There, I visited a company with a significant solar panel production facility. I was accompanied by Zorlu Yalnız, General Manager of EkoRE Solar Industry Inc. Mr. Zorlu, visiting from Türkiye, had checked into the hotel before me. I arrived in Singapore on the afternoon of 5 January.
The Chinese warrior statue at the hotel entrance
I take my hat off to anyone who does their job with joy and distinction, no matter how monotonous and seemingly laborious. A round of applause for housekeeping manager R.A. Angel, who artistically crafted an elephant statue out of towels while preparing my room. Frankly, I couldn’t use those towels for a long time.
On our first evening in Singapore, we dined at Tung Lok, one of the local Chinese restaurants. We also ordered the locally famous Chilli Crab. This spicy crab was truly delicious. However, it’s covered in sauce, so you must crack the shell to eat it. This is quite a struggle, as the delicious sauce can end up getting all over you.
We took a break from our work to eat Chilli Crab.
After a pleasant dinner and a good night’s sleep, we were ready for the meeting. The next day, we visited the PV panel factory, which produces wafers, cells, and modules, and toured the facility thoroughly. It was a rewarding meeting for me. Ultimately, I had the chance to observe a factory like the one we planned to build in Türkiye, complete with all its processes. This factory, featuring multi-crystalline technology, which was the first emerging technology used in PV panels, was built on a vast one million m 2 site. Interestingly, Singapore’s surface area was significantly expanded through sea reclaiming, and this factory, located on the Malaysian border, was built on reclaimed land. You can read more about man-made landmasses and islands in Singapore via the links below.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_of_Singapore
As you know, in solar panel production, PV panels have been increasingly popular, with their efficiency continuously increasing, and then multi-crystalline, monocrystalline, and monocrystalline (PERC) panels have become increasingly popular. The market has followed this trend. Now, it’s time for Heterojunction technology. Hopefully, we will begin producing this technology in Türkiye. We will be far ahead of all previously produced panels in terms of efficiency. Our vision of building a global brand from Türkiye continues.
A delicious view from the peak
Returning to our topic, after a full-day factory visit and meetings on Friday, we dined at Level 33 restaurant in Marina Bay, at the invitation of the company’s executives. Marina Bay (a small harbor bay) is one of Singapore’s most important attractions. The marina is the city’s most important event area. Restaurants, a park, a stadium, the Singapore Flyer (a large Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city), hotels, and a casino are all located here. Major celebrations and events such as regattas are also held in Marina Bay.
Located atop the MBFC Tower, one of the buildings surrounding Marina Bay, Level 33 offers stunning views and delicious food. For more information, visit http://www.level33.com.sg/. I’d like to share some photos I took from the restaurant with you.
View of Marina Bay near sunset
View of Marina Bay at night
The next day, it was time to head back. While waiting for our evening flight, Mr. Zorlu and I decided to take a tour of Singapore. Before starting the day, we decided to go for a run in Marina Bay. Of course, running outside in Singapore, with its tropical climate, wasn’t easy. It was quite hot. Here are the photos and video we took during the run:
This photo was taken in the park during a break from running. The morning sun was shining on my face.
The pond in the park
A lighting system designed like tree branches
Yacht Harbour
A photo we took with Mr. Zorlu in front of the Olympic Rings after the run
Singaporeans use a ‘glass-to-glass’ solar panel as shade to protect themselves from the heat, and a ceiling fan directly below that runs on the energy generated.
On Saturday, we visited Chinatown and Little India, which are next to each other.
Back entrance to Chinatown
Since this year is the Year of the Rooster, there is a huge rooster statue on the front street of Chinatown.
What I loved most about Chinatown and Little India, a city of diverse restaurants and shops, was the presence of Chinese and Indian temples side by side, and even a mosque right next to them. This must be what interfaith respect and mutual tolerance must feel like. We truly long for such a scene. Here are the temples and mosque side by side in Singapore, where everyone freely practices their religion and tolerance prevails:
Indian Temple
Mosque in Singapore
Chinese Temple
Interior of Chinese Temple
The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, located in Chinatown, also caught my attention. We couldn’t get in and taste the food because there was a long line. For now, I’ll just share this sign at the restaurant entrance:
Incidentally, we usually used the metro for transportation in Singapore. I personally liked the order on the metro. We never learned the proper etiquette for getting on or off the elevator or metro in Türkiye. Here’s how Singaporeans do it:
It’s that simple. The important thing is that everyone adheres to the rules without compromise and respects each other.
Flight cancellation and two extra days
Afterward, we decided to go to Sentosa Island. A former army base, Sentosa Island has become one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations. It boasts a 2-kilometer long beach, two golf courses, the Merlion Statue (a combination of a fish and a lion), Singapore’s symbol, and a Universal Studios theme park.
Here is the Merlion statue
You can easily reach the island by taking the cable car from Singapore.
View of the island from the cable car
We both really liked it so much that we decided to go to the aquarium with Mr. Zorlu. Just as we were exploring the aquarium, I got a call from Istanbul. My Turkish Airlines flight had been canceled due to the weather. Interestingly, Mr. Zorlu’s flight, which was scheduled to fly with Singapore Airlines, wasn’t canceled. So, I booked a Turkish Airlines flight that arrived two days later.
Since I was going to be in Singapore for a bit longer, I called my Far Eastern friends and made new plans with them. That evening, we went to Cuba Libre (Free Cuba), a Cuban bar in Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is a popular pier area in Singapore, especially for restaurants and nightclubs.
As we entered the Cuban Bar, I asked the girl at the door, “Hola, que tal?” in Spanish. When I didn’t get a response, I asked her in English, “Do you speak Spanish?” When she said, “No,” I suggested that since she worked at the Cuban Bar, she should learn Spanish. She said, “But this is Singapore; I don’t have to learn.” When she replied, I suggested that since she was the concierge at a Latin club, she should at least be able to greet me in Spanish. Then we went inside and immersed ourselves in the rhythm of Salsa. I missed Latin music. It was a wonderful night.
While we were inside the club, I’d like to share an interesting anecdote about Singapore’s famous gum-chewing ban. My Far Eastern friend next to me pulled out some gum and offered it to me. I asked, “This is Singapore; isn’t chewing gum banned here?” He replied, “If you’re caught tossing it on the ground, you pay a hefty fine,” so I said, “Then give it to me.” After chewing, we wrapped the gum in napkins and threw it in the trash. Some risks are tempting.
Cuba Libre’s interior view
I discovered another interesting gadget. Due to the hot weather, Singapore, with its high budget, is installing outdoor air conditioning systems in the gardens of some venues. Here’s the outdoor air conditioning system at Clarke Quay.
Over the next two days, I worked hard (I had work-related matters to attend to). When I had time off work, I had breakfast with friends at PS Cafe, shopped at Aon Mall, had a snack at the Four Seasons Hotel, and for dinner, we went to a restaurant atop Marina Bay Sands, home to the country’s famous casino. If you go to Singapore, I recommend eating at “Ce La Vi.” French students might be tempted to correct me by saying “C’est la vie.” That’s how the restaurant’s name is spelled. I think they did the right thing. There’s no need for complications. French spelling needs reform, especially to eliminate extra letters. That’s another point of discussion.
In conclusion, the food was great, and the view was stunning. You can find details at http://sg.celavi.com/. I’d also like to share the photo I took from the restaurant, showing the coastline of Singapore:
Also, if you ever go to Singapore, I recommend checking out http://www.yoursingapore.com/en.html before you go. In conclusion, everything in Singapore is highly regulated, and they’ve established a system very well. That’s why they’ve managed to attract capital from all over the world to Singapore. Singapore offers an ideal business environment. I think I could do business there in the future. However, I wouldn’t specifically visit for a vacation. Like Dubai, everything is a repurposed and artificial appearance. Still, there are good options for food and drink, and the standards are high.
Of course, no matter what we experience, nothing can replace our paradise homeland. As I made my way back, my heart pounded with longing for it.
Tag: culture
