Singapore paintings

This is a Singapore water-colour painting by NG Woon Lam NWS. He is the winner of various International Awards. Master watercolor painter late president of Singapore Watercolour Society Mr. Gog Sing Hooi, Associate Professor Emeritus Cheng Khee Chee, Associate Professor Don Southard, Professor Edward Schmidt are his mentors.

Actually, there are many excellent paintings in Singapore. Above paintings are part of Singapore's art. In Singapore, there are all kinds of paintings exhibition, such as:scene painting, water-colour paintings, Chinese finger-paintings. Certainlly, they also can hold in special places. There are some beautiful buildings offer to show these arts. Like:Singapore Coference Hall, National Museum Art Gallery. We just enter these places, then we will appreciate the uncommon arts. At Li Fine Art Gallery Singapore, assist fine art collectors in the acquisition of collectible artworks by 2nd and 3rd generation Singapore local artists. Their inventory includes scenes of Asia, European and North America depicted by these artists. we can visit their gallery to see the world through the eyes of their artists.

OBVIOUS CULTURES IN SINGAPORE

Since Singapore is a cosmopolitan city, we can find different kinds of nationalities all around the city. The early immigrants are Chinese, Indians, Malays and Europeans. Different nationalities can comprise different kinds of cultures.


Chinese Culture

• Never buy clocks as gifts for Chinese friends. The Chinese words for "sending clocks" sounds almost the same as "sending you to your grave".
• Never put your chopsticks upright in your rice. Chopsticks in that situation resemble jossticks in an urn which is meant for funerals.
• Never point at people with chopsticks which is regarded as a very rude manner.

Chinese with NUMBERS

Most of the people, especially Chinese people believe that numbers can highly affect their life and destiny.

Number 4 : Bad luck for Chinese. In Chinese, the pronunciation of 4 sounds like 'death' and death is regarded as bad luck. They do not like the house or the car with number 4 or a combination like 14 = must die, 24 = easily dying, 44 = dying and dead, 74 = surely dead.

Number 8 : Money and Wealth. Chinese people are obsessed with number 8. The pronunciation of 8 sounds 'fa' and means the same as 'strike to rich'. So, their house, apartments, phone numbers and car numbers are composed mainly of number 8. The number 88, which means 'double happiness' is more popular on the doors for young married couples.


Malay Culture

• Malays in Singapore are Muslims and they eat only "Halal" foods.
  

• Muslims do not drink alchol and eat pork. Other meat such as poultry and beef have to be slaughtered under the Islamic way before they can be eaten. Restaurants with the "Halal" sign do not serve liquor. estaurants with the "Halal" sign/logo do not serve liquor.
• Never offer to shake the hands of Muslim ladies. A simple nod or smile will be fine for greeting.
• Muslims fast during the Ramadan month, usually the occasion is celebrated in the month of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar.

Indian Culture

• The Indian community in Singapore has three main faiths, the Hindus, the Muslims and the Christians.
  
• Almost all of the Indians in Singapore can speak and understand in English well, but their mother tongue is Tamil.
  
• Hindus do not eat beef as the cow is sacred in Hindu religion. Some are strict vegetians as they are Buddhists.

FESTIVALS

Chinese in Singapore:

Chinese New Year : the biggest festival celebratetd.





Muslims in Singapore:

Hari Raya Puasa : the celebration to mark the end of a month of fasting.
Hari Raya Haji : the time of prayer and rememberance.

Hindus in Singapore:

Tamil New Year : Indians' new year celebration in mid April.
Taipusam : the festival to thank their god for answering their prayers.
Deepavali : the festival of lights to signify victory of good over the evil within the individual.



Christians in Singapore :

Christmas : the celebration to honour the birth of Jesus.





**There are also some other small scale festivals still exists.

Ref: http://www.warrenssingapore.com/culture.htm

Photos Sources:

http://images.google.com.sg/images?hl=en&q=christmas%20in%20singapore&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

http://images.google.com.sg/images?um=1&hl=en&q=chinese+new+year+in+singapore&btnG=Search+Images http://www1.visitsingapore.com/resource/common/image/event/3DJPKampongGlam.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Deepavali,_Little_India,_Singapore,_Oct_06.JPG

Religion: Singapore is a multi-religious country, because of the wide variety of nationalities and ethnicities. More than 40% of the Singaporeans adhere to Buddhism. Other Chinese are followers of Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Most of Malays are Muslims, who constitute about 15%of the population of Singapore. And most of Indians are Hindus.As a result of this diversity, there are a large number of religious buildings including Hindu temples, churches and mosques, some of which have great historical and important. These interesting buildings often became architectural landmarks in cosmopolitan Singapore. In addition, about 14% of Singaporeans do not belong to any religion and consider themselves as “Free-thinkers”. If you are very interesting to religious buildings and culture, Singapore will be a good choice to know the multiple religions.

People: Singapore is a small and relatively modern country of an indigenous Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants with some intermarriages. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups. But they also continue to maintain their own culture, heritage and habits. Singapore has several ethnic attraction including Little India and Chinatown. In that places, sell the things related with their culture and heritage. So that, people can not only travelling these places, but also buy many things which they need. And these places are the good chance to know about their life.

References: http://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/culture-and-language.htm

TOURISM ACACDEMY @ SENTOSA AND ITS RICH HERITAGE

Every place has its background history and events. Our Academy, The Tourism Academy @ Sentosa is also rich in heritage and history. The campus used to be the base of the British Royal Artillery, 1st Malay Coastal Royal Artillery and The Gurkha Infantry Regiment.

Our campus was built for the soldiers of British Military which is known as Blakang Mati Parade Square. Blackang Mati is the Malay word, which means death from behind. The soldiers were living there to defence Singapore harbour from enemies. The soldiers had been on the island since 1878. The history of our Academy, Blackang Mati is so interesting with full of memorable events.

Blackang Mati or the Parade Square area has been composed of four blocks, Block A, Block C, Block D and Block F.
Block A – Gurkha Rifles
Block C – Malay Coast Artillery
Block D – HMS Sultan II
Block F – Royal Artillery
The Parade Square area was the main barracks for the soliders and which are temporarily built with wood and thatch. By 1904, the main barrack blocks were up and became two storied buildings. The blocks around the square were for junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and enlisted personnel, about 40-50 men in each block. Officers and senior NCOs were housed elsewhere and married personnel lived off School Road (today’s Gunner Lane and Carlton Walk).

COMPARING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

Who were/ are most occupying the area?
In the Past: British Soldiers
In the Present: TAS (Tourism Academy @ Sentosa) Students

Why were/ are they being there?
In the Past: to fight against the enemies for their country’s brighter future
In the Present: to fight against difficulties in their studies for their brighter future

How old were/ are they?
In the Past: the soldiers were between 18 – 25 years old
In the Present: the students are between 18 – 25 years old

Did/ Do they have fun?
In the Past: Soldiers had lots of fun on the island together with their famailies.
In the Present: Students have lots of fun on the island together with classmates, teachers and staff.

Were/ Are they passing the toughest times?
In the Past: Yes. The frightening wars; they were passing the toughest times especially during World War II.
In the Present: Absolutely. The thrilling exams; they are passing the toughest times during each and every semester.

Ref: http://www-bus.tp.edu.sg/tas_home/tas_about_us/tas_history.htm
The circulation from TAS during Orientiation

Pictures Sources:

http://images.google.com.sg/images?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&hl=en&q=tourism+academy+at+sentosa&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

http://www.230battalion.org.au/Gallery/thumbnails.php?album=134&page=3

Images of Singapore

Images of Singapore is a historical museum in sentosa island. In this museum exhibits the culture and history of Singapore using multi-media displays. And theatre presentations show the major events in Singapore and Singaporean’s life.Firstly, I’ll talk about multi-media displays. This movie offers the creation of the merlion and earliest days of Singapore, and pre-British period of Malaysian rule, colonial Singapore, and Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew etc. Through this interesting movie, we are feeling more familiar with Singapore, and have more curiosity about Singapore’s history and people. Secondly, I want to explain that theatre presentation. Theater is discovered all over the Singaporean’s life, religions, events and special holidays use human-size models. That is very attractable and impressible. We can see that Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and foreign people are living Singapore, but they are still maintaining their own culture and religion. I strongly suggest you, if you want to become one part of Singapore, this way is the most important way to you are getting know Singapore.

Culture

Culture of Singapore shows the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own culture. There are many languages spoken in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Singapore is a multi -religious country and a wide variety of nationalities ,Buddhism, Chinese, Muslims and Hindus. Singapore culture are Festivals,Religion,Racial harmony, Cuisine, Language, Performing arts, Culture,National Pride, National Symbols and Politics. Whatever there are many different cultures, religions and culture, we live together in peace and harmony and share our opinions to make progress of nation.

Reference- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/culture_of_singapore

Esplanade 's night scence

I would like to share your spirit with the Esplanade which is a beautiful night scence .The harbour with many lights from boat at anchor , skywards buildings ,the serenity of st.Andrew's Cathedral and sitting on the left bank of the river side .It is very fascinating and there is always a place for everyone to get more stimulating and relax your minds.

ESPLANADE -THEATRES ON THE BAY

The Esplanade-Theatres on the bay is located on six hectares of waterfont land along side Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River ,purpose -built to be the center for perfoming arts for the island nation of Singapore.It contains a 1,600 seat concert hall and a 2,000 seat theatre for the performing arts. History The Esplanade occupies the site of the former "Satay Club" a popular food haunt for Singapore which had been discontinued prior to the Esplanade 's construction .Currently the "Satay Club " was re-allocated next to Sembawang Shopping Center which is now demolished .Officially opened on 12 ,2002, Esplanade was developed at a cost of SGD 600 million. On 5 July 2005 ,the opening ceremony of the 117th IOC session was staged in the Esplanade featuring a 30 -minute long performance aimed at showcasing Singapore 's multi-cultural heritage to her international audience.

Reference: http://en.wikidia.org/wiki/Esplanade

Esplanade 's Facilities

Esplanade 's venues comprise cafes,bars & resturants ,Esplanade shop,Kenko Reflexology & Spa, and many other .If you get more detail ,check website.

Songs of the Sea

Get ready to fall under the spell of Sentosa Island’s latest nightly multiple-sensory mesmerism, the songs of sea are started. This show is presented by a live cast, with dramatic story and music, give us fantastic visual effects. Songs of the sea is combined between technology and imaging and live characters. Lights, lasers, fire effects and water jets create a captivating visual story of romantic. The center piece of the show is a special 120m long building kelong structure. The structure itself is part of art. This place resembles Asian original fishing village in many ways, uses modern materials and technologies. Because it builds in the sea, need to withstand variable weather conditions such as strong winds, waves and periodic tides. The attraction is run two times every night. The open-air styled viewing gallery cans comfortably seat 2500visitors. The show is started. A romantic story shows on a 40m giant water screen flanked by two slightly smaller water screens. The perfect show effects are played with 69 water jets which are reaching as high as 40m, flames which are reaping up 20m. This unique water show will give visitors a fresh and unforgettable experience.

Reference:http://www.sentosa.com.sg/

Art -Singapore Flyer

Singapore, 13June 2008 - Re-discover the height of luxury above the glittering Singapore cityscape, as you enjoy the finest champagne on board the 165-metre-tall Singapore Flyer, the world’largest Giant Observation Wheel. Featuring the voice of Singapore’s famed movie and theater thespian Lim Kay Tong, the audio guide brings the visitor through a journey of the past, present and future of Singapore – from where Sang Nila Utama first arrived, to interesting feng shui trivia of Suntec City and the future Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort – in just 30 minutes on-board the Flyer, as visitors see, hear and discover the ever-changing Singapore story.“We want visitors to Singapore Flyer to take in the best of Singapore with not just their eyes, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the Lion City’s history and story with the launch of this new audio guide. This adds colour to their experience through Singapore’s past, present and future on board the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel,” said Mr Florian Bollen, Chairman, Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd

Referrence：http://www.singaporeflyer.com/ch/media-releases/watch-and-listen-to-the-singapore-story-only-at-singapore-flyer.html

Heritage

This picture comes from Singapore Gallery.It shows the history of Singapore ,the years of the war still remind people.