National Day and National Day Parade (NDP) may still be too early to mention about. But preparations have been going on to organise this ultra-magnificent and grand annual event for Singapore's birthday. So, here is one entry I wish to share about being a Singaporean.
As we all know, Singapore is simply a little red dot on world maps. Whenever we are on the planes, all we see on the TV screen is a small dot showing Singapore and comparing it with other countries, it is so so small that the plane icon is bigger than Singapore itself. However, small does not mean that it has nothing.
Many people may be too ashamed to say that they are Singaporeans when they are overseas, and perhaps they think Singlish is just one low-class language but I beg to differ.
I'm a Singaporean myself and having to be here for 18 years since the day I was born, I find this place getting more and more interesting and exciting. Sometimes, I admit that I do grumble about having no places to go in Singapore, but the upcoming Integrated Resorts (IRs) are definitely going to help! With more choices of shopping, playing and entertaining, it is something I do look forward to as I grow up. I know by then I might be too old to join in the fun at the Universal Studios, but I guess there is a part for everyone to participate!
I am proud to be a Singaporean because it is one place where everything comes together. Such as people of different nationalities meet, a world transportation and telecommunication hub and of course, it is one stop for most tourists from around the world. We also have one of the most talented people. People whom made Singapore proud overseas can be countless, but to name a few, we have our treasured singers such as Kit Chan, Tanya Chua, Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, Sun Ho and Ah-Do. We have the world's best airport, Changi International Airport and as I was part of the S2006-IMF World Bank event at the airport, I did not know Changi Airport has actually so many things! What else? We have the world's best and most recognised airline, Singapore Airlines where best service and comfort arrives. Plus, being the world's first airline to fly the Airbus A380, I am so proud of it. Having the best hotels in the world such as Raffles Hotel, Fullerton and Ritz-Carlton to name a few. Too many things to name for the wonderful things we have around us.
A hospitality student talking about tourism in Singapore may be a never-ending story. But sometimes I love to share to the rest of my foreign classmates about Singapore, like what we have, how interesting Singapore is and how it has grown over the years. A small tiny country that has developed so much for 42 years can be surprising and shocking to neighbouring countries. Because we have talented people around, to help boost the economy around and attracting more foreign investors to our shore.
I do admit that I am proud to have my identification card, passport and birthcert printed as a Singaporean. The term "Made in Singapore" may not be as good and common as a "Made in Japan", but I believe that Singapore has a great potential to overtake the other countries into becoming a world city. Just like last years NDP, there was a slogan that says "Our Global City. Our Home." Calling Singapore a home is what we should do and what most people look forward to calling. And every time my holiday flight arrives back in Singapore, I tell myself that I am back home...
I am really looking forward to this year's NDP as it will be held on the floating stadium along Marina Bay (infront of The Oriental and Marina Square). It will be simply breathtaking with the city's skyline as the backdrop. Having to attend the NDP in 2003, 2004 and a preview for 2006, I count myself lucky and would really participate in most National Day events. Singapore is a country that makes me feel proud of as a citizen and I should make it proud one day.
This entry is part of the NDP 2007 event.
