Serve with ABWE
Asia and the Pacific: Singapore
A city-state on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore's diverse racial composition has affected all areas of life from cuisine to language to national holidays.
The country's humid, tropical climate has almost no seasonal change other than a slight increase in rainfall at the end of the year.
Singapore started out as a minor regional trading post of the Sumatran empire, becoming a vassal state of Java in the 13th century. Until the mid-1800's, Singapore was largely unknown to the Western world. However, the British East India Company established a strong and growing presence that continued into the 20th century. When the British colony fell to Japan during World War II, British rule effectively ended, although the country's first prime minister wasn't elected until 1959.
Singapore gained independence in 1965, again becoming an economic success story . Shipping and banking continue to be the key industries. Singapore enjoys a high standard of living, similar to that of the United States.
English is the country's unifying language among all the ethnic groups. Children learn English at school in addition to their mother tongues.
The Asia Baptist Theological Seminary office has been located in Singapore since 1992. ABWE missionaries, functioning as a department of Cornerstone University, provide graduate level education for church leaders throughout Asia. ABTS fields ten-day residence courses in Hong Kong, Yangon (Myanmar), Baguio, Manila, Ilioilo and Davao (The Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), and Singapore, building toward masters degrees accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
As a mission enterprise, ABTS is able to offer these courses at tuition rates adjusted to fit the economy of each country. Mature Christian workers (average age: 40) complete degrees while continuing to serve in key ministries in Southeast Asia.
Personnel needs include qualified professors to teach master's level courses, and office staff to care for program administration.
Singapore Information
Date Entered: 1992
Major Ministries: Theological education by extension.
Country Statistics: For up-to-date country statistics please visit the website(s) listed below.
World Factbook - Singapore