Great Asian Railway Journeys S01E20 - Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay

Episode Overview

Michael Portillo wraps up his 2,500-mile journey through Southeast Asia in Singapore, a bustling island city-state. In Tai Seng, he explores the impressive underground rail depot housing the world's largest fleet of self-driving MRT trains. He then takes a cable car to Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island, where he learns about Britain's significant military failures and the harsh Japanese occupation that followed. While enjoying coffee with the head of the Singapore Stock Exchange, Michael is astounded by the city’s remarkable rise as a financial hub. In the Ang Mo Kio neighborhood, he visits an innovative urban farm situated atop a parking garage. Finally, at Boat Quay, he delves into the legacy of Lee Kwan Yew, Singapore's long-serving prime minister, who played a pivotal role in the nation's phenomenal growth during the 20th century.