Most people in the world would heard of this Island Republic. Located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, it has been the second home of many nationalities; especially Malaysians. With it's population of 5 million people, 42% of its populace are foreigners!
Talk about Singapore, a white Merlion spouting water would appear in mind. What is a Merlion? It's a lion + mermaid. (For your curiosity sake, the merlion is a MALE.)
According to legend, Singapore was founded by Sang Nila Utama, a Javanese prince who sighted a mystical animal which he later learned was a lion when he first landed on the island's shores in 11th century A.D. In sanskrit, Singa = Lion. Pura= city.
How was the merlion originated? It was actually a trademark symbol designed by Fraser Brunner for the logo of Singapore in 1964. The lion head symbolises the rediscovery of Singapura and the fish tail symbolises Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village.
Today, when one talk about Singapore, KiASu would pop out of the mind. What is a kiASu? It's a hokkien (local dialect) word meaning "fear of losing". It's an expression used by Singaporeans who want to get the BEST of everything and be the BEST of the BEST! (no matter what, no matter where, no matter how!)
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