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.