SINGAPORE -- In Episode #18 (Segment 1 of 2) of his podcast, Thomas Fraser talks with Dr. Nura Bte. Abdul Karim, Deputy Director of Research and Conservation of Singapore's Botanic Gardens, about the history of the gardens, how the gardens came to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and how the gardens help promote Singapore's greater image. Dr. Nura describes how gardens not only provide a pleasant place for research, education and recreation, but also play an important role in helping create the modern, "Garden City" image Singapore presents to the world.