My recent visit to Singapore coincided with the nation's SG50 Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration. During the week that I was there, I had observed many SG50-related events, promotions, and decorations. Though I had missed the weekend preview and fireworks of the (upcoming) national day parade (to be held on August 9, 2015 at the Padang), I did, however, manage to catch the Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) musical and visit the Istana grounds when it was opened to the public for the day (free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents; S$2.00 donations for foreigners).
I enjoyed the LKY musical, which depicted the life of Singapore's first prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away on 23 March 2015 at the age of 91. From his studies at Raffles College to his founding of the People's Action Party to fight the communist and seek independence from the British, the musical portrayed a determined Mr. Lee who, with the aid of others, including the support of his intelligent wife, transformed Singapore from a third-world village into an urban metropolis. I liked how the musical played the national anthems of the U.K., Japan, and Malaysia to signal Singapore's transitions from one foreign governing body to another; its subsequent build-up and transition to Singapore's own national anthem was moving and heartfelt. Unfortunately, no one in the audience stood up to sing when the Singapore anthem played - spontaneity, alas it seems, is not a strong suit of many Singaporeans.
Rated this year as the most expensive city in the world, this little dot that is Singapore has her work cut out for her and her citizens/residents. I can't fathom paying S$15 (US$11) for a plate of food or S$5 (~US$3.70) for a cup of tea/coffee in the downtown area on a regular basis. I did succumb to paying S$50 (~US$37) per person for high tea at the swanky Fullerton Hotel; the experience, however, did not live up to my expectations. As I visit Singapore every couple of years, the price increases over time were to me stark and shocking. It seemed like the people in Singapore had gradually become desensitized to these ridiculous prices - not unlike the boiled frog anecdote. This, in my humble opinion, is a dangerous thing.
Things are changing fast in Singapore and it's no doubt an uphill battle for the government to maintain an annual growth rate of 6% with limited resources and productivity. I wish the Singapore government wisdom, strength, and courage as they leap forward to lead the country for the next 50 years.
Above right: Singapore's first prime minister, the late Mr. Harry Lee Kuan Yew
Above: Modern Singapore meets old Singapore (in Tiong Bahru)
Above: The Istana (where the President of Singapore resides) was open to the public on Sunday, August 2; Above right: a young girl participated in an art contest at the Istana
Above left: Vanda Miss Joaquim (aka the Singapore orchid is Singapore's national flower) at the Istana; Above right: The main building and fountain of the Istana
Above: The LKY Musical at the Sands Theater
Above: SG50 decorations
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