Berlin-based startup Metaversum is planning to recreate Singapore as an Asian hub in its forthcoming 3D virtual world, Twinity, according to a report from Asia-Pacific news site Today Online. From there, the company hopes to expand its virtual presence to other countries in the region.

Currently running as a closed beta with 2,000 users, Twinity invites its users to create realistic avatars and spaces mirroring real life as opposed to fantasy environments. Users can decorate their apartments, chat with friends, watch videos, and participate in other activities that "represent their real life."

Said Metaversum co-founder and chief marketing officer Dr. Mirko Caspar: "Singapore is a gateway to Asia, with access to native speakers of the main Asian languages, a stable business and intellectual property environment with a well-educated workforce."

Caspar continued, discussing the company's plans to add a local support staff: "We are considering starting with a customer support force to support our local customer base and then gradually expanding from localisation to marketing, business development, and research and development activities."

Singapore's Media Development Authority, a government statutory board, is currently reviewing proposals for a similar project to mirror Singapore as an online 3D world. Over 50 firms have submitted proposals for the project, titled Co-Space, according to AsiaMedia. Though the board hasn't yet set a deadline for Co-Space's completion, MDA deputy chief executive Michael Yap hopes to have the virtual world ready for the 2010 Youth Olympics, providing a chance for the world to see and experience Singapore without physically being there.