I was in Singapore for a day (I call that trip the "trailer" - all the plot lines were given away, but I didn't get to experience the full movie). It was stunning, but in a Stepford City kind of way, with every blade of grass (forced?) in place. The impression I got was an iron fist covered by a velvet glove. I was able to access e-mail okay (way better than in Beijing, where I was also followed by security guards for taking notes). I heard that Singapore has a real double standard, though: tourists (especially white tourists) aren't subjected to the same harsh laws as residents, because the city depends so heavily on tourism. Then again, there was that kid a few years ago who was caned...
What struck me (and has nothing to do with this thread, but...) was that we'd gone through Southeast Asia, though the most poverty-stricken countries, where any food was appreciated and where I bristled at all the Pepsi and Coke signs ("Vietnam, brought to you by Coke.") and wondered why I never saw banners for companies that provided genuine and needed nutrition.
The minute we got to Singapore, I saw ads for diet pills, diet drinks, etc. It really disappointed me. Such a Western (and affluent) influence. Only those who can afford to eat freely can afford the luxury (ok, dubious luxury!) of going without food. And selfishly, I'd felt freed by the lack of stick-figure women as icons.
Any-hoo...