Today Singapore, my homeland and the country of my birth turns 61. Still a very young country and republic as republics go. We have come a long ways from the 50s, 60s when we were forced out of Malaysia 70s - 90s till today.
Where once small godowns by the Singapore river were, there stands a river panorama with waterside dining called Boat Quay. Further up is the likes of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quays.
Gleaming skyscrapers greet visitors as well as the Marina Bay Sands with its curved top resembling a long boat makes an iconic picture. Singapore has made it to the top of the GDP per capita and PPP these last couple of years, making it one of the most wealthy nations on earth. Many people who visit us are so impressed by our country's first class infrastructure, the cleanliness, and our people's standard of living.
We are an improbable nation, if not for the iron will of the founding fathers - the first generation of leaders led by Mr. Lee Kwan Yew and his very capable team of first generation leaders.
> Mr Goh Keng Swee
> Mr. S. Rajaratnam
> Mr. Lim Kim San
> Dr Toh Chin Chye
> Mr. Yusoff Ishak
> Mr. E W Barker
all of them individually men of the highest calibre and capability to lead, visualise and drive the unlikely nation of (then) barely 3 million into peace, prosperity and national security.
Fast forward 60 years later, with the 4 Generation leaders, at the helm, do we feel as optimistic about the future for Singapore now as compared to (say) 30 years ago ?
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