Singapore: Yesterday and Now

Ever wondered how Singapore looked in the old days and how much Singapore have changed so far? It's something interesting that we would like to share with you about Singapore: our nation, our pride, our love and we believe that you will love Singapore as much as we do!

Let's come back to the year of 60s and see how Singapore looked:

The old SHAW BUILDING in the past:

and a new young modern look at the present: Such a rapid movement!

Our National Musem in the old days:

compares to NOW. That is a huge change!

The Collyer Quay in years ago:

and a beautiful Collyer Quay now:

Singapore National Theatre in 60s

and at the same place, under same name: Singapore National Theatre NOW

Singapore's old look from top. It's developed, crowded, and beautiful, yes?

but it still cant compare to Singapore now. Look at this!

That's the reason why Singapore is one of the best place to live ever, the top country in South East Asia, one of the best countries with rapid economic growth, good living condition, safety and harmony, etc.... We are proud to be Singaporean, Singapore citizens!

Photos are collected at the sites below! Credits to the photographers!

UweBKK's photostream
Memories of Singapore
Cherlyn Photography

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The youngest citizen of Singapore

Congratulation on Tan Sing Yi the youngest new citizen ( 3 years old) of Singapore !!!

According to The Straits Times on 23rd August, 2009, her father, two older sisters and about 127 new Singaporeans recited the Pledge and sang the National Anthem, she too chipped in earnestly.

Her Malaysian-born father, service engineer Tan Kee Boon, 40, has been working here for more than 16 years.

'It's a happy day for my family. My children will have a good education and future here,' said Mr Tan, who is married to a homemaker.

On Saturday, some 3,600 people, like the Tans, became new citizens. Ceremonies were held in 13 group representative constituencies, while the NCC itself was held in the Supreme Court auditorium.

Speaking at the NCC, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say urged both new and other Singaporeans to get to know one another, as they are now part of the same Singaporean family.

He also encouraged new citizens to join in upcoming celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya and Deepavali, and to learn more about the rich and diverse traditions of the communities here.

'Immerse yourself in this unique Singaporean culture. Do not leave yourself out and do not be left out,' he said. Mr Lim said grassroots leaders, known as Integration and Naturalisation Champions, will work to help new citizens and immigrants settle into the country.

At the national level, the National Integration Council, formed earlier this year, will look into more ways for new and other Singaporeans to interact and strengthen their relationships.

Mr Lim also said that being bilingual is key in Singapore and new citizens should not only master English, but also remain strong in their mother tongue.

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Thank you mum, dad and....Singapore.

On the occasion of Singapore National Day, there are many people dedicated their love, joy and happiness to Singapore, to be a part of Singapore. Many of them are Singapore PR came from different countries in the world. What did they say????

From The Straits Time newspaper on 15th August:

"Thirty years ago, my parents took a courageous decision: they decided to try to make Singapore our home. It was courageous because it meant starting again, in an unfamiliar environment, away from family and friends in Myanmar. But Iam glad my parents decided to try, for that decision changed my life.
Celebrating National Day on Sunday with my colleagues, I thought how lucky i was to have grown up in Singapore. Lucky and proud. TO BE SINGAPOREAN.

Two values define Singapore for me: INCLUSIVENESS AND MERITOCRACY.

Growing up, I was inevitably the only Myanmar native in any setting. Indeed, I was more of a minority than a Malay or Indian. Yet, I was never treated differently, not by schoolmates or teachers. Not once was I made to feel I did not belong or was not welcome. My family lived in HDB flats and we had neighbours who were warm and friendly to us. We were always made to feel we were part of the community, not outsiders. This inclusiveness made us feel we belonged here and this was our home.
Which brings me to the next value I think defines Singapore- meritocracy.
I grew up believing that if I tried hard enough, was good enough, smart enough, I would do well. This belief was instilled in my by the environment I grew up at home and at school. My teachers encouraged me. My schoolmates, friends and I accepted that it was an environment in which everyone competed fairly, and it did not matter what your background was. Everyone had the same opportunities and shot at success. And if you did well, then you were given due recognition.

I believe these two defining values made Singapore what it is today, and the moment they are no longer values that define us, Singapore would surely fail.

I, therefore, find it disconcerting to read of Singaporeans complaining about new immigrants, such as foreigners taking their jobs or their children losing out of students who came to Singapore only recently. We can see how much feelings can develop into something worse and divide societies, and it would be disatrous in a small country like Singapore.

I have studied abroad, and travelled extensively in my work, and I would not wish to call anywhere else home. So as we enter our 45th year of nationhood, I would like to say "thank you" to my parents, and "thank you" to Singapore.

Minn Naing Oo.

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Treat new citizens equally!

SINGAPORE accepts only skilled and educated immigrants "who increase the average level of competence of Singaporeans", Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.

"Once they become citizens, they must be treated as equally as native-born Singaporeans, or our society will be fractured," Mr Lee warned.

Singaporeans have complained about new citizens and permanent residents taking away jobs from citizens, and that they do not speak or understand English even when they are working in sales or the service industry, he noted.
But their struggle with English means that "they cannot compete against Singaporeans", he said, addressing these complaints yesterday at a National Day dinner in Tanjong Pagar.
Yet they can be integrated because most of them come from familiar countries such as Malaysia, China and India, he said.
Their children will grow up as Singaporeans, learn English and compete with children of existing citizens for university places and scholarships.
But the Government will raise the number of bursaries and scholarships, and that of places in top schools, for existing citizens' children.

"So they will not be disadvantaged in getting admission to polys or universities," he said.

"Without the immigrants, Singapore will decline."

The Government has protected citizens by ensuring that they enjoy more privileges than permanent residents in areas like applying for HDB flats, the size of hospital and school fees, and in receiving Budget surpluses.
On immigrants, he said: "But we cannot make it so onerous that they will not come. For example, by requiring permanent residents or new citizens to be fluent in English, which even some existing citizens are not!"
Foreign workers have helped Singapore grow faster when conditions were favourable, and buffered the shock in the downturn, he added.
Many of the job losses this year have been among foreign workers rather than citizens. In fact, more citizens and permanent residents here have gained jobs in the first half of this year.
"Had we not had the foreign workers, more Singaporeans would have lost their jobs," Mr Lee said.
Despite the recession, the outlook is positive for Singapore, going by a recent investment here by the world's biggest oil company, ExxonMobil, he said.
It has just given Singapore a vote of confidence, by investing $4.5 billion to build a new plant on Jurong Island, he revealed.

Yesterday, he also urged Singaporeans to speak more Mandarin and study in China's top universities, so that they will have an edge in doing business with China.
But he reassured Singaporeans, saying: "It does not mean we are displacing English as our working and common language, our first language. English will remain the master language for all Singaporeans."
***Source from AsiaOne

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