Singapore roars with Jubilee joy
More than 200,000 people throng Marina Bay area to catch parade and enjoy festivities
By Zakir Hussain, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
Singaporeans turned out in force to mark the nation's 50th birthday yesterday, from joining solemn observance ceremonies across the island in the morning to taking in aerial displays over the Marina Barrage at noon, culminating with a grand parade at the Padang in the evening.
Befitting the milestone, over 200,000 people, many dressed in red and white, thronged the Marina Bay area to catch the highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebrations - the National Day Parade - mostly on large screens and enjoy the festivities. As the three-hour parade drew to a close, the crowds sang in unison to the evergreen lyrics of Dick Lee's Home.
They were joined by hundreds of thousands of all races watching the live broadcast at community centres and in their homes - as well as overseas Singaporeans on six continents - for the Pledge moment.
Hands on hearts, they committed themselves to work together "as one united people".
Some 1,200 parade performers then formed an illuminated mosaic of the national flag on the Padang while those gathered in the gleaming heart of modern Singapore sang along to a rousing rendition of the National Anthem and marvelled at the record five-minute fireworks display, the country's biggest and boldest to date. Celebrations continued around the Bay into the night.
In a Facebook post capturing the jubilant mood nationwide, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "Today the whole nation celebrates. Glad so many are joining in at all the events. We celebrate as One People, One Nation, One Singapore."
Yesterday's celebrations began on a reflective note as residents flocked to 82 community and grassroots observance ceremonies.
Public warning sirens heralded the 9am broadcast of a poignant recording of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew reading the Proclamation of Singapore.
Fifty years earlier, the Proclamation of Singapore's independence read by radio anchor Steven Lee told a shocked nation that they were no longer part of Malaysia but would "be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation".
Mr Lee Kuan Yew did not announce the Separation at the time because, as he put it in his memoirs, he had "too many other things to do in quick succession". To make up for it, he agreed to a recording of him reading the Proclamation three years ago.
Hearing that recording - months after Mr Lee's death on March 23 at the age of 91 saw an outpouring of grief - moved many, including auditor Jayapal Ramasamy, 58, who was at a ceremony in Ang Mo Kio GRC's Teck Ghee ward attended by PM Lee. "It gave me goose pimples. I was only eight in 1965, and it was a reminder of the numerous challenges our founding leaders faced back then," he said.
Retired food stall operator Mohamed Ali, 73, and his wife Absah Hassan, 65, were also touched. The couple tied the knot a few months after Separation, in December 1965, and recalled how Mr Lee's conviction and firm tone whenever he spoke at the time helped reassure many about the nation's future.
Mr Mohamed said: "We may have had our doubts about coping on our own then, but as the years go by and especially today, I am glad that Singapore went our own way."
Marking 50 years of progress
In Mr Lee's former Tanjong Pagar GRC, some 6,000 residents lined Lower Delta Road in a reprise of how they bid him farewell.
Said Senior Minister of State for Education and Law Indranee Rajah: "The whole of Mr Lee's life was dedicated to building Singapore, keeping her strong, safe, sovereign. When you hear the Proclamation, it encapsulates all of that... It is everything we stand for and it is everything we hope to be."
While the morning festivities were a reminder of national identity and sovereignty, they were also about the importance of family and traditions. Many had mini-carnivals with a touch of nostalgia, and grandparents joined their children and grandchildren to sample food and games dating back to the 1960s, from traditional kueh to five stones.
In Marine Parade, residents wore costumes of yesteryear to recreate the atmosphere of five decades ago, as did a section of those marching at the main parade.
At the Padang, Mr Lee's absence was marked by an empty seat in his honour. On it were two sprays of the Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, a greenish golden yellow orchid hybrid named after Mr Lee following his death. A video paying tribute to Mr Lee's life and achievements was played as the spectators fell silent, some wiping away tears.
As the reel ended, the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Black Knights soared overhead in a "five-star" salute formation. The stars, like those on the flag, symbolise the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
Three surviving Old Guard leaders out of the 10 ministers who signed the agreement on Singapore's independence in 1965 were honoured, and sat beside Mr Lee's empty seat: Mr Othman Wok, 90, Mr Jek Yeun Thong, 85, and Mr Ong Pang Boon, 86.
At the parade were leaders and representatives from 17 fellow East Asia Summit members and the United Kingdom, including Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam hosted lunch for Singapore's foreign friends, and thanked them for their "steadfast support and friendship through the decades".
"As we stand on the cusp of a new era, we look forward to further deepening relations with you. Thank you for making the Singapore Story possible," Dr Tan added.
PM Lee wrote on Facebook: "We have come far in 50 years. While we enjoy today's prosperity and progress, never forget how hard we worked to get here. What we have is special and precious, and must never be taken for granted."
Echoing the words of the Pledge, he said: "Today we sang Majulah Singapura proudly. To still do so in 50 years' time, let us work together as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, for the happiness, prosperity and progress of our nation."
The Straits Times rounds rounds up 11 of the highlights from Sunday's Golden Jubilee celebration http://goo.gl/mGtpsb
Posted by The Straits Times on Sunday, August 9, 2015
SG 50 - 9 AM
A moment of reflection
At observance ceremonies, seniors recall shock of separation, MPs rally all to emulate elders
The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
A palpable hush fell over 82 National Day observance ceremonies islandwide yesterday morning as public warning sirens blared and the familiar tenor of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's voice pierced the air.
"Whereas it is the inalienable right of a people to be free and independent...," started the man who, in the early 1960s, had drummed up support for merger with Malaysia and, barely two years later, broke down as he spoke of separation from the Federation.
The momentous occasion, at 9am yesterday, marked the first time Singaporeans got to hear its founding Prime Minister read the Proclamation of Singapore.
He had not been able to do so in 1965, leaving the duty to radio announcer Steven Lee as he had "too many other things to do", Mr Lee recalled in his memoir. But he agreed to do a recording three years ago.
Singapore's 50th birthday is also its first without Mr Lee, who died in March at age 91.
About 6,000 residents from Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru and Tanglin-Cairnhill constituencies gathered as early as 7am to...
Posted by The People's Association on Sunday, August 9, 2015
But hearing him brought back memories for an older generation of Singaporeans, some of whom choked back tears as they recalled the uncertain times.
Mr Satwant Singh, 67, a lifelong resident of Tanjong Pagar GRC, where the late Mr Lee had been MP for 60 years, said: "I heard the Pro-clamation 50 years ago; I still remember it was at 10am.
"I was shocked hearing it on the radio because I didn't expect it to happen: Singapore getting thrown out of Malaysia."
The administrator at a security firm added: "I saw the flag at the police station come down after hearing the Proclamation."
Retired sales assistant Helen Chan, 62, who was in Jurong West, said: "When we were separated from Malaysia, we didn't just split from another country. We also split up friends and families."
The clip was also a timely reminder of how far the country has come, for a young generation of citizens.
In Bedok, Secondary 1 student Layla Hanna Kocak, 13, said: "I feel very proud of our 50 years of independence. It's all because of everyone working together that has made Singapore possible."
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was at the ceremony at Teck Ghee in Ang Mo Kio GRC, where he is MP, rallied Singaporeans to continue building on the foundations laid by the pioneer generation.
"They worked hard to give us - their children - a better Singapore and brighter prospects.
"They worked hard to make sure that that dream came true, that it wasn't just ideas, but realities, which they created," he said.
Exhorting the young to embody the fighting spirit of our forefathers, he added: "I believe the next generation will be able to do even better than us, to make Singapore more prosperous, to maintain our unique place in the world and the shine of our little red dot."
The drizzly morning did not dampen the celebratory mood of Singaporeans. Thousands turned up at grassroots ceremonies in the national colours of red and white.
Each ceremony marked the Golden Jubilee in its own way, be it through sports like the Great Singapore Workout in Bedok or a Pioneer Generation run in Sembawang; nostalgic sights like residents dressed up as samsui women in Jurong West and Marine Parade; or tributes such as a flower bed in Tampines.
Tampines GRC MP Heng Swee Keat, who is Minister for Education, said of Mr Lee's passing: "(It) brought a deep sense of unity among our people, and a deep sense that Singapore is our home."
In Tanjong Pagar, 6,000 residents lined Lower Delta Road as the Proclamation recording was aired.
In March, they had done so out of grief as they sent Mr Lee off on his final journey. Yesterday, they did so in a symbolic gesture of strength, unity and a shared commitment to Singapore's future.
Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah, who is Senior Minister of State for Education and Law, said yesterday: "I hope that it will remind Singaporeans not just how far we have come, but also that we have a new chapter in Singapore's history to write for this new generation, and we will write it together."
Travel agent Lee Chee Ming, 46, said the recording had resonated with him and his family as they listened to it in Teck Ghee.
His 10-year-old daughter, Chantal, has already raised the subject of SG100 with him. And he told her: "It will all depend on you, and your generation, when you grow up."
One united people, regardless of creed
The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
More than 1,000 religious leaders and members from 10 faiths, many dressed in religious attire, gathered to mark National Day at the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple in Paya Lebar yesterday.
They said silent prayers for the nation, sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge - hands on their hearts - vowing to remain "one united people, regardless of race, language or religion".
Joining them in the special inter-faith ceremony organised by the Taoist Federation and the temple, in partnership with the People's Association and the Inter-Religious Organisation, was former president S R Nathan.
Mr Nathan, 91, said that for such racial harmony to prevail in the next 50 years, the younger generation has to learn to live together despite differences. He told reporters: "Our young must learn how to tolerate each other - each other's religion, each other's race, each other's language, and think of ourselves as Singaporean."
Mr Nathan, who suffered a stroke in April this year and walked with some help, said that his health is improving, and that he can walk short distances now.
He recounted the fear of people in Singapore when they heard the Proclamation of Singapore over the radio in 1965.
"The feeling then was, 'What are we going to do? We have got two million people to feed. We have no economy. How are we going to survive?'" he said.
Today, 50 years on, he is glad that Singapore can tell the world that it has the strength to stand on its own feet.
In a short speech at the ceremony, Mr Nathan also said it is the indomitable will of the people, together with determined leadership, that has brought the country forward.
"In the next 50 years, let us show others why the same indomitable sprit will also take us to the next 50 years," he said.
Separately, special prayers were held at places of worship such as the Sree Maha Mariamman Temple in Yishun. The session was for Singapore to continue to excel, a representative said at the session attended by Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah and 400 worshippers.
SG 50 6 PM
In memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Film tribute to founding PM left many in tears, as Singaporeans recall his legacy in first parade without him
By Yeo Sam Jo, Lim Yi Han and Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
Yesterday's National Day Parade (NDP) marked not just the nation's Golden Jubilee, but also its first parade without Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
The absence of the nation's founding father was keenly felt when cameras panned to his empty seat and the orchids that took his place.
The Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, a bright golden yellow orchid with a green tinge, was named after Mr Lee following his death in March.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong wrote in a Facebook post: "He was not there but his presence was palpable. I imagined Mr Lee Kuan Yew feeling nostalgic, joyful, proud and confident about Singapore's future.
"This is his last parade."
<<NDP 2015 – Looking Forward with a Tribute to LKY>>We received many compliments for the NDP and co-celebrations...
Posted by Ng Eng Hen - Defence Minister on Sunday, August 9, 2015
A sombre three-minute film tribute to Mr Lee brought many in the audience, including politicians, to tears. "I was crying so much during the tribute," said private tutor Sherley Williams-Servos, 44.
"He's the main architect of Singapore's success. It's the least we can do for him."
Dr Lily Neo, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, where Mr Lee served as MP, was also in tears. "I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion," she said. "I am so thankful to Mr Lee for his whole life's dedication to ensure Singapore's success and I miss him dearly."
Fellow Tanjong Pagar GRC MP, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, said: "I think no-one was left untouched by the tribute."
The parade's multimedia director, film-maker Boo Junfeng, said the tribute was strung together from different documentaries.
It was set against NDP creative director Dick Lee's stripped-down rendition of this year's National Day song, Our Singapore.
"The key challenge was in differentiating the tribute at NDP from the films that have already been seen many times during the mourning period," said Mr Boo, 31.
"(It) is meant for everyone at the Padang to say that we miss him."
The tribute to Mr Lee also took to the skies, in the form of a "Five Stars" fly-past salute by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's aerobatics team, the Black Knights.
The five F-16s represented Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. It was a fitting salute, especially given that the Black Knights were unable to honour Mr Lee with their "Missing Man" formation on his funeral day due to rainy weather.
Referring to clips of Mr Lee speaking, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam said: "Mr Lee Kuan Yew's words always move.
"They went to the heart of why Singapore came to be, why it is special 50 years on and what we have to keep reminding ourselves of as we make our future."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was Mr Lee's principal private secretary from 1997 to 2000, said he was moved that Mr Lee's fellow pioneer leaders - Mr Othman Wok, Mr Jek Yeun Thong and Mr Ong Pang Boon - joined the parade. "If Mr Lee saw the parade, I think he would have had a deep sense of satisfaction at our progress and said, 'Well done, our people can achieve great things when we work together.'
"Then he would say, 'Life goes on, let's get back to our work of keeping Singapore and Singaporeans safe, stable and happy'," he added.
"The best tribute we can pay to Mr Lee, and our pioneers who gave us the first 50 years, is to stay united and commit ourselves to do our best for Singapore."
Retiree Tan Bee Leng, 64, said: "The fact that we are here celebrating 50 years is something to be happy about. Rather than feel sad that (Mr Lee) is not here, we should remember what he has done for us."
SG 50 ALL DAY
An island rocks all day
Singaporeans revel in Golden Jubilee festivities not just in city hub but across heartland too
The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
The Marina Barrage was a sea of red yesterday, as Singaporeans donned red outfits and came out in force to catch the action up close.
They were in the barrage area in the morning for the daredevil aerobatics of the Black Knights, and they were there in the evening for the fireworks extravaganza.
"It was a last-minute decision, but we quickly did our research and thought we should take our children here," said teacher Noor Aidil, 39, who was at the barrage with his wife and two sons, aged six and three.
"It's been a wonderful 50 years of rapid development. Let's hope for 50 more," he said.
About 67,000 people visited the Marina Barrage yesterday, according to estimates by the Public Utilities Board. And in the afternoon, it was standing-room-only on the facility's Green Roof.
Many families got there early to lay out picnic mats, fly kites and spend the Golden Jubilee afternoon lounging away.
It was a major family outing for some. The Lins, for instance, were out on the Green Roof - all 26 of them from across four generations.
They were all dressed in a white "family T-shirt" specially designed for the occasion.
"Every year, we wear a different shirt. We feel this really unites our family," said hairstylist Jason Lin, 43, adding that this year is the family's third on the Green Roof.
Later in the evening, the crowd whooped, cheered and went wild as RSAF aircraft thundered above them once more.
"Every time I see the flypast - I can't describe it, but this sense of pride just wells up inside me," said project manager Michael Tong, 51, who was there with his teenage daughter and wife.
Over at the Botanic Gardens, Singaporeans started streaming in from 7am to join in the festivities.
Many spent the day visiting carnival booths, where they could get their faces painted, munch on traditional snacks and try out childhood games such as five stones.
Trade executive Vijaya Barathi, 30, took her two children, aged nine and six, for a picnic on the lawn near the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.
"In the future, when there is an SG100, they can share memories of this special day with their own children," she said.
Housewife Sandra Wong, 42, was at the Gardens as well, with her two daughters.
"I feel happy to call Singapore my home, and I want to teach my two girls to be grateful for how far we have come," she said.
"I want my girls to carry these values into the future, and contribute meaningfully to our country."
Meanwhile, spirits were high in the heartland too, as many gathered to watch a live screening of the National Day Parade.
At Serangoon Community Park, more than 200 residents sang along to National Day songs, waving Singapore flags enthusiastically.
Programme manager Phua Soo Ngern, 48, was there with her husband Liew Kok Seng, 50.
She said: "I came here for the atmosphere. I thought the parade was excellent."
...and overseas too with live NDP telecast
The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
Overseas Singaporeans from South Korea to the United States joined in the Golden Jubilee celebrations over the weekend with parties involving friends, family and, of course, food.
Some, like New York-based photographer Juliana Tan, 26, stayed up till the wee hours of the morning to watch the National Day Parade (NDP) live.
"I guess there's more nostalgia when you're away," she said, adding that her favourite part was the vintage march-past.
"It's very heartwarming to see the pioneer generation being part of the parade. It's also a great reminder of how young Singapore is. In one generation, we've come so far!"
Even as various Singapore embassies hosted official National Day functions, many Singaporeans celebrated on a smaller scale.
In China, about 100 Singaporeans tuned in to a live telecast of the NDP at a Harry's Bar in Suzhou, at an event held by the Suzhou Singapore Club. They ended the night by setting off a round of fireworks.
Mr Ching Keng Ghee, 51, general manager of an aerospace company, said this was the first time he watched the parade live in his 18 years in Suzhou, where he is based with his wife and two daughters, aged 21 and 22.
"We bought the SG50 polo shirts from Giordano in Singapore to wear for National Day," he said. "Fifty years is a milestone and we wish Singapore a very prosperous future and many good years to come."
Yesterday, the Singapore Club Seoul also screened the parade live at a serviced apartment. More than 60 Singaporeans turned up.
The club's president, Ms Chua Pei Chi, said: "This is the first time we've held a live screening.
"It's very meaningful to celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday overseas with fellow Singaporeans."
The 38-year-old, who runs a trading business in Seoul, added: "I miss food like roti prata, dim sum and wonton noodles."
Yesterday, students from the University of Western Australia in Perth held a carnival with face-painting, games and a singalong of National Day songs.
"Everyone was so united and the spirit was amazing," said 24-year-old undergraduate Aarti Gupta. "I am so proud of how far our country has come, and the best part of it is being more than contented that wherever in the world I may be, Singapore stands as No. 1."
Reports around the world on SG50
The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2015
International newspapers and media outlets reported on Singapore's Golden Jubilee, with most noting the Republic's remarkable progress in 50 years.
The Wall Street Journal featured Singapore's history in pictures - displaying photos of moments such as founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew shedding tears during the news conference after Singapore's separation from Malaysia, and Singapore Airlines' inaugural flight.
The Economist's Expresso edition, which carries daily bite-sized news, ran an online story headlined "Golden Divorce: Singapore at 50".
The occasion will remind Singaporeans "how well they have done against the odds", the Economist wrote, adding that the Golden Jubilee celebrations "will be one hell of a 50th birthday party".
Some international broadcasters decided to focus instead on the lighter aspects of the Republic's 50th-birthday celebrations.
For instance, American news network CNN published an online list of 50 things to love about Singapore - including the hybrid language of Singlish, which combines English, dialect and other languages, as well as quirky behaviour, such as using packets of tissue paper to reserve seats at hawker centres.
CNBC ran an online report on cool products that have sprouted up in celebration of SG50 - such as a board game called Game of Chope and a smartphone application that directs users to historical places of interest in Singapore.
Closer to home, The Star Online ran an essay by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong headlined "Separate but mutually prospering".
"Singapore and Malaysia have found ways to live and work together since parting 50 years ago," Mr Lee wrote in the newspaper.
Bernama news wire reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak - accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and senior officials - attended the National Day Parade.
The Sydney Morning Herald carried an online article describing the Republic's journey through tumultuous times, noting that "Singapore has thrived by joining spiritual values with respect for the rule of law".
Agence France-Presse (AFP) wrote that Mr Lee's absence from the parade would be marked by a bouquet of flowers placed on his seat, and a five-minute video tribute about his life and political career played at the start of the event.
AFP added that the People's Action Party, which Mr Lee co-founded, has "ruled uninterrupted since independence, and is widely credited with turning Singapore into one of the world's richest countries", but has also been criticised for silencing free speech.
A carnival to bond 'one united people'
PM hails multicultural society at National Day event organised by Malay/Muslim groups
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 9 Aug 2015
As a dikir barat performance unfolded on stage to the thunderous beat of Malay drums, children flocked to stalls to have their faces painted and their hands decorated with little henna swirls and flowers.
They were at a National Day observance ceremony and carnival organised by some 30 Malay/Muslim groups and partner organisations to bring people from various communities together in celebration of Singapore's Golden Jubilee.
As a 1,500-strong crowd watched, many with smartphones in the air to capture the moment, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong struck a beduk, a traditional Malay drum, kicking off the festivities to applause.
In a short speech in Malay and English, Mr Lee paid tribute to the pioneer generation and successive generations for helping build a harmonious multiracial society, where each group maintains its culture and traditions while coming together to forge one Singapore identity.
He noted how 50 years ago, the people of Singapore "were determined to build a multiracial society, where every citizen is equal, regardless of race, language or religion".
"It was why we left Malaysia. It was the fundamental reason for Singapore to exist as a nation."
Five decades on, Singaporeans have succeeded in building a harmonious, multiracial society.
"We kept the faith between Government and the people," he said.
Mr Lee noted that people had high expectations of the Government, and the Government, on its part, did its best to serve the people.
"Together, we have journeyed from the Third World to First, and that's why today, we can be happy to celebrate SG50," he added.
He also noted that the event was an important and significant way to mark Singapore's 50th birthday.
While Malay/Muslim groups took the lead to organise the event, self- help groups from the other major communities - the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Sinda and the Eurasian Association - were also part of the festivities.
Said Mr Lee: "It shows the success of our multiracial society, it shows that our minorities are confident of our place in Singapore and proud of our nation. It shows that all of us can stand together as Singaporeans celebrating SG50, and making Singapore succeed as one united people.
"Long may we continue to be successful, long may this peace and harmony continue, and long may we go forward as one united people."
Mr Lee and Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim visited stalls set up by community groups showcasing their activities over the years. They also put the finishing touches on two batik pieces, guided by veteran artist Sarkasi Said, who was teaching the traditional art form to children from Jamiyah Children's Home.
Dr Yaacob, who is Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, told reporters: "This is a truly multiracial event that captures the essence of what we are all about. After 50 years, we have been able to strengthen our social fabric, and I think this is an exemplification of the values that we hold dear.
"The whole basis of multiculturalism has to be reaffirmed, and doing so on the eve of National Day, when we celebrate our 50th anniversary, is timely and very meaningful for all Singaporeans."
The event saw performers from various