National Day

Yesterday, while at Marina covering for Carnival@Marina, I went for a walk by the bay. The view at night was superb. The cool breeze, the calm waves and the light that brightens up the skyline of Singapore really made me think...

In conjunction with the nation's 40th birthday, I took a few minutes to flashback and did some thinking.

Singapore began itsjourney as Temasek, a small fishing village. Its current name, Singapura, was called so after Sang Nila Utama saw an animal in the jungle (some say it was a tiger). History was soon made when Sir Stamfor Raffles came to Singapura in 1819.

Today, we celebrate 40 years of nation building woth fireworks, parties and lots of singing. I came to realise that the country has come a long way since its humble beginning under the management (is it the right word?) of our then PM Lee Kuan Yew. Problems of unemployment, lack of proper housing and defense soon became a major problem that needs to be resolved immediately. Thankfully, the swift thinking of PM Lee and the support of Singaporeans saw one of the regions Success Story.

Singaporeans went through many tough times together; the retrenchments, the implementation of Natinal Service and quite a while back, terrorism in our very own yard. This has bound Singaporeans together. Through thick and thin, Singaporeans will endure it together and will defend the country's interest. After all, this is where we belong.

I feel appreciative of all the bountiful opportunities that Singapore has provided for me; a proper home, excellent education and a peace. But Singaporeans will have to be ready and vigiliant to take on all the challenges that will come our way; declining birth rates, lack of land space and terrorism. I am certain that Singapore will be able to pull through.

I hope that Singapore's future will be bright. Peace, love and wealth will swarm its citizens.

Happy Birthday Singapore!
May you have more than you currently have!


Uniquely You
Composer / Lyricist:Ken Low

There's a place in my heart
That I keep for someone special
Memories forever true to me
Take me through those tougher days
Suddenly I found in you
All the joy, the smiles and laughter
All the hope and love divine
Always you - you on my mind
I always knew - there would be the day
When I give my heart away
To the one who'll always keep me safe and warm
If I should go - I won't ever forget
The special days, the times we had
And no matter what - whether winds of change
You will always be - Uniquely you...
...In my heart
Where I keep my little treasure
It's a time I always turn to
It's the place where you're by my side
I always knew - there would be the day
When I give my heart away
To the one who'll always keep me safe and warm
If I should go - I won't ever forget
The special days, the times we had
And no matter what - whether winds of change
You will always be - Uniquely you
There's a place in my heart
That I keep for someone special
It's a time I always turn to
It's the place where you're by my side
You're the special one - my only
'Cos it's you - Uniquely You

Uniquely You