Singapore has opened up more recently, the economy is recovering nicely, and US interest in Singapore has increased, especially since Madeline Albricht referred to Lee Kuan Yew in glowing terms after a recent meeting. With the opening up to more foreign expertise through relaxed work permit restrictions, the Americans are sniffing a buck here, especially compared with the relatively more serious problems and reduced opportunities in neighbouring countries.

Singapore offers major comforts to visiting business travellers including some of the finest hotels and meeting places in the region, and along with the Philippines are a largely English speaking country in a region where knowledge of Chinese dialects or local languages is almost a requirement.

Yanks being Yanks, the first reference is of course to "freedoms", including the following quote, which the Rat is sure he's read somewhere else before...

"...In exchange for peace, prosperity and an antiseptic environment, Singaporeans have accepted governmental restrictions on many aspects of their lives..."

• Praise your company's accomplishments, but not your own.

• Singaporeans rarely give a direct no. "Yes" can mean everything from "I agree" to "maybe" to "Can't you see my lack of enthusiasm really means no?"

  (Who says Singaporeans are not polite!.. Eds..)

• One thing you can be certain of is that air sucked through the teeth is a definite no.

Nothing here that is new, and most if it could be extended to the greater portion of the whole of Asia, but it is a nice introductory piece nevertheless.