It’s true that there is no place like Home.
As our Nation mourns the passing of our beloved Founding Father Lee Kuan Yew, it is heartening to know that in spite of our differences in opinions and beliefs, Singaporeans come together during this difficult time and stand together strongly as one as we celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mr Lee.
Mr Lee was selfless and he led a fulfilling life to build this beautiful Garden City we are so privileged to call Home, and we owe him an eternal gratitude for all that we have in Singapore today. We will turn fifty this year, and there are no words to describe our grief and sorrow of his untimely passing.
But we, Melody and Amanda, want to honour all the good we have at Home, and to take stock of all to be grateful for in Singapore. Amanda spent two years abroad as a student, while Melody travels frequently for work. And there is absolutely nothing like coming home, even if you think you could get used to the lifestyle at wherever you travel to.
Easy access to water and electricity, crime-free streets, the ability to read and write, colourful ethnic cultures; here are 13 things we should be grateful for in Singapore.
#1 WE ARE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
First and foremost, our geographical location puts us in a spot where we are protected from natural disasters. Secondly, we are not at war, nor are we on the verge of it. This may sound complacent to most, but we ought to thank Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team for managing diplomatic relations well enough.
When you consider our situation, we are considered really lucky to be able to do the things we do. Have you ever felt thankful that you can roam around at night on our crime-free streets? Unlike many cities around the World, the sheer fact that we can walk around at night without feeling threatened speaks volumes. And many countries and cities really do not enjoy such safety.
#2 CLEAN WATER AND FACILITIES
You would be surprised, but even among the many first world countries that we have travelled to do not have clean water. The water that flows out from the tap is not the cleanest even for a shower, let alone being safe for consumption at all. We’ve got proper sewage and water systems that you can count on.
And then, we do not forget the facilities and amenities that are so well-maintained and clean – public toilets that do not stink, litter-free streets, a Green city even before being green was fashionable. These do not come by chance, and we have to thank Mr Lee Kuan Yew for his farsightedness and his fierce fights to achieve all of these for what would otherwise remain as a muddy Singapore.
#3. ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
To most, our size puts us at a disadvantage. But when you stop to think about it, we get to travel to almost any part of the country without taking more than an hour and a half. We really do have very efficient public transportation system and ready taxis any time.
Singaporeans often complain about Singapore’s public transportation system. But as compared to first world cities such as New York, London and Paris, ours are world-class. Do you know how dirty and stinky Paris’ trains are? And do you know how often the tubes in London break down? Sure, we have breakdowns from time to time. Sometimes, we wait longer than we should for a train. But it is only normal for technical glitches, and Singapore’s system is considerably well-maintained with minimized errors.
Honestly, you do not know how frustrating it is to take a train in Paris. Even Seoul’s transportation system drives us nuts.
The cherry on top? Taking public transport in Singapore is among the most affordable we have experienced. We never understood the complaints and rants about “increasing transportation costs”, because if you would feel the pinch of a £2 tube ride (for just one stop, mind you!) when in London or a AUD $3 tram ride in Melbourne (for one stop, too)…
#4 OUR LITTLE RED PASSPORT ALLOWS US TO TRAVEL VISA-FREE TO 170 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD
Singapore’s passport is ranked fifth in the World, and we can easily travel to 170 countries around the globe without needing to apply for a visa. We are truly very lucky to have our little red passports.
#5 WE’VE GOT A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS
We know this will be a point of argument for many, but if you would just see Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s effort in giving everyone a stake of the country, you will perhaps understand the role of Housing Development Board.
From what used to be slums and even sleeping on the streets for many, we are now a transformed first world country with most of us having a roof over our heads. Public housing may be considered expensive and a burden to some, but subsidies and grants are put in place, checks are regularly done, and revisions are made so as to solve as many housing issues as possible.
Be thankful, for our surrounding neighbours would love to be in our places instead of paying hefty rents every month.
#6 WE ARE KEPT COOL
Despite our tropical climate, we see a need to bring our sweaters to most places. Why? Because we have air-conditioned malls, public transport, libraries, even classrooms. While the humidity can really soil our moods, we should be grateful that our facilities and amenities are mostly air-conditioned. Or at least, well-ventilated.
#7 CLEAN AND GREEN
Sometimes we take for granted that we’ve got trees and shrubs lining the streets and highways, but we only notice the difference when we travel to other countries, where the landscape is filled with skyscrapers, dusty buildings, or roads filled with cars leaving trails of smoke behind.
Our Garden City will always stand in trend. So many decades ago, even before becoming green was fashionable, Mr Lee Kuan Yew already had the vision to turn Singapore into a clean and green country. And we cannot be more thankful for his farsightedness, because look what we are today! Few countries and cities in the world can match up, really.
#8 LUXURY ITEMS
We assure most Singaporeans own a computer and/or laptop, smartphone and access to the Internet (if not, you wouldn’t be reading this right now). But we often forget that these are considered luxury items – they do not come cheap, and they aren’t necessary for your survival.
While we are clamouring for the next new gadget, we neglect the fact that many other people in the world do not even have the resources to buy their daily meals or pay for utilities.
#9 EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE
We have the ability to read, write and discern for ourselves what is wrong and right. This, we have Mr Lee Kuan Yew to thank. If he had not persevered on and instilled such strict rules about minimum schooling; if he had not made education so much more accessible regardless of race, language or religion; if we did not have efficient education systems; we would not be the flourishing nation today. We would not be able to get jobs, we would not prosper.
In fact, our education system is so remarkable that we see an increasing number of foreigners relocating and making Singapore their base – just to study.
#10 WE CAN HANG OUT (ALMOST) ANYWHERE
While it’s true that Singapore can get pretty boring (how many times can you visit the Zoo or the Singapore Botanic Gardens), we have also learned to adapt. Which other citizen in the world say they get to hang out at their award-winning airport often, or have easy access to a clean beach, reservoirs and parks, or any supper joint for that matter?
#11 STRONG AND STABLE CURRENCY
50 years ago, when Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia (thank God), Mr Lee strived for our nation. He said he had millions of lives to account for, and that Singapore will survive. Yes, we have. And we are doing very well.
In Mr Lee’s first year as Prime Minister, our GDP was US$428. And we have grew 30-fold to US$12,766 by 1990, the year he left the PM office. Singapore prospered under his exemplary leadership, and our currency has also strengthened against many. Today, our currency is stable and we are almost on par with USD, and this gives us an edge in so many ways to even speak of.
#12 COLOURFUL ETHNIC CULTURES
To be multiracial is a beautiful thing. Regardless of our skin colour, we co-exist with equal rights. We receive the same education, we grow with the nation, and we stand equal chances when seeking a job. No prejudices, no discrimination.
And this equality is stronger than you think.
#13 STABLE GOVERNMENT WHO ARE CORRUPT-FREE
We definitely do not want to suffer under and bear the brunt of a corrupted government. There is no need to cite examples, but as Singaporeans, in spite of the numerous opposition parties, our government remains stable and corrupt-free. We still share strong bilateral ties, and the friendships that Mr Lee had spent his life forging from all over the world will continue to bless Singapore with many more opportunities.
At the end of the day, we may not be happy with everything (case in point: rising housing and car costs), but when it comes down to it, we should all take a moment to express our gratitude towards the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew for his contribution and commitment to Singapore, to applaud our government’s efforts in trying to make Singapore a better place to live in, and be really proud to be a Singaporean. And, if you’re not, it is high time to start.
To our ever respectable Founding Father, we are nothing without you. We now enter a new era, and we will fight on to protect your legacy. Singapore will continue to glow, and we will always be your pride. Thank you for your love and devotion to our little red dot, and you will live forever in our hearts.
Words by Amanda Tan and Melody Yap.
i hope such development would be replicated someday in Nigeria
I agree with you on all pointers with the exception of the last one; Singapore is the least corrupt nation among many countries but we are not corrupt-free.
I can agree with some but mostly disagree. I feel that the article’s evaluation is made based on a pretty low and wavering benchmark, to almost say it is bias. For example, point 2 on water which you mentioned “many first world countries that we have travelled to do not have clean water”. So which first-world country doesn’t have clean water? Let’s just use your own example of France-Paris on pt 3 as a control-constant for comparison. Yes, they have clean drinking tap water as well.
Also, I’m not able to agree on Paris metro (train) system being dirty and smelly because they’re not. To give a fair evaluation, let’s look at other things that also matter. Quite consistently the metro I took in Europe were fast, efficient and never as crowded compared to being in Singapore during peak hours. Even more sadly I’m not even putting Switzerland in the picture because they’re in a league of their own when it comes to quality. Which in my opinion, to have a fair comparison we should be because Swiss has a GDP/capita that is very similar to us if not lower.
Afterall, you can’t be saying that we’re thankful or lucky to expect your car to be performing like a Toyota and not a Proton when you paid for a Ferrari. Having that said, we have hawker centres and kopitiams that provide good quality food at VERY decent prices.
We will see what Singapore is like when it has the same age as many European cities
I’ve always enjoyed reading and watching Ladyiron Chef however this article #11 is offensive to me. To “thank god” that Singapore is no longer part of Malaysia is completely unnecessary. I’ve enjoyed visiting both. There’s always been friction between these countries. A quote I live by “never look down on someone, unless your helping them up” instead of thinking Singapore is better than Malaysia maybe help them achieve the same prosperity as Singapore, imagine the possibilities.