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SINGAPORE usually tops charts in economic growth and political stability but, now, it has to get used to being
called one of the most happening places on Earth, too.
A recent slew of international surveys and rankings has thrust the city-state into Coolsville status.
The most recent is the annual Zeitgeist Ranking by Hub Culture, an American-based online community-and-travel guide, where Singapore is No. 17.
Published last month and collated from feedback among its members, this list puts the country in the league of "edgy" cities like Los Angeles (No. 1), Berlin (No. 2) and Tokyo (No. 5).
Hub Culture's ranking is based on the premise that there is "a place where innovation, change and vibe combine to create the place of the moment".
Singapore also landed at No. 17 in a pick of the world's top 20 most liveable cities by hip London-based news-and-lifestyle magazine, Monocle, last year.
The magazine was started by Wallpaper* founder Tyler Brule.
Munich is No. 1 and Copenhagen, No. 2, on the list. Only two other Asian cities made it - Tokyo (No. 4) and Kyoto (No. 14).
Hub Culture wrote: "Singapore may appear boring, but it certainly packs some punch.
"Whether stepping up to the financial plate globally or announcing another outlandish designer building project, the tiny city-state continues innovation at themacro level, providing economic security and iced whipped chai for its people in an ever more turbulent world."
In local lingo, "iced whipped chai" is known as teh ping.
As for Monocle, it calls Singapore's facilities "first-rate" and notes its "cultural boom".
It cites local architects who have made their mark internationally, and credits much of this development to the returnof Singaporeans who have worked or studied overseas.
Readers my paper spoke to are glad that the country's coolness quotient has risen.
Architect Randy Chan, 38, said that "Singaporeans are getting more confident of themselves", citing talents in creative fields winning global awards.
Demand analyst Fabian Lua said the country "is good on infrastructure and economic foundation, thanks to the government".
Ms Sacha Santiago, 30, an accounts manager in an agency, moved here from the Philippines.
he said: "I chose to come here because among other things, the transport is efficient and there's a culture of appreciation of food and drinks."
Film-maker Desmond Tan, 33, felt "these lists are indicators of where we are heading".
"We're a young country still discovering how to better ourselves," he said.
"We're getting there."
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