An extraordinary country Singapore is. Evolving from a third world country to a modern centre of finance and business in just 50 years of independance is impressive. Most impressive. When I was here the Formula 1 circus was in town for the Singapore Grand Prix at night through the chique streets of this amazing capital. They closed down the city centre for a week.

With a grand mix of origins, Chinese, Malay, Indians, and Whitenoses, Singapore is an intriguing place. Speaking about another's religion in a bad way is forbidden for instance. And Singapore has a tough penal system. Above all you're Singaporean. That's the governments policy. The government that's officially democratic.

Singapore is rich. My friend Frank says: There's not much of asia left in Singapore, but it works. 70 % of the population is Chinese. A quarter of them are millionaires.