When we delve into history pages, the acquisitions and accumulations would be amazing and sometimes really astonishing! In fact history should clearly reflect and point out the various shortcomings and blemishes of mankind. Then only we will be able to create new history without repeating yesterday’s flaws! ‘Mamamgham’ is connected with the history of ‘Valluvanad’ and will tell you the startling story of fighting for political supremacy and the pathetic story of soldiers who were used as ‘Chavers’ (suicide killers)! History won’t repeat as such and you can’t expect ‘Mamamgham’ to be staged once more at same rostrum with the same characters and with the same attire! But history will be always having new incarnations suiting the time and place!

Mamamgham is a Malayalam word which literally means ‘Grand Fighting’ and which denotes an event that decided who would be the future emperor of the country! During the ‘Mamamgham’ time all small rulers of the area used to assemble at ‘Thirunnawaya’ once in every twelve years and it was at this meeting the future emperor was selected. The total period of one ‘Mamamgham’ was 28 days and during these days there was a festive mood throughout the country. These days of ‘Mamamgham’ were also the days of some great trade shows. History tells us that hectic trading activities also took place in the course of ‘Mamamgham’. Active participation of the outside traders who came in ships and barges through ‘Ponnani’ port, made the ‘trade-fairs’ really attractive and useful.

The last ‘Mamamgham’ was staged in 1755 according to history books. When the reign of ‘Perumals’ was ended all the rights to organize ‘Mamamgham’ came under the Valluvanad ruler ‘Vellattiri’ and this was questioned by the ‘Kozhikode Zamorin’ who later took the rights by force. This incident gave birth to hatred between the two ‘Rajas’ and created lots of bloodshed! ‘Vellattiri’ started to send ‘Chavers’ (suicide killers) and history teaches us that these ‘Chavers’ used to stand at the ‘Nilapadu Thara’ (soil of declaration) and used to fight with the armed soldiers till they die, thus declaring that they defy the ‘Kozhikode Zamorin’ and their ‘martyrdom’ was celebrated through-out the country! This ‘Nilapadu Thara’ and the deep well, ‘Manikkinar’ in which dead bodies of the ‘Chavers’ were dumped are now protected by the archaeological department. Looking through any corner of Valluvanad history, we can see that ‘Mamamgham’ was really an autocratic foul play by the then rulers of the country! You can compare this with the modern politics also!

For creating a cultured society we have to learn from history and we must take self pledges that we won’t allow any more ‘Mamamgham’ like events to be staged here and that no more ‘Chavers’ will be born here!

Heritage Hotels of India are those properties which previously were forts, palaces, mansions of the erstwhile rulers and royal families of India. They were constructed by the nobility or royalty and served as their residences. These houses, since time immemorial, have been renowned for their impeccable royal hospitality. After India attained independence, with the abolition of taxed funds to meet expenditure incurred by the royal ruler or nobles, the maintenance of such colossal properties became a tough ask. For a considerable period of time, several such properties were left to oblivion. When the importance of upholding their pride and heritage was felt, the concept of heritage hotels emerged. Though most hotels, today, are operated by the royal kin themselves, others have been managed by the major hotel chains on a lease-basis.

These heritage hotels in India still preserve these palatial homes so that they don’t lose out on their grandeur and splendor of the olden times. The elegant touch has been kept intact through traditional decor elements and original art, the delightful hospitality, the histological artefacts and some invigorating experiences.

As these Indian heritage hotels were the symbols of the royal and the wealthy, the grandeur of the architecture is maintained with ornamental balconies, expansive courtyard, large rooms, majestic suites, loyal servants, exceptionally sumptuous delicacies, etc. Cordial traditional hospitality has always been the high point since ages, and the heritage hotels in the country adhere to the rich and cultural norms and traditions.

There is an upward trend in the number of people seeking an experience that a normal hotel otherwise don’t offer. Heritage is a completely leisure segment, with high-end products. With increasing income levels, people aren’t afraid of spending a tad more on superior stay experience.

The experience at Heritage hotels is no longer restricted to simply staying at the palaces of erstwhile mighty royalty; havelis and bungalows too have their own bit of history, perhaps even more which romanticizes history, making for a broad selection of properties and budgets, let alone the experiences. Usually people travel to see these places to experience the uniqueness of the ambiance, and heritage hotels are more about the experience they offer at varying levels. Therefore, transforming storied heritage homes into super luxury hotels, for the most part, is about the striking right cord between commercial demands and conservation.

Looking for Heritage hotels at Mahabalipuram, Swamimalai and Yercaud in Tamilnadu? Don’t go further than the Indeco Hotels & Resorts, run by renowned hotelier Steve Borgia.

A stonemason has his own set of tools that he uses to complete any form of stonework. But this does not mean that Freemasons do not have tools of their own. Just because they do not lay bricks or work on stone inside their lodges does not mean that they do not need anything else. In fact, aside from the different Mason regalia used in rituals, there are also tools associated with each degree that a Mason lands on.

Entered Apprentice

• 24-inch Gauge

A gauge (or a ruler) is used to measure the hours of each day. At this degree, Masons are taught to divide their day into three, spending 3 hours on sleep or refreshment, 8 hours on the service of God and others in need, and 8 hours on work and the usual vocations.

• Common Gavel

The common gavel, unlike other gavels, has one end that comes to a point. For normal stonemasons, this is used to chip away edges on bricks and stones. But for Freemasons, it symbolizes the art of chipping away the different vices and other superficial desires of the heart.

• Chisel

In the US, this is often left out. In the UK however, this continues to be an important symbolism in the Entered Apprentice degree. In real life, stonemasons use the chisel to remove flaws from a gem. In this Masonic degree, it symbolizes how the human mind can become more beautiful through the endless journey towards more knowledge.

Fellowcraft

• Square

A 90-degree ruler, it asks Masons to make sure that they square their actions through their morals and values.

• Level

The level has become a symbol of equality among Masonic brothers. It also shows that every Masonic brother shares the same goal and will be judged by the same laws.

• Plumb

Also called as a plumb line (for stonemasons), it reminds Masons to stay just, honest and upright.

Master Mason

• Trowel

The trowel symbolizes the need to spread brotherly love, with the theoretical cement it is spreading symbolizing the strong unity or bond among brothers.

• Pencil

Although the pencil seems to be a common tool in an actual stonemason’s job, in Freemasonry, it symbolizes how God has everything that people do written down. On the judgment day, this list will be consulted and will be the basis for how one will be judged.

• Skirrit

The skirrit, in stonework, is used to draw a perfect line on the ground. In Freemasonry, it is a reminder to stick to the goal of perfection that the brotherhood has set.

• Compass

The compasses are among the most popular symbols of Freemasonry, and also proves to be one of the most important tools. It reminds Freemasons to know the limits between good and evil based on the rules of the Great Architect of the Universe.

Seeing how these tools help in every degree of Freemasonry, it is no wonder that they are also among the most common symbols that appear on important Masonic regalia.

Defence is a major preoccupation for any ruler – from the rulers of way back in antiquity to President Obama today. Times of war see resources being drained toward a wasteful expense, as well as major scientific advancements as people try to find out why things happen, and how to mitigate the injuries caused by bad things.

In the ancient Chinese dynasties, warfare was undoubtedly complex, but the complexities took a different form. While today we bomb strategic locations, in those days swordsmen developed ever-finer instruments and techniques.

Here is a quick run-through of the popular swords and sword-making techniques in the Han, Song, Qing and Ming dynasties.

First, the Hans. The Han dynasty’s rule spanned from 206 BC to 220 AD. The early period of Han rule saw the rise of steel as the material preferred in swords. Both single-edged(dao) and double-edged(jian) swords now began to be made of steel, with bronze swords falling rapidly out of favor.

The process of differential heat-treatment also took birth during Han rule. Sword blanks were now forged and folded, with ring pommels being introduced.

In middle and late Han rule, this differential heat treatment process was developed further, and became the art of “refining”. Swords were now manufactured in layers, with the top, core and bottom being made separately and then welded together. At this point, China began to export swords to Korea and Japan.

Fast-forward across nearly a century, and you reach the Song dynasty in 960 AD. During the reign of Song emperor Shenzong, swordcraft reached new and unprecedented heights. Assessment bureaus were set up to determine the quality of weapons, and a manual on quality control in weapon manufacture was written and circulated.

Ring pommels, discontinued in the middle Tang period, was revived by Shenzong. Also, the Zhanmadao – a horse-chopping sword – was created to help soldiers fight against cavalry. Sword blades were now imported from Damascus and Japan.

Late in the Song period, Japan was invaded by the Mongols. It was during this period that they realized how much continental blades were superior – though stouter and less fine – than their own blades.

The Ming dynasty, ruling from the late fourteenth to the mid seventeenth century, saw China importing Japanese Wodao swords on a mass scale. Smiths came to prefer non-clay methods of heat differential treatment, while the Damascus-native process of making twist-core steel reached China’s wordsmiths.

The Japanese shinogi-zukuri – a ridged cross-section used in single-edged swords – became popular once more, as the Chinese faced repeated attacks from Japanese pirates. The 2-meter long changdao saber, modeled on the Japanese pirate nodachi, also acquired prominence. Overall, the Chinese art of sword-making declined, only to be revived later on in the Qing dynasty.

Under the Qings, handicrafts as well as sword-making received a much-needed boost. The dao and its characteristics were standardized, while a document on “Weapons Workmanship Standards” was also compiled. The niuweidao – the oxtail single-edged sword – also made an appearance, but was used by civilians and not the military.

Today, swords of all these dynasties and more are available, though only as collectors’ items. Each sword has a unique historical motivation behind it; the more you know, the more you want to know more.

Indore is the commercial capital of Central India. It is located along the Malwa Plateau, north of Vindhya Range. It is the most populous city in Madhya Pradesh with its 1,597,445 population. Indore was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holker, promising exciting attractions like temples, palaces, plains, hill stations and museums. Many tourists visit different attractions along the city throughout the year.

Annapurna Temple

Annapurna Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in India dedicated to the goddess Annapoorna. She is the goddess of food in Hindu Mythology. The majestic shrine resembles the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple. There are three shrines inside, namely; the Hanuman, Sivan and the Kalabhairava. Annapurna Temple possesses architectural splendor such as an ornamented gate and decorative walls with legendary characters.

Khajrana (Ganesh Temple)

Khajrana is a pilgrimage center which was built by Rani Ahalya Bhai Holkar. Devotees believed that their wishes will come true after prayers and offerings during Wednesdays and Sundays. The temple is also a dwelling place for rulers. The peaceful environment gives most tourists a warm feeling.

Chattri Cenotaph Bagh

Chattri Bagh contains many beautiful memorials. Chattris is a local name used in describing the dome structures that were built for ceremonial rites of their rulers. There are three royal tombs along the Khan River of the Holkar clan. The Maranatha styled architecture of memorial stones and pyramidal spires exhibits brilliant designs. Cremation spots are also made for their rulers.

A prayer hall having an oblong shape was carved with pillars and arches along with the life sized Holkar ruler statue. Chattris glows against the black sky with a fountain, garden and boating facility, attracting more and more people every night.

Gandhi Hall

Mahatma Gandhi Hall is one of the prettiest structures in Indore. It was formerly called King Edward Hall. The hall was made in Indo-Gothic style architecture of Seoni stone. It has a four-faced clock tower, domes, Minarets, frescoed ceilings having ornamental moldings. It has a central hall that can accommodate 2000 people at a time. This place is used as a major cultural and art venue throughout the year. A children’s park library and temple are amongst the most popular spots of Gandhi Hall.

Rajwada

Rajwada is a historical place belonging to the Holkers period. It is a two-century old palace that serves as a gateway of Rajwada. It stands in the town’s old portion, along the crowded streets of Kajuri Bazar. The palace’s architecture is a blend of French, Mughal and Maratha architecture.

This 200 year old seven-story palace has galleries, fountains, gardens and artificial waterfalls. A palace named Holkar was built with the use of monumental stones and wooden structures. This remarkable mansion was burnt thrice over the years and was renovated with magnificent sculpture pieces since the 11th century.

Lal Bagh Palace

Lal Bagh Palace is one of the finest monuments that had imposed testimonials of the Holkar dynasty. It is the ruler’s ancestral palace, giving a picture of the Holkan lifestyle. Royal receptions and functions are held here to showcase its quality architecture. The palace was converted as a museum worth seeing. It is open from 10 am to 5 in the afternoon.

Kanch Mandir/ Glass Temple

Kanch Mandir Temple is a temple made of mirrors. It is also called the Seth Hukumchand Temple. The colorful Jain Temple has a beautiful shrine with intricate patterns and glass paintings. The 21 images of Lord Mahavir correspond to the 21 Jain Thiethankaras.

Bada Ganapati

Bada Ganpati was built in 1875. It is the home of the largest statue of Ganapati. It was made up of brass, gold, silver, copper and iron together with limestone, bricks, jaggery and mud from elephants and horses.

Indore abounds with many tourist attractions. Throughout the years, this has made an outstanding impact on the region’s culture and the society. The city is being rewarded because of its bolstering Tourism industry and the commercial achievements of its people.

It’s still like a dream. Since I got that phone call on that black Saturday, I have been wishing every morning as I wake that it goes away like every bad dream, but it’s like this is a reality. Are you really gone Chichi? Tell me. You were a great woman, a lioness, so brave and audacious. You were my second mummy and guardian, very protective and possessive of me and our younger sister. You were our comrade-in-struggle.

You mean you departed without saying good bye to us, especially to me your only brother. Why? This is very unfair. You loved and treated me like your first son. You monitored my well-being as if I was a child. I will miss all these now – those your prophetic counsels, affection, warnings and insights. You always see ahead and beyond the present. You were very vocal and forthright and the world doesn’t like these.

You were a great lover and extremely generous. You were kind and friendly to a fault. You loved and even help and defended your enemies. You fought for the oppressed. You trusted everybody. You trusted, dined, lived with and always gave them your best and I also think that that was your weakness. But God blessed you because he that waters must be watered. You were always ready to share your little and last with everybody. But who actually is princess Lillian?

Lillian Chichi was born in August 24, 1972 to the family of Onowu Prince and Mrs. Patrick Ifeanyi Agbo of Amechi, Awkunanaw in Enugu State. Her father was the immediate past traditional prime minister of the town. She is a double princess. Her paternal grandfather Chief Mathias Agbo was the traditional ruler of Amechi and her grandmother Princess Uzo Nwanbanta Agbo the daughter of the famous Chief Mbanta; the wealthy and influential paramount ruler of Amodu Awkunanaw. She was traditionally named after the Princess Uzo.

She attended WTC primary School and City Girls Secondary school Enugu. She taught in several schools including Success Gate Primary and Secondary, Peace Academy School, Alagbado – Lagos, and was in the process of establishing her own school. She also was a teacher in Fountain of Glory Church, Alagbado. She loved education so much and pressed to establish a good school to raise good future leaders. In fact, she was already in the process of establishing her own school. This was her burning dream. Will this dream ever come to pass again? Maybe, now, memorial school in her name??

She is survived by her husband, two sons, three daughters, a grandson, a daughter-in-law, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunties, mother-in-law and others.

Now why did you leave at the time of harvest? We labored together, we wept together, we were betrayed together, we were scorned together and we hoped together. Why did you choose to go at the point of reaping?? I thought the bible said that those that plant should also reap? Who will reap all our efforts with me?? Well, I thank God for you. You came, you saw and you conquered. As if you knew that you were about to be translated, few days before you departed you brought your kids together and were lecturing them on forgiveness. You told them to forgive no matter the depth of the offense.

Thank you for being my sister. Thank you for all you did for us. Thank you for all your love and kindness. Thank you for holding forth even when and where the bravest men will give up. We are celebrating you. Chi baby you did well. I am very proud of you. Go and rest in the bosom of the LORD my kid sister Princess Lillian Chichi Duru (nee Agbo). We will see again as our great God and Savior – Jesus appears. Till then, goodnight!

Your brother Gabriel

http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo

Selecting shapes

You may need to select one or more shapes on your drawing page so that you can modify them, move them or copy them.

Selecting a single shape

To select a single shape, simply click in the middle of it once. You will see a green box appear around the outside of it.

Selecting multiple shapes

To select more than one shape, click on one then hold down the Ctrl key whilst clicking on all the other required shapes.

When you select more than one shape you will notice that a box appears around both shapes and that the individual shapes also have a pink border around them. One will have a thick pink border (this is known as the primary shape), the other(s) will have a thin pink border. The importance of the primary shape becomes clear when using the alignment tool (not discussed in this article).

Selecting a group of shapes

You can select all shapes on the drawing page at once using the shortcut key, Ctrl + A. To select several shapes which are adjacent to each other, you can drag a box with your mouse around the outside of the them. This will select every shape inside that box. Ensure that you select the entire shape within the box.

Moving shapes

To move a shape, you can drag it around the drawing page using your mouse, but this doesn’t always get it exactly where you want it!

If you need to be more precise about the position of a shape, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge it in any direction on the drawing page. If you zoom in to 400% on the page and the ruler and gridline divisions are set to fine (Tools > Ruler and Grid), then you can move a shape 0.067mm at a time using the arrow keys!

You can also use the Size and Position window (View > Size & Position Window) to specify the X and Y coordinates on the page.

Robert Clive was born on 29th September 1725 and died on 22nd November 1774.

He was also known as “Clive of India” – where he established the East India Company’s (EIC) military and commercial power in South India and Bengal. Clive was born in Shropshire to an old and prominent family. When he was 18, he was sent to Madras as a clerk and bookkeeper in the East India Company.

Commercial and political rivalry between the French and the British in southern India sparked an interest in Clive. He volunteered for military service and participated in a couple of battles. In 1748 at Pondicherry he distinguished himself right before the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended hostilities. He was appointed to captain of commissary to supply the provisions of the troops.

Clive set out and led an expedition to Trichinopoly or Tiruchirappalli in 1751. The British Candidate for “nawab” or ruler, Mohammad Ali had been besieged by Chanda Sahib — the French candidate. Clive had only three field pieces, 200 European and 300 Indian troops. He seized Chanda Sahib’s capital – Arcot forcing Chanda Sahib to divert his 10,000 men from Trichinopoly.

Robert Clive was able to resist the 50-day siege until the reinforcements arrived. He began guerrilla warfare tactics against the French and the French-supported troops and soon the French had to withdraw. A truce was signed in 1754, officially recognizing Mohammed Ali as the new ruler. As a result, by 1765 the British had considerable influence over the emperor in Delhi.

Robert Clive’s returned to England and ran for Parliament but failed. He then sailed back to India in 1755 – this time as the governor of Fort St. David, a lieutenant colonel in the British Royal Army.

Suraja Dowla, a new nawab, captured Calcutta – the principal city of Bengal and the most valuable trading center in Indian in 1756. Clive led a relief expedition from Madras in October and by February the East India Company’s privileges were taken back. In June of 1758, Clive defeated Suraja at the Battle of Plassey and became EIC’s governor and master of Bengal. Clive’s new position allowed him to reinforce the authority of Mir Jafar, a new nawab. They were able to launch successful military campaigns against the French and stop the Dutch expansion.

Robert Clive returned to England in 1760 with his declining health. He was knighted, made a member of the Parliament and was given Irish peerage. He had to return to Calcutta as governor and commander-in-chief because of chaos and fiscal disorders in Bengal. He restored order by a series of administrative reforms. He also reorganized the company’s army.

With order restored, Robert Clive left India in February 1767. The corruption in the East India Company remained, however, and the company appealed to the British government to save it from bankruptcy. In 1772, Clive’s enemies in Parliament had built up a case that said he was responsible for the situation. Clive was forced to defend himself before Parliament. Although exonerated, he committed suicide on 22 November 1774.

There’s so much to see in South America, it’s hard to decide where to spend your time. However one spot stands out as a must-see destination: Peru’s Machu Picchu. The ruins are deservedly recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world and images of dawn clouds rising over the citadel has been seared onto the imagination of would be Indian Jones adventurers for decades.

The following guide helps explain Machu Picchu’s significance as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Through the 1911 searching of Hiram Bingham, the Yale scholar believed that he’d found the lost city of the Incas when he stumbled across Machu Picchu. Although this later was found to be incorrect, there’s no question that this was an extremely important site to the Incas. The exact purpose of the citadel is still unknown but it’s believed to have been built by one of the greatest Inca rulers, Pachacutec. One theory is that it was a sort of retreat for the ruler and his nobles.

The site sprawls over a large area on top of a mountain in the high jungle not far from the city of Cusco. Through trekking or using the train it is quite simple to get there. To get from the beginning to the end on the train it takes around four hours. Among the treks that you can take are the Classic Inca Trail, the 2 Day Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.

The architecture is truly impressive and there is so much there that it is easy to imagine having lived in this citadel in the ancient past. It’s believed that it had great religious significance as well as potentially being a place where the Inca and his family went to relax in a climate that is milder than that in the capital of Cusco.

If you are going by train, it’s a good idea to go the night before and plan your tour of the site for early the following morning. This will allow you to appreciate the place before the bigger crowds start coming. If you are going along with few people, this takes the experience to a completely new level.

There are a number of hotel options available in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo. There are a few luxury options and then a great many in the moderate or budget category. If you’re not staying more than a single night, it may not be worth paying for a luxury hotel if you’re just going to get up by 5:00 am to make the first bus up to Machu Picchu.

Most tours last around 2 1/2 hours and cover the most important areas of the site. Afterward, you will have typically have time to wander around the citadel on your own. Another option that many take advantage of is hiking up to the top of a nearby peak, Huayna Picchu. From this advantage, you can get a great view of Machu Picchu and many of the best photos are taken from this spot.

Note that only a limited number of people are allowed into Machu Picchu each day and less are allowed onto Huayna Picchu. Tickets for Huayna Picchu must be purchased at the same time as the entrance to Machu Picchu and should be purchased online, from an agency or in Cusco.

Singapore is a lively and unique travel destination. Singapore is a blend of both eastern and western cultures which is why this South East Asian nation is such a popular tourism destination for both Asian and European travelers.

Sir Stamford Raffles plays an important part in Singaporean history. Raffles was a British government official who more or less put Singapore on the map as a strong trade and business center.

Hundreds of years before Raffles purchased Singapore from the ruler of Johor in the early 19th century. Singapore had been an insignificant settlement at that time however under the British ruler ship it quickly flourished into one of the economic powers in Asia.

The Japanese took control off Singapore in 1942 during the midst of the 2nd world war. At the end of 3 years of Japanese occupation, Singapore was returned to the British.

The Singaporean population soon after made it clear to its British rulers that they in fact wanted to govern and control their own country which lead to its self government which started in 1959.

During the early 1960’s, Singapore briefly joined for a 2 period the Malaysian federation however it soon became clear that Singapore was better off as a fully independent nation.

Many of the larger nations in the regions believed at that time that Singapore was making an error due to its short supply of natural resources and its small size.

The Singapore prime minister at that time, Lee Kuan, believed however that Singapore did have an existence right as an independent nation and he proofed himself right by starting and expanding an export orientated industry as well as a flourishing tourism industry.

The tourism industry has proven to be a very successful and has been an important part in Singapore’s success. Tourists especially love the blend of different cultures and cuisines due to the backgrounds of its citizens.

Many Singaporeans have Chinese, Malaysian or Indian ancestors which can be seen throughout Singapore. Have a walk through the streets of Singapore and you can spot a temple on one corner, a church on the next and mosque just next door.

Dining in Singapore is a true delight due to the fusion of the various cuisines which have created some excellent dishes which are unique to Singapore, Not only has Singapore proven to a popular destination for tourists however has also been a big hit with business travelers.

Due to the excellent meeting and congress facilities in Singapore, many large international events are held in Singapore which attracts thousands of visitors and exhibitors each month which have increased hotel occupancy levels to the highest in the region together with those of Hong Kong.

Singapore remains an extremely clean town where you will find that Singaporeans try their best in keeping their city spotless. Throwing rubbish on the street is strongly frowned upon by locals and big fines are issued to those that do so.

The laws and rules in Singapore are known to be among the toughest in the world as are the punishments to those that break the laws.

Singapore still has the death penalty and has one of the highest averages per capita which it involves the number of people executed.

There have been a number of high profile executions recently involving foreign nationals however the Singaporean government was not forgiving or flexible in any way when foreign governments requested clemency or mercy for its citizens.

Singapore is somewhat of the political leader of the group of countries that make up the ASEAN which stands for the association of South East Asian Nations which also include countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for example.

Singapore has been a stabilizing factor in the region although it had its own share of tensions with neighboring Malaysia over various topics including fishing territories, air space and natural resources. Singapore however has always been able to resolve matters at the negotiation table.