Thoughts on Singapore's Birthday

Enthusiastic Singaporeans at the parade

This evening, I watched at home on TV the National Day Parade celebrating Singapore's 44th year of Independence, many thoughts ran through my mind. Our country has come very far in 44 short years, I am older by 3 years by the way ! From a backward fishing village, to small time port, to major port and then world's busiest port in the early 90s.Singapore is still No. 2 in terms of tonnage moved as a port. From a small airport in Paya Lebar, to a bigger airport in Changi to a major international air hub linking the Western world to the Eastern Asian countries and Australasia.From a small airline, to the world's most profitable and recognisable airline, first to fly the renowned A380. From a small island kicked out from the Malaysian Federation in 1965,numbering only 1.9 million, it is now a cosmopolitan metropolis of 4.8 million with a per capita GDP of over US$ 30,000.From a country with no natural resources to one investing in the futures of many smart and talented scholars from all over the world working in the fields of life sciences,biomechanics,nanotechnology and solar energy. The firsts and awards can go on and on.

This year, the parade was held at the Floating Platform where 27,000 lucky people (by ballot) could watch the festivities.
There were many national songs, civil defence performances, lots of military,navy and airforce marches, but the most impressive facet was the evolution of the usual parade of march pasts and floats into a glitzy Hollywood type one showing the many races' performance arts groups capabilities.


Electrico Singer David Tan commenting on his song "What do you See?"

The 2 most poignant moments of the parade were the singing of the Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) National Anthem and the reciting of the pledge. I was quite overwhelmed when I stood up to say the pledge, with my 2 sons by my side. Reflecting on what my country means to me and my family, we have the following priceless environments created for us which we take for granted :

- Multi racial harmony : this is by far the most cherished aspect of Singapore life

- Meritocracy : everyone has a chance to make his or her Singapore Dream in his lifetime whether he is the son of a hawker or doctor provided he or she is prepared to study and work hard.

- Peace and Security : a safe haven in this unreliable and unstable world where the clash of cultures and ideologies have led to terrorist attacks.

Where people young or old, male or female can walk free at night unafraid of being harrassed by drug addicts,criminals or homeless people so typical in many big cities in other democratic countries. Singapore has a very efficient system of improving the paths of those people who 'fall through the cracks of society'. The people however,must be prepared to work at all costs and not depend on the Government for handouts unless absolutely necessary.

- Proactive and Able Government : They take the high ground and sometimes make the most unpopular decisions with the country's interests first and foremost

- World Class Education System Environment :

Many foreigners have set up homes and bases because of our excellent schooling system which is primarily logic based with alot of rote and creative aspects thrown in. We have been topping the Maths and Science worldwide tests for many years now, so much so that certain states in the USA are using Singapore textbooks for Maths and Science.

- First world Infrastructure and Connectivity : MRT, Expressways, Bus and Pedestrian walkways,Parl Connectors, Wired Island.

- First World Sports and Entertainment : Many big name football teams, the F1, top stars like Rod Stewart and Rolling Stones have played here

Some friends have migrated for the 'good life' overseas, but the key thing is this, we have a place which is buzzing with plans for the future for us, our children and our children's children. Wonderful array of food choices and places for entertainment and exciting things to do (F1, and the upcoming Integrated Resorts come to mind). Most importantly it is a place created BY Singaporeans FOR Singaporeans. Opportunities are plentiful, banking is supportive and the network of friends, busness and family relationships is ever strengthened with each passing year. Life is Good.

Majulah Singapura !