combine gastronomy, shopping and cultural activities.
A garden in the city
Since the 1960s, green has been the primary colour in the Singaporean palette. The lush vegetation - the territory boasts 10 % of parks and nature reserves - coexists in harmony with modern buildings, which boast green walls and "Green Mark" labels, guaranteeing their eco-responsibility. The must-see animal parks - in particular the River Safari, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the world's first park specialising in the nocturnal life of animals - are the perfect symbol of this green ambition, as is Gardens by the Bay, inaugurated in June 2012. This 101-hectare futuristic garden offers an immersion in the world's flora, illuminated every evening by the Supertrees sound and light show. Voted "Building of the Year 2012" by the World Architecture Festival, Gardens by the Bay hosts corporate events all year round, thanks to structures such as the Flower Field Hall, the Waterview Room and the Meadow, Singapore's largest outdoor event space.
