No.13 Singapore Tech Hotspots 2008

Singapore, Singapore

Why? Silicon giant with a tech pedigree

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What's so special about Singapore?
Singapore was one of the first Asian cities to have a telephone service, just four years after Alexander Graham Bell's famous experiment in 1875. Time has done little to blunt Singapore's position at the bleeding edge of technology.

Singapore's technical pedigree goes hand-in-hand with the rise of the 50-year-old Nanyang Technological University. The university was named one of the best engineering institutions in the world and, together with Singapore's other state universities and institutes, provides a steady supply of expertise for Singapore's gathering of world leaders in technology.

IT service provider Singapore Computer Systems and computing giant HP have been in the city for decades, while software multinational Oracle and Siemens IT Solutions and Services also have a base there.

The busiest port in the world, the city depends heavily on manufacturing, particularly of electronic goods that are shipped across the world. It is a key player in the computing industry, producing about 10 per cent of the world's foundry silicon wafer output in 2006.

Visitors and residents enjoy access to free wi-fi throughout the city via its municipal wireless network.

Tech Hotspots judge and senior editor at ZDNet Asia Eileen Yu describes Singapore as a: "Nationwide wi-fi hotspot, with over 100 per cent mobile penetration and a testbed for new mobile technology, high broadband penetration, pervasive use of IT in education and biotech hub."

Key tech companies Computing multinational HP, Singapore's largest telecommunications company SingTel, IT service provider Singapore Computer Systems, software giant Oracle, Siemens IT Solutions and Services.

Key institutions Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technical Education.

Local salaries Graduate software engineer $29,159.

Famous faces Chairman of Siemens IT Solutions and Services and Singapore Computer Systems veteran Pek Yew Chai.

Population 4.6 million.

iPod cost $167 Source: CommSec, Apple.

Time zone GMT +8 hours.

Voltage and plugs 230V three-pin plug.

How to get there Fly in to Singapore Changi Airport, which has three passenger terminals and is served by a network of 81 airlines, connecting Singapore to 185 cities in 58 countries. It has been regularly rated one of the best international airports.

Watch out for High temperature and humidity all year round mean more than about one hour outdoors can be very exhausting for visitors.

Places to stay, eat or drink As an ex-colony Singaporeans have retained their love of high tea, with a famous spread on offer at the Raffles Hotel's Tiffin Room. Boutique hotels in renovated shophouses can be found in Chinatown.

What you might not know Singapore enjoys a reputation as one of the safest major cities in the world. Most people, including single female travellers, will not face any problems walking along the streets alone at night.