Happy Birthday Singapore!
Singapore has dressed in its red-color robe to be ready for its big day — on 9th of August 1965 Malay parliament voted to expel Singapore from Malaysia. Who would think 52 years ago that it could turn this way?
Propaganda?
There has been huge media massage for the past month picked up by many companies and organizations. You see birthday wishes from left and right. Many shops have special prices or selling Singaporean swag, McDonald’s even introduced new limited-edition burger specially for Singapore called Nasi Lemak. Companies are are wishing happy birthday in their billboard ads. Not to mention the social media.
There is even official song for the national day:
Actually they do this every year:
All this is leading up to the big national day parade tonight. It is like a big new years eve show with parade including army and fireworks.
Honestly, for a person coming from an ex-communist country, it stinks of propaganda. But hey, why not? Most people actually seem to be genuinely proud of their country. Young generation seem to be depressed to be trapped on this small island but most eventually return back.
For sure Singaporeans have reasons to be proud. For me Singapore is a shiny example of good governance and great international relations. They were able to look to other countries and apply the good policies. Singaporeans were able to fully exploit their unique position in the region and become a rich trade hub with third highest GDP per capita as a country.
(Ok. This is actually not very fair ranking because when compared with other cities Singapore significantly plunges in this ranking.)
But the fact Wonderful example prime minister Lee telling people to exercise more and watch their health. This is wonderful example of this, also pointing out the next challenge S’poreans will have to deal with. Its aging population.
Living in harmony
“Harmony among all races” has been repeated in media and mentioned in the pm’s speech. Indeed, this small piece of land is shared (predominantly) by Chinese, Indians, and Malays.
Children of Chinese and Indian couples are called Chindians. It doesn’t happen THAT often — 2.4% people are of multiple races in Singapore according to Wikipedia. But apparently around 15% of marriages are interracial which I think is significant and definitely unseen anywhere else.
Despite all this you still have to state your ethnicity on any government form. And prejudices exist for sure — but these take more time than just 52 years to correct. But by sharing a small island the prejudices will be eventually washed away!
I started this article to ridicule the propaganda all around me but as you see I am myself impressed by Singapore. Otherwise I would not be living here right now. But the truth is this would be completely unthinkable in the Czech republic.
