For culture, Bangkok still light-years ahead of Singapore

Culture is made up of customs, beliefs, religions, art, food and law, whereas civilisation is characterised by social stratification, codified law and administration and even urban development.
Bangkok is a modern city, yet it has kept its traditions of canals, riverboats and a very vibrant nightlife. 
The streets are filled with itinerant hawkers, buskers and hordes of tourists who come to savour the rich culture of the Thais.
In spite of its daily traffic snarls, this city has a charm of its own that is unlike any other city.
In Malaysia, Malacca is a city steeped in history and culture. The Portuguese settlement at Jalan Daranjo was founded in 1511 and the place is famous for its restaurants serving scallops and spicy fish.
When I walk through Jonker Street at night, I cannot help but be attracted by its old Chinese houses, where one can hear an erhu orchestra practising. The many nonya restaurants serving authentic cuisine remind me of the rich culture and history of Peranakan civilisation.
In comparison, Singapore is often derided as sterile and lacking in local culture. The critics have a point – though we do have the distinctive “Singlish”. The local tongue has become part of our national identity. When an Indian man goes to a coffee shop and tells asks the Chinese owner for “kopi O siew dai”, she immediately understands what he wants.
Ours is a young nation. Hopefully, over the next half century, a distinct Singaporean identity will emerge and the typical Singapore species will become easily identifiable to all and sundry.
Heng Cho Choon
Straits Times/ANN