Lion's City

16 June 2010 - Many in Hong Kong like to criticize Singapore. This sentiment is probably rooted in fear or envy, because the Lion's-city increasingly beats polluted Hong Kong in offering quality of life to its citizens. Singapore is blossoming, and it is becoming more cosmopolitan and diverse by the day. Also, Hong Kong people still look at Singapore as an almost homogenous Chinese city, ignoring its multi-ethnic make up. Although the Chinese are in the majority, there are great linguistic and cultural differences among the various Chinese groups. Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese, Cantonese and Mandarin are all represented, with English most widely spoken. Also, it was reported that 42% of the population is foreigner (but I find that hard to believe). The younger generation increasingly identifies themselves as - in the first place - "Singaporean", and no longer as Chinese, Malay or Indian. It will not be too long before Hong Kongers will admire Singapore.