Trade VVindz

Singapore is maybe the most unique nation in the far-east. It is a modern city-state. It doesn’t have a lot of autonomous history before the end of colonialism in the region. Before that it was Malayan turf. Situated at the tip of the Malay peninsula, it is the prime spot for sea-borne trade. To the west lie the straights of Malacca and the Indian Ocean. South is Indonesia. North along the coastline is mainland Asia. And to the east beyond the Philippines waits the Pacific. It may have had to wait for trans-oceanic navigation to arrive before it could really grow-up but I imagine Singapore must have been a solid (albeit quaint) port in early maritime history too. That’s what drew me to cover Singapore in the first place. Any kid from a Navy home inherits a healthy admiration for its tradition. There’s something about docks that remind me of home. And no other docks are so fabled.
Once upon a time it would have been more like a fishing village than a trade-hub. But, as maritime industry progressed so did the importance of Singapore’s location. By medieval times it had emerged as a chief maritime player. The British utilized its harbors during colonial rule in the Pacific Rim. These days the port of Singapore is renowned in some circles as the best set of docks in the trades. They might very well be the toughest. The entire island-nation is no bigger than Los Angeles or San Francisco counties, and Singapore’s docks probably do more shipping than LAX and SFO combined. Of course, the port of Singapore oversees shipping operations beyond its local docks. Such a rich history in shipping has developed into a role as an operations-broker. Less experienced ports seek advice from Singapore before upgrading their own operations. In return Singapore gains a working relationship with the smaller ports that support the trade-business.
Another distinction unique to Singapore may be its history with colonialism. In a region that saw so many failures among imperial colonies and their governing bodies, colonial Singapore may have been the exception. The British were a fairly late arrival to Malay. The Dutch were already in Indonesia and the Portuguese still had some influence in Malaysia from their sea-empire when Britain and the British East Indies Company moved-in to Singapore. Earlier influence came from feudal Malay. According to legend, the first settlement was built by a Srivijayan prince. It still retains a Malaccan influence, but has become distinctively Singaporean. In many ways the early empires didn’t leave a colony behind. Instead, Singapore gets its identity from industry. There are signs of European culture but not like what the Dutch left behind in their colonies. Of course sometimes it seems like business is the only custom on the yards of the port of Singapore. I think trade gives us all a common form of culture and Singapore is among its representatives.
When the Malay peninsula was a quieter place it was predominantly Malaccan. Now, it is ethnically Chinese. The local population is still present but with such a major interest in regional business it was bound to draw settlers from mainland markets. And anyone interested in working in shipping wants the experience they can get on Singapore’s docks. So these days Singapore has a make-up like the world’s other industrial trade centers. It must be a competitive place. Like the streets of New York. Maybe it’s not quiet the same as N.Y.C. but I think that the same kind of opportunism is present there. It might be more like San Francisco, though. Demography only goes so far in demonstrating cultural dynamics. On paper, New York and San Francisco might be similar in ethnic diversity and the size/age of the work-force. But the ethnic differences that give San Francisco its character just make New York hostile. So, I’d have a hard time describing the actual customs in Singapore without seeing them firsthand. In the bigger ports the only thing you can count-on is a fast pace.
Singapore’s importance in the trade-industry has ensured that it remains a modern nation. All the business that depends on its ports as it passes through guarantees that Singapore will keep up with technology. But politically it is kind of a regional lightweight. China is still the political authority for the far-east. With China’s massive military and central government, nations like Singapore negotiate with China based on their industrial clout. There just aren’t many nations who can strong-arm China. Political relationships in the far-east can be delicate. Singapore and China share customs and geography but western markets need Singapore’s docks for access to Asian markets. As a result, Singapore must be diplomatic with both its neighbors and business partners. Singapore practices a one-party parliamentary government and while not a pure democracy it is never the less a bastion of free-market capitalism.
I’m not what I’d call a ‘capitalist’ but I’d never do capitalism the justice that Singapore could, either. It is one of maybe a handful of nations that functions as a municipality. Education and health-care is as socialized as European government. I’ve compared it to the district of Columbia before but it is actually more industrious. Like Detroit would have been if it had ever been on a trade-route. I suppose it’s a lot like an international version of PDX. One day I might find-out for myself but it’s good to be in Portland in the meantime. I guess that’s where I’ll be until the streets of Singapore need me more. But, I’ve always been more at-home on the streets than I would-be in the trades. My old-man even knows where-to look-for me there.
Singapore’s unique position as trades-broker is what ultimately defines it. There aren’t many industries (that aren’t localized) that don’t have business there. There aren’t many exports that don’t need its access to Asia or imports that don’t clear its docks. Even Japanese business (with its own legitimate shipping fleets) cannot match Singapore’s maritime capabilities. They are a lot like Marines. If it needs to be mobilized, they’re up-to it. Singapore seems content in its role as ‘delivery boy’. Singapore’s ships operate in some heavy, hostile seas. They spend more of their time avoiding a fight then they do starting-one. But, fights aren’t always easy to avoid. I have got a lot of respect for that. There are better things to do than to pick a fight. And Singapore keeps a lot of business going in the process. It must be a cool place to land on shore-leave.
There never has been a shortage of action in Singapore. All of Malay seems to like a party. From the south coast of China (Hong Kong + Macau) through Thailand and Malay and beyond the straights into Java and Indonesia, the maritime-trade centers are known for their nightlife. Once upon a time they were pretty lawless. Singapore is somewhat of an exception. It never was the roughest port in the trades. And some of the rougher ports have gotten tamer than they were a generation ago. But the region is still a popular destination for gamblers. That regional image lends to Singapore’s identity. At the same time that it is driven by honest trade business it is also part renegade.
Singapore doesn’t have the production capability that Japan does but has modernized alongside it. That’s pretty good company. Japan prides itself on its industrial potential. In the future, you can expect Singapore to remain a hub of trade. It won’t be generating much trade. But, it will still be facilitating it. Other than tourism and the skilled labor force, Singapore is kind of resource-poor. That is often the case for island-nations. I guess it takes a continent to ensure that resource needs are met.
On the other side of Malay rest the resources of Sino-Asia. There are some throughout Indonesia also. No-one else brings it together like Singapore can with its docks though. As mighty as they are they still rely on maritime trade. We could use the work stateside too. Like a revival of the auto-industry. I think Detroit still knows enough about putting folks on the road to make a good partner with Singapore. Between the two of them a pair of continents could drive more people to work.
That depends on extra-regional politics though. Like I mentioned earlier, Singapore’s devotion to its docks means they have to answer to prevailing diplomacies and their impact on industry and trade. As of now, China and the U.S. are really almost rivals. If their markets open to more cooperative efforts like forecasts have been promising, Singapore could get caught in the middle of it. As much as I’d like to work those docks for that I would almost rather be on a line in ‘Mo-Town’ then. If things go well, I suppose Singapore (and Malay) might become a bona-fide player in international politics. In many ways it would be a good role for the maritime nation. It always has brokered exchange between markets. And China and the United States both stand to make mutual gains through cooperation. There might be some jealous parties in other parts of the world but no-one really loses in the offer.
‘Pacific Century’ describes Singapore as a ‘new Asian capitalist’. Along with the other ‘newly industrialized economies’. Mainland Sino-Asia is likely to be a people’s social economy for the near future, but they are becoming capitalistic in a soviet way. They seem to have discovered how profit can benefit the state. ‘Pacific Century’ goes on to credit some of Singapore’s industrial potential to Britain’s colonial efforts. Not that imperialism is without its faults but according to ‘Pacific Rim’ author Mark Borthwick, Singapore has “benefited from the early development of commercial and educational infrastructure” that colonialism left behind (pg. 267). Singapore might have been a quieter sea-port if it hadn’t been influenced by the British Empire. Instead it is caught-up in international trade. And it still has a rustic quality in spite of the speed at which it can take care of business.
Business in Singapore moves on through prevailing social climates. While some markets might be more forgiving than others, Singapore continues to drive trade between nations. Not really as a diplomat but as a broker. And an honest broker, as far as trade-drivers go. If trade-business were to dry-up Singapore might go back to being a sleepy little fishing village. But it would still be a welcomed harbor to anyone needing shelter from the sea. Maybe Singapore has some sort of understanding with the oceans. In exchange for favorable winds, Singapore fosters the exchange of culture across the seas and remains devoted to its traditions. In pursuit of a fair trade wind that is next to make landfall.