Thrive and Prevail: On Singapore's 55th National Day

For our generation, the year 2020, which is marked by an unprecedented global health crisis, will be remembered as a difficult year. The covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread social and economic upheavals around the world, resulting in 723,000 deaths to date, disrupting the normal movement of people and impeding the supply of goods across international borders. Businesses were impacted, capital projects were delayed, events were postponed, cancelled or moved online, jobs were lost.

Singapore is not spared from the detrimental effects of the pandemic. Exceptional measures were taken to muster resources to operate testing, contact tracing, quarantine, community care and recovery facilities across the island state. Existing healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics have had to ramp up their operations to look after extra patients. Additional venues and spaces, even vessels, were sought and transformed into temporary healthcare facilities to house and treat covid-19 patients.

Extraordinary efforts were made to prevent the local transmission of the coronavirus disease, including the distribution of face masks and hand sanitiser. To contain the virus within the community, an eight-week lockdown was imposed, seeing the closure of schools and non-essential workplaces. There was smooth coordination to ensure essential services and goods were provided timely despite the mounting challenges. Financial support was rendered to businesses, families and vulnerable individuals by the government and charitable organisations. Disruption to work and study was minimised through teleconferencing and other online services.

Times may be tough, but the kampung spirit was well exemplified by people displaying generosity, care and love for each other, delivering handmade artworks and dedicating songs to frontline workers in healthcare and essential services. There are those who helped others by sewing face masks, refurbishing used laptops for students, providing hand sanitiser for public, giving out free food, snacks and drinks, distributing meals, and volunteering for frontline duties to ease the burden of healthcare workers. And not to forget those who rallied for the migrant workers requiring additional support from the community.

Education being important to the young ones, students have since returned to schools. Retail and non-essential workplaces have reopened safely. Construction projects are also slowly resuming. Singapore has also joined the international community in the global effort to develop treatment and vaccine for the coronavirus. Even so, uncertainties remain and major challenges lie ahead. Until a vaccine or an effective treatment becomes available, life may not quite return to normal. The virus may flare up any time with little warning. Many countries face a second wave of the virus after successfully containing their first.

Today, on the 9th August 2020, Singapore celebrates its 55th National Day with a smaller parade conducted with safe distancing guidelines. This year's National Day Parade (NDP) pays tribute to our frontline heroes and essential workers for the sacrifice and contributions they made in these troubled times. For the first time since 1972, NDP is being held in the morning. Singaporeans will watch the morning parade and evening show on television or online streaming platforms from their homes.  People will also be able to catch a glimpse of flypasts, mobile columns, parachute performances, maritime sailpast and evening fireworks at multiple locations over the island.

The days ahead may look gloomy, but Singapore is in a strong position to weather the storm brought about by the pandemic. With unity and vigilance, Singapore will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than before. In the not too distant future, we will once again be following rainbows, realising dreams, and building for a better Singapore.

Happy 55th Birthday, Singapore. Onward Singapore! Majulah Singapura!

Commemorating Singapore's Bicentennial

Happy Birthday, Singapore.  Majulah Singapura!

Dare to Dream.  Scaling Higher Peaks.

We Are Singapore

The city of Singapore was founded in 1819. When the British first set foot on the island, Singapura (as it was known then) was a simple fishing village. (Most parts of the island were covered by forests and swamps.) The villagers were unaware that they would be witnessing a historic turning point to the island.

The British were then in search of a place to build a trading post to strengthen their trading power in Asia, most notably the Far East. Leading the British expedition was Sir Stamford Raffles from the British East India Company. Raffles was 38 when he landed on Singapore. He quickly realised that Singapore's location was ideal for a new port.

Not long later, the British signed a formal treaty with the Temenggong, or local chief. The British flag was first hoisted on 29 January 1819, thereby establishing Singapore as a British colony for the next one and a half century. Singapore became independent in 1965.

The British set up Singapore as a free port. As maritime trade grew throughout the region, immigrants from different parts of the world arrived in Singapore to find work or do business. Most of them came from China, and they mainly worked in plantations, quarries, warehouses (or godowns) and wharves. The British government and the East India Company sent many people to Singapore to perform adminstrative and other public functions, among them are troops and convicts from the Indian subcontinent to build roads and rail.

In no time, Singapore became a busy harbour for transporting goods between the Far East and Europe. Archaeological evidence suggests that a few centuries prior to the British, a substantial settlement may have already existed. However, this is a story for another time.

It is no mistake that the British founded modern Singapore. For this reason, Singapore is commemorating its bicentennial in 2019 with a year-long calendar of events. Singaporeans are grateful for the foundations the early immigrants have built. Many structures and public spaces built in the colonial days have been preserved till today.

Singapore became an independent country on 9 August, 1965. (Yes, many parts of the island were still covered by forests and swamps.) Under the leadership of founding prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the pioneer generation of Singaporeans successfully transformed Singapore into a vibrant first-world nation with a thriving and competitive economy. For Mr. Lee, his government and the pioneer generation, nation building was not an easy task. Indeed, neither would it be easy for the younger generations to bring Singapore to new heights of success. However, Singapore will always be ready for new challenges and opportunites, and scale to greater heights of success.

As we celebrate as one nation, I take this opportunity to wish all Singaporeans and friends:

Happy National Day. Majulah Singapura!

Singapore: A Smart City in the Making

Indeed, it is National Day today! Singapore celebrates its 52nd year of independence this year.

Nation building is a marathon. Singapore has come a long way since the separation from Malaysia in 1965, and there is still a long way to go and lots of growing to do. The young nation is currently remaking itself to become a smart city in a garden. And, no doubt, by keeping alive the spirit of its pioneer generation, Singapore will make even greater achievements.

This year, Singapore commemorates fifty years of national service (NS50). National service forms the backbone of Singapore's military defence, and is a vital contribution to peace and stability. Every Singaporean son contributes two years of his youth to protect the nation. In the past fifty years, batches of young men were enlisted into national service and trained to become soldiers, sailors and airmen. Over time, those who have completed national service are seeing their sons going through national service. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore during the second world war. People suffered and many lost their lives during the Japanese Occupation, which lasted for three years and six months between 1942 and 1945. Singapore's commitment to maintaining a strong defence force is the result of the lessons learnt from the Japanese Occupation.

The growth of the middle class in Asia presents businesses and individuals with new challenges and opportunities. The strong economic foundation laid down in the past decades helps to keep Singapore ahead of competition. In addition, Singaporeans have to master new knowledge and skills, which will in turn reinvigorate the economy. Like our forefathers who had worked hard for the fruits of success we enjoy today, the rainbow awaits those who rise to meet the challenge of the day.

Majulah Singapura. Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Singapore: A New Chapter in the Writing

August 9 is special because this is the day Singaporeans celebrate National Day to mark the independence of the country. On this day, Singaporeans around the world would come together to rededicate their commitments for a harmonious and prosperous Singapore, our home.

Singapore gained independence in 1965. The city-state celebrated SG50, its golden jubilee year, with lots of meaningful and fun activities in 2015. However, the nation also lost its founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in 2015. Under the leadership of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his successors, our pioneers overcome many great challenges to build a successful Singapore, within the span of fifty years. With good governance and commited people, Singapore is now in a good shape to excel for years to come.

Looking beyond SG50, Singaporeans are renewing existing trade relationships and creating new ones with global partners. They are equipping themselves with skills and knowledge to excel in Science and Engineering, in the Arts, in Sports, and other areas. Many are taking up the challenge to innovate and create new solutions and technologies to improve the lives of people around the world. Others are exploring the opportunities to leverage new technologies for smart businesses and smart living.

I am hopeful that a new generation of Singaporeans will rise to thrive with many more Singapore success stories to tell.

On its 51st birthday, I wish for Singapore to succeed for the next 50 years.

Happy Birthday, Singapore. Majulah Singapura!

SG50 Celebrating Singapore's Golden Jubilee

Happy Birthday, Singapore.

To Greater Heights. Majulah Singapura.

"The best is yet to be."

Singapore, May You Shine Forth and Glow

August 9 is a special day. On this day, Singaporeans celebrate National Day, which marks the independence of the country.

Singapore gained independence in 1965. In the span of 49 years, the island nation has grown into a cosmopolitan city and global financial center. It is also home to a population of over 5 million people. In Singapore, people of different races and religions live together in harmony. This year, Singapore honours and thanks its pioneer generation for their contributions. The pioneer citizens had overcome many great challenges to build the Singapore we see today. They contributed to the nation in all different areas, in many different ways. Without the pioneer generation, their dedications and efforts, Singapore will not be successful today.

Singapore has many success stories to share. But, the best is yet to be. The country celebrates its golden jubilee in 2015. And as the baton passes on from one generation to another, inheriting the spirit of their pioneers, united and committed, its people will thrive and take Singapore to new heights.

To many of its friends, Singapore is passionately known as the little red dot. On its 49th birthday, I wish for this little red dot to shine forth and glow.

To greater heights! Majulah Singapura!

Singapore, Let the Lion Roar

Singapore celebrates its 48th year of independence today. The country derives its name from "Singapura", which means lion-city. Singapore is located in a neighborhood of big economies. There are China, Japan and South Korea to the east, and India to the west. To its immediate south is Indonesia, and further down-under is Australia. The region has had both challenges and opportunities to offer Singapore.

When it first gained independence, Singapore, without natural resources, had hardly any competitive edge over its neighbors. However, the people of Singapore came together with dedication. Under the leadership of a good government, Singapore overcome the challenges it faced and succeeded to transform itself from a small trade-port to a first-world city. Today, Singapore occupies a significant place in the world. Singaporeans are helping other countries to improves their cities. Singapore is now home to the world's best airport and the busiest seaport. It has an excellent public transport system, and its education and healthcare facilities are among the best in the world. Many people overseas know Singapore to be a clean and green city. It is also famous for the variety and choices of food it offers the visitor.

Singaporeans have worked hard to enjoy the rewards and success. The journey has brought us thus far, but it is far from over. Many opportunities, as well as challenges, still lie ahead of us. However, religious ideologies, political instability and natural disasters can all set us back. We have witnessed, in recent years, religious extremism and political upheavals which have led to conflicts, turmoil and social unrest in several countries. As we rejoice and celebrate our achievements today, let us be forward looking and work together for a better Singapore.

Happy Birthday, Singapore.

To Singapore, With Love

Today, 9 August 2012, marks the 47th National Day of Singapore. On this day in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become independent. The new nation was founded upon the principles of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality, which are symbolised by the five stars on the national flag. These principles were enshrined in the hearts and minds of the people of the young republic. And, on this bedrock of a multicultural and inclusive society, the men and women of Singapore committed themselves to build a better future for the next generation. Truly, these men and women of yesteryears were the reasons for Singapore's success today.

Nation building is not an easy task. Through the dedication and diligence of its government and people, Singapore evolved from a small harbour to an international shipping hub, from a humble trading outpost to a global financial center, from a third-world to a first-world nation. Today, Singapore is a bright, shiny star in the world. Many nations, big and small, are eager to learn from its success.

The road ahead is nonetheless full of challenges as it was 47 years ago. However, I see that with the same unparalleled commitment and effort, Singapore will continue to scale new heights and achieve greater success.

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

The Singapore Spirit Lives

The recent Norwegian shooting in Utøya made me wonder what multiculturalism means to people in different parts of the world - political lip service? election slogan? marketing gimmick? social taboo?

In Singapore, multiculturalism is real, it flows in the very veins of the Singaporean society. Singapore is multiracial, multilingual and multireligious. In Singapore, Chinese, Indian and Malay people live side by side in a cohesive society. A person may speak English, Malay, Mandarin or Tamil. He or she may be a Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Taoist, or even a free-thinker. We recognise these differences make Singapore a colorful and vibrant society. Together, these distinctions give Singapore its rich heritage and make Singapore special.

Multiculturalism is an achievement and a key strength of Singapore. The appeal of radical religious ideologies in recent years, among all Islamic militancy in neighboring countries and around the world, is a reminder that social cohesiveness in Singapore is result of the labour of the present and past generations of Singaporeans. It did not come by easily, and will take equal efforts by future generations to maintain.

On this 9th day of August, 2011, I wish Singapore, my home, a very Happy 46th Birthday.

Majulah Singapura!

My Home Singapore

Every year on August 9, Singaporeans celebrate National Day. It's Singapore's 45th birthday today. And I dedicate this blog post for Singapore's special day.

Singapore has certainly come a long way to become a successful and vibrant city, where 5 million people call home. Unlike many other countries, Singapore is lack of natural resources, yet through hard work, it is today one of the best places in the world to live and work.

After World War II, the colonial powers were almost brought to their knees. The United Kingdom, for example, relied heavily on loans from the United States to rebuild its infrastructure. The race for world dominance was foolish and futile, but WWII did not prevent further hostility. The Cold War came and went, and we saw people divided, setting up their fellow citizens as enemies, and killing each other. In Southeast Asia, we witnessed the brutality of the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge massacre right at our doorsteps, and the waves of boat people which follow. We saw people being driven out of their countries and became refugees in foreign lands, homeless.

These were the early days of Singapore, a time of uncertainties and great challenges. It was under such difficult circumstances that Singapore was granted independence from Britain.

Singapore started with little from the former colonial master, there was inadequate housing, many issues like water supply, public health, transportation needed urgent attention. The nation solved all these problems, and grew its population to the current size of 5 million. It truly is the pride of all Singaporeans.

Happy Birthday, Singapore.

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Today, Singapore celebrates its 44th National Day. This year also marks 50 years of self-governance for Singapore.

In its 44 years of nation building, the island-state has grown from strength to strength. Today, as one of the four Asian tigers, Singapore is well positioned to advance itself together with the rise of China and India in the coming years.

I wish Singapore prosperity and progress, and that it remains young and vibrant forever.

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Collapse of the New World Order?

I join the international community with my deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attack.

Hairy Butter

I find a recent piece of news that Hollywood studio Warner Bros has filed a lawsuit against the maker of Bollywood film Hari Puttar awfully amusing. As a Harry Potter fan (not a great one, but still a fan), I too think "Harry Potter" has some influence on the title "Hari Puttar", although its Indian producers denied it completely.

On the other hand, in the wake of infants falling ill and dying after consuming toxic milk formula from China, I like to share a nice little story, Hairy Butter:

A long time ago in ancient Singapore, where the British once ruled.

One day, Ahmad came home from school and found hair in his butter. So, he ran to Ah Seng. "Seng, Seng, see, dun know why got hair in my butter."

Ah Seng was woke up from his afternoon nap, and reluctantly said, "How I know, let's go ask Adam lah!".

So, the two of them came to Adam's house and told him about the butter.

After listening to the story, Adam said, "I am the smartest in class. And, I think we should go ask the cow."

And the three came to the farm where the cow was. Adam went to the cow and asked, "tell us, cow, why is there hair in the butter?"

The cow replied, "moo...".

"Oh," Ah Seng said, "the cow says we should talk to the cat."

"Ah Seng's right," said Ahmad.

And so, the boys came to the cat, and asked, "tell us, cat, why is there hair in the butter?"

The cat replied, "meow...", wagged its tail and ran away.

"Why don't we ask the dog?" said Adam again.

"Let's go," said Ahmad.

So, they came to the dog and asked, "tell us, Bobby, why is there hair in the butter?"

Bobby lay still on the ground without moving.

"Bobby is sick," said Ah Seng.

"No, he is hungry," said Adam, as he patted Bobby.

Then, Bobby stood up and shook its head. And another hair fell onto the butter.

"Oh..." the boys said together, "it was Bobby."

Moral of the story: Eat clean, stay healthy.

Semoga Bahagia

Today, Singapore celebrates its 43rd birthday. In 1963, when it declared independence from Britain, the island state faced pressing problems such as unemployment, housing, shortages of land and drinking water, and the lack of natural resources. As a result, Singapore seized the opportunity to enter into a merger with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia the same year.

The merger did not work out well for Singapore. It lasted barely two years before Singapore was separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965 to be an independent nation. After the separation, Singapore did not give up. With determination and hard work, Singaporeans built a harmonious and progressive society, which today is a model for many countries in the heterogeneous and pluralistic world we all live in.

Happy birthday, Singapore. Semoga bahagia.

The Vision That Was

On June 27, Microsoft headquarters staff bid farewell to its founder Bill Gates. Gates co-founded the company in 1975 with the vision to put a computer on every desk and in every home. 33 years later, the vision has been realized and the computer has truly revolutionized our lives. According to research firm IDC, there are currently more than one billion PCs worldwide.

After stepping down, the 52-year-old will devote most of his efforts to philanthropy. His charitable foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the world's largest charity. While pitting himself against malaria and poverty, Gates will still work on special projects at Microsoft on a part-time basis.

The next time someone boasts of having X computers at home, gently remind and thank the person for fulfilling the vision that was.

An Open Letter to Janet Nadj of Rental Empire (Queensland, Australia)

Janet, what a greedy, money-sucking horrendous woman you are!
An incompetent "property manager", you scream at your customer with your filthy mouth.

Nadj, what an arrogant, money-mongering vicious woman you are!
Each of the filthy looks on your face reflects so well of your greed and arrogance.

To my complete disgust, Janet, you are a woman of no character.
Bitch! You took three-day rent from me for nothing.

Inarguably greedy and arrogant,
Totally and absolutely disgusting.

Curse you, whore! May misfortunes befall you.
H...

Majulah Singapura

On 9 August 1965, a new nation was born.

On 9 August 1965, the people of Singapore decided that they should be the masters of their own destiny. They decided that time had come to build a Singapore for Singaporeans. On that day, Singaporeans chose the road of independence, a road so rarely traveled, yet traveled so well.

After 42 years, Singapore, which was once a small fishing village, has transformed itself from a former British trading outpost to a global cosmopolitan city, a world-class aviation hub, shipping port, financial centre, and manufacturing hub.

Today, Singapore is a vibrant multicultural city, a home to people of different races and religions living harmoniously side by side.

The Singapore of today is not simply a dream come true or a wish fulfilled. Singapore's achievements are the results of diligence, dedication and sacrifices every man and woman of the nation had made and committed.

As Singapore celebrates its 42nd birthday, I wish Singapore many more good years to come.

Pasha Bulker Here I Come

Pasha Bulker discovers Nobby's Beach!


Worst storm in 30 years.

Water Savvy Singapore Helps Queensland