Denemek ALTIN - Özgür

Reflections on Singapore's 60th birthday

The Straits Times

|

September 01, 2025

The old guard wrote their stories, and for our generation, we will have our own stories to pass down

- Michael Han

Reflections on Singapore's 60th birthday

About one month has passed since we celebrated our 60th year of nation-building.

One of the highlights was the many National Day Parade attendees who held up placards with the opening phrase, "I want to____".

One enthused participant wrote: I want to make my country and my family proud. Another read: I want to get Als.

A child expressed this undaunted hope: I want to have world peace.

A few of the messages were more down to earth. I want to get a good number for BTO (Build-To-Order flat). I want to have another baby. I want to win $10 million Toto.

As fireworks and fly-bys filled the Marina Bay skyline on Aug 9, Singaporeans' hopes and dreams lifted spirits and warmed hearts with levity and optimism.

As I was browsing through the coverage in The Straits Times, the wish of a little girl caught my attention: I want to be a part of a positive change.

That nudged me to reflect. Aren't we all part of a positive change in whatever roles we play in this country? Whether we are students or lifelong learners, spouses or parents, employees or employers, social workers or civil servants, the journey of nation-building is like a relay race.

The generation before us ran that race as pioneers and founders after securing full independence.

At some point, they passed the baton to the next generation. And the next generation stands ready to run with it.

We have been running this relay-marathon since then, striving to build a place that we and our children can call home.

FOOLS AND IMMORTALS

Some years back, I read the 2022 book, The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals Of Lee Kuan Yew, edited by former ST news editor Peh Shing Huei.

The Straits Times'den DAHA FAZLA HİKAYE

The Straits Times

STI slips 0.8% amid regional losses after US tariff escalation

Decliners beat advancers 440 to 209 across broader market

time to read

1 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Resuming Kaiboy to pick up where he left off

Oct 15 South Africa Durbanville) form analysis

time to read

4 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Recent incidents at mosques a reminder of how precious racial and religious harmony is

I was concerned after reading recent reports of disturbing incidents where suspicious parcels possibly containing pork were left at mosques ('Playing with fire': Suspicious parcels with meat sent to several mosques, Sept 26).

time to read

1 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

China's new export curbs may deal a heavy blow worldwide

Rules impact arms manufacturers in particular, drawing concern in Europe

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Shanmugam to deliver ministerial statement on race and religion

Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam will deliver a ministerial statement on race and religion when Parliament sits on Oct 14.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Pickleball Let's go with a bit more noise in exchange for a lot more life

Pickleball, once a niche sport, has surged in popularity across Singapore.

time to read

1 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Construction High-tech precast factories supported through government schemes

We refer to the articles “Once touted as future of construction in Singapore, high-tech precast factories struggling” (Sept 20); and “Critical to communicate, standardise, review if S'pore wants to raise construction productivity” (Oct 5).

time to read

1 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Work begins on HDB flats not announced for sale yet in Tampines and upcoming Berlayar estate

Hundreds of new HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flats that have yet to be announced for sale are being built in Tampines and the upcoming Berlayar estate — a residential area being developed at the site formerly occupied by Keppel Club.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Poor Scotland have to be 'at a higher standard'

Scotland coach Steve Clarke was angered by his side's \"poor\" performance as they ground out a 2-1 home win over Belarus on Oct 12 to stay in contention for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

time to read

3 mins

October 14, 2025

The Straits Times

Girl, 15, among five caught vaping after feedback on hot spots

Following reports from the public, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) identified vaping hot spots in Khatib, Yishun and Punggol and fined five people for vaping.

time to read

1 min

October 14, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size