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.

Heritage

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