Singapore – As Singapore approaches 50 years of independence, BBC World News and BBC.com turn their attention to the tiny island nation in a Singapore Direct season of programming, the latest installment of the Country Direct seasons.

The Singapore Direct season will explore how the island nation is using its considerable wealth across its economy, society and cultural life. Is this a model that other countries could learn from or is Singapore’s mix of political conservatism, tight social controls and economic prosperity a curious one-off?

Through BBC World News programmes like Fast:track, One Square Mile, Talking Movies and Working Lives, BBC’s journalists explore the issues faced by a country and its people – from the economic opportunities and challenges to living life at every level of society; from its traditions and history to future plans and innovations.

Mary Wilkinson, Head of Commissioning, BBC World News and BBC.com: “Much has been said and written about Singapore from the chewing gum ban to full employment, but this season of programmes will explore what it is really like to live and work there.” 

BBC World News and BBC.com have increased editorial focus on Asia in the past year. In addition to special programming such as theSingapore and Vietnam Directs, on October 4, 2013, BBC World News will launch Talking Business with Linda Yueh, the channel’s new business programme presented by Singapore-based Chief Business Correspondent Linda Yueh.

Also, in mid-October, BBC.com/ news is unveiling a refreshed Asia news homepage which will feature more Asia and regionally relevant content. The Asia focused page will allow readers to access articles, features and analysis that appeal to them more readily, while also ensuring they have access to the top global news stories of the day. The Q1 2013 Ipsos PAX survey ranked bbc.com’s desktop and mobile sites as Asia’s top international news sources among Asia Pacific’s high net worth consumers.