100 Questions On Singapore

Singapore is a country that consists of a main island and several smaller islands. The answer of 63 islands is correct because Singapore is made up of 63 islands in total. These islands vary in size and some are uninhabited, while others are popular tourist destinations. The fact that Singapore has 63 islands showcases its unique geography and provides opportunities for various activities such as beach visits, wildlife exploration, and water sports.

"Operation Sook Ching" refers to the massacre of Chinese by the Japanese. This term specifically refers to the systematic extermination of Chinese people in Singapore during World War II. The Japanese targeted Chinese individuals, including civilians and suspected anti-Japanese activists, and executed them in large numbers. This brutal operation aimed to eliminate potential threats and assert control over the Chinese population in Singapore.

Stamford Raffles originally named the area "The Plain".

The correct answer is 15% because Singapore's Malay population makes up approximately 15% of the total population. This indicates that out of every 100 individuals in Singapore, around 15 are Malay.

A visitor to Singapore could get a GST refund if he makes purchases which have a total value of at least SGD$100. This means that if the visitor spends SGD$100 or more on eligible goods, they are eligible to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on those purchases. The GST refund is a way to provide a tax benefit to tourists and encourage spending in the country.

During the second half of the 18th century, the traders of the East India Company faced a challenge in trading with China as they had nothing to offer in exchange for Chinese produce. Initially, they used silver to pay for the goods, but this was not favorable for China. As a solution, they came up with the idea of trading opium. Opium was highly addictive and in demand in China, allowing the East India Company to establish a profitable trade by exchanging opium for Chinese goods.

Cavenagh Bridge is the correct answer because it is the only suspension bridge in Singapore. The other bridges listed, such as Read Bridge, Ord Bridge, and Anderson Bridge, are not suspension bridges. Therefore, Cavenagh Bridge is the only option that fits the given criteria.

In the early days of Geylang Serai, the area was known for having many lemon grass processing factories. This suggests that lemon grass was a significant industry in the area, with numerous factories dedicated to processing it. This could have been due to the abundance of lemon grass in the region or the favorable conditions for its growth. The presence of these factories likely contributed to the naming of the area as Geylang Serai.

Singapore is a small city-state located in Southeast Asia. The given answer states that Singapore is 42 km in length and 23 km in breadth. This means that the country is longer from one end to the other, measuring 42 km, and narrower from side to side, measuring 23 km. This information provides the dimensions of Singapore's physical size.

To visit Batam and Bintan Islands from Singapore, a visitor needs to board at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This is because Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is the main ferry terminal in Singapore that provides regular ferry services to Batam and Bintan Islands. It is conveniently located near the Tanah Merah MRT station, making it easily accessible for visitors. From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, visitors can take a ferry ride to reach the beautiful islands of Batam and Bintan.

The correct answer is "Supreme Court of the colonial government." The old Parliament House was bought by the government in 1875 and it came to serve as the Supreme Court of the colonial government. This suggests that the building was repurposed to house the judicial branch of the government, indicating its significance in the legal system during that time period.

Tan Kim Seng is best remembered for his community contribution of donating money to pump water to the city centre. This contribution highlights his civic-mindedness and concern for the well-being of the community. By providing access to clean and reliable water, Tan Kim Seng's donation helped improve the living conditions and health of the people in the city. This act of philanthropy demonstrates his commitment to the betterment of his community and his willingness to invest in essential infrastructure for the benefit of all.

Fort Canning Hill is the correct answer because settlers in early Singapore would look to this place for the flag signal of a new arrival. This suggests that Fort Canning Hill was strategically located and served as a lookout point for incoming ships. The hill's elevated position would have provided a clear view of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot for signaling the arrival of ships to the settlers.

The River House is the oldest building at Clarke Quay.

Pulau Ubin was once of great value to the main island of Singapore because it had a valuable item to offer, which was granite. Granite is a type of rock that is commonly used in construction and building materials. The granite quarries on Pulau Ubin provided a significant source of this valuable resource, making the island an important asset to Singapore's development and infrastructure.

Captain Henry Keppel was an Admiral in the British Navy. He served in various naval positions during his career, including commanding several ships and leading expeditions. He was known for his contributions to the British Navy, particularly his role in the development of steam-powered ships. Due to his significant contributions and achievements in the navy, Keppel was honored by having Keppel Harbour named after him.

Fort Canning was originally known as Forbidden Hill because it was believed to be the sacred burial ground of ancient Malay rulers. The name "Forbidden" implies that the hill was off-limits to commoners and held great significance to the ruling elite. Over time, the hill was renamed Fort Canning when the British built a military fort on the site. This new name was in honor of Viscount Charles John Canning, the first Viceroy of India.

Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, is buried in Hendon, England. This is where he passed away and his final resting place. The other options mentioned, Jakarta (previously Batavia), Bencoolen, and Fort Canning, are not the correct burial places for Stamford Raffles.

The correct answer is The Theatre. The Concert Hall is not the correct venue because it is not mentioned to seat 2000 people. The Theatre Studio is also not the correct venue because it is not mentioned to seat 2000 people. The Jendela is not the correct venue because it is not mentioned to seat 2000 people. Therefore, the only option left is The Theatre, which is mentioned to have the capacity to seat 2000 people.

The Kucinta is the mascot of the Singapore Tourism Board.

Singapore has a land area of 710 sq km. This is the correct answer because it is a well-known fact that Singapore is a small city-state with limited land area. The other options, 580 sq km, 620 sq km, and 850 sq km, are incorrect as they do not accurately represent Singapore's actual land area.

Singapore has a rainfall of 2300 mm annually. This means that on average, Singapore receives 2300 mm of rainfall every year. This amount of rainfall is significant and indicates that Singapore has a relatively high level of precipitation.

The early 19th century Singapore was an astounding success due to several factors. Firstly, it had a deep harbor, which allowed for easy navigation and trade. Secondly, its free port status attracted merchants and traders from around the world, resulting in a thriving economy. Lastly, Singapore had the protection of the British, which provided stability and security for its growth and development. All of these factors combined contributed to Singapore's remarkable success during that time.

St Andrew's Cathedral is the correct answer because it is one of the two non-Muslim buildings in Singapore that was donated by a wealthy Arab Muslim. This fact is interesting because it challenges stereotypes and highlights the diversity and generosity within the Muslim community.

Elgin Bridge is the correct answer for the first bridge to be built across the Singapore River. It was constructed in 1822 and named after Lord Elgin, the Governor-General of India at that time. The bridge played a significant role in connecting the two sides of the river and facilitating transportation and trade in Singapore. Today, it stands as a historical landmark and is an important part of Singapore's architectural heritage.

Itagaki Seishiro was the Japanese officer who signed the order surrendering Singapore to the British in 1945.

The Hokkien clan painted the "eye" on their bumboats green.

Singapore has a coastline of approximately 150.5 km because it is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Being surrounded by water, Singapore's coastline measures 150.5 km, allowing for various coastal activities and the development of ports and marinas.

The original name of the stream located between the mouth of the Singapore River and Stamford Canal was Fresh Water Spring.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital was originally located at Pearl's Hill.

St Margaret's Secondary School would figure as the oldest girls' school in Singapore because it was established in 1842, making it the first girls' school in the country. The other schools listed were established at later dates.

The correct answer is Amoy Street. Anglo Chinese School was founded by Rev William F Oldham in 1886 and its first home was located on Amoy Street.

After Stamford Raffles established a trading post in Singapore, the main traders who transported goods and produce from Southeast Asia were the Bugis. The Bugis, who originally hailed from Sulawesi in Indonesia, were known for their expertise in maritime trade and navigation. They had a strong presence in the region and played a significant role in facilitating trade between Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Their knowledge of the sea routes and their trading networks made them the primary traders in the area during that time.

The Concept Plan for town planning is reviewed every 10 years. This means that every decade, the plan is evaluated and potentially updated to ensure that it remains relevant and aligns with the current needs and goals of the town. By reviewing the plan regularly, town planners can adapt to changes in demographics, infrastructure, and other factors that may impact the development and growth of the town. This allows for a more efficient and effective approach to town planning, ensuring that the town remains well-designed and able to meet the needs of its residents.

When the British arrived in Singapore in 1819, they found that there were already 20 gambier plantations that were being operated by the Malays and Chinese. Gambier is a plant that was commonly grown in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties and used in the production of dyes and tanning agents. The presence of these plantations indicates that there was already a thriving agricultural industry in Singapore, with the Malays and Chinese being actively involved in cultivating and trading gambier. This would have provided a foundation for economic activity and trade in the region, which would have been of interest to the British colonialists.

The Teochew clan differentiated their boats by painting a red eye on each side of the boat.

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) was originally set up as a mandatory savings plan for old age in 1955. This means that the CPF was established in that year with the purpose of ensuring that individuals save money for their retirement. It is a social security savings scheme in Singapore that requires both employees and employers to contribute a portion of their wages to the fund. The CPF helps individuals build a retirement nest egg and provides them with financial security in their old age.

Singapore is located 137 km north of the equator. This means that Singapore is situated in the northern hemisphere, but not too far from the equator. Being close to the equator, Singapore experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The proximity to the equator also means that Singapore has a relatively consistent day length and does not experience drastic seasonal changes.

During the first half of the 19th century, the British deployed Indian convicts to work on public projects in Singapore. These convicts were originally from Bencoolen in Sumatra.

The Central Sikh Temple in Singapore is located on Towner Road. The Sikhs have been present in Singapore since 1881 and have established various temples, including the Central Sikh Temple. The temple is known for its impressive dome and is a significant religious and cultural landmark for the Sikh community in Singapore.

Raffles Hotel opened for business in 1887.

The name given to Keppel Harbour when it began to service ocean going vessels was "New Harbour".

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The Moulana Mohamed Ali Mosque is the only underground mosque among the options provided. This means that it is located below ground level, which is a unique feature compared to the other mosques listed.

Bukit Timah is 166 m high.

In the early 19th century, Indian and Chinese migrants from Malaya (now Malaysia) came from the states of Penang and Malacca. These two states were popular destinations for migrants due to their strategic locations and economic opportunities. Penang, an island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, was a bustling trading port and attracted migrants from various backgrounds. Malacca, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, was another important trading port and a melting pot of different cultures. Therefore, it is likely that Indian and Chinese migrants in the early 19th century came from Penang and Malacca.

The correct answer is Waterloo Street. The Maghain Aboth synagogue, which is the oldest Jewish synagogue, was built in 1878 and is located on Waterloo Street.

The correct answer is Government House. The Istana was initially called Government House when it was first built.

Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman on 30 January 1819 to establish a trading post on the island of Singapore.

Gambier was commonly used in the early days to treat burns, diarrhea, and dysentery. It was believed to have medicinal properties that could help alleviate symptoms and promote healing in these conditions.