LOCATION

Singapore is an island country situated between the south of Malaysia and the north of Indonesia. Other than the main island, Singapore also consists of 63 smaller islands.

SOCIETY
Singapore’s population measures just over 4 million. The multicultural society is reflected in its ethnic groups: Chinese (76%), Malays (13.7%), Indians (8.4%), Eurasians and smaller minority groups (1.8%).
Despite rapid industrialization, the majority of Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective races and religions. Freedom of worship is enshrined in the Constitution. Major religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Taoism.

SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS

• Safe, clean and healthy living
• World-class education recognition
• English is the language of teaching, business and in all aspects of everyday
life in Singapore
• Bi-lingual policy – proficient in English and a second language
• Wide options of education choices – primary to tertiary levels
• Career opportunities after graduation
• Geographic and cultural proximity
• Affordable tuition fees and cost of living
  Moreover, Asia is deemed to be the growth area of the new millennium. And Singapore will play a major part in this growth as a financial centre and a hub for e-commence and education.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is an important service for students living away from home. There is a wide variety of accommodation types in Singapore to suit different standards, budgets and needs.
Students should make prior arrangements for accommodation before arrival in Singapore. Temporary accommodation can be arranged before you leave home, giving you time to plan your living arrangements when you arrive.
CBS Student Service provides housing agents' contacts and matching services to help students find quality accommodation.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

The local currency is in Singapore dollars and cents. Apart from banks or hotels, you may change your currency at outlets that displays the sig n “Licensed Money Changer”. Other than the Singapore dollar, the US and Australian dollar, Yen and British pounds are also widely accepted at various major shopping centers and restaurants.

POSTAL

SingPost (Singapore Post Office) has more than 60 main branch offices and over 80 authorized postal agencies. In addition, there are close to 200 SAMs (Self-service
Automated Machines), more than 660 stamp vendors and over 800 postboxes throughout Singapore. The postal offices serve as a one-stop center for all pur­poses: postal, telecommunication and agency services while the 24-hour SAM offer postal services, payment of bills, fines, renewal of licenses and retail of mobile phone pre-paid cards.

Relevant Singapore Laws

Immigration	All international students studying in Singapore must have a valid passport and a Student Pass from the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority).
Employment	International students are not allowed to work in Singapore without a Work Pass Exemption from the MOM (Ministry of Manpower).
Driving	All drivers must be in possession of a valid Singapore driving license and the vehicle must be insured.
Drugs	Possession of Controlled Drugs is presumed to be for trafficking, an offence which can carry the death penalty.
Alcohol Abuse	Any offense committed while being intoxicated (drunk) is punishable under the law. Drunk driving is a serious offence.
Smoking	Smoking in specific public places and indoor restaurants is prohibited.
Traffic	Jay walking is an offence.
Littering	Littering, spitting and vandalism (with graffiti) in public areas are serious offences.