As our little island state turns 55 today, it's a great time to look back and see how far she has come and how much I have grown as a result of the journey.
Being born and bred in Singapore, I've never felt as appreciative of what I've learnt here, as much as I do today. Going to school and having to learn Mandarin was the bane of my existence. But today, I revel in the fact that I can order my dishes and point tourists in the right direction with my less-than-perfect Chinese, but the Chinese that I learnt in local school nonetheless.
I love how I've been able to build, and rebuild, my personal brand as and when I feel I need an "upgrade". Much like our little red dot - she, too, has had to learn along the way, about what works and what doesn't. And like Singapore, I let go of what no longer serves me and turn in the direction of where the sun shines bright.
My country is stunning, for the reasons below, and a million others I shall leave to another day -
* a burgeoning airport I want to get to early, just because there's so much to do and see (CAN'T WAIT TO TRAVEL AGAIN!)
* returning home, makes me beam with pride as I see her bustling port and know I've arrived
* her ever-evolving skyline sitting perfectly against the backdrop of history
* her food. her cleanliness. her tree-lined streets. her food. her history. her future.
Thank you, mum and dad, for meeting in Singapore. Falling in love. Having my siblings and I. And allowing me to flourish here. Thank you Singapore for allowing me to call you home.
And happy birthday Singapore!
Search