01 Aug 2010
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR TAN HUNG SENG AT THE 45TH NATIONAL DAY AND BUKA PUASA DINNER RECEPTION AT THE RESIDENCE, 15 AUGUST 2010
A very good afternoon, friends and fellow Singaporeans. I am delighted that you are able to join us for this evening's reception. This year, we are combining the celebration of our nation's 45th birthday and buka puasa with our Muslim friends. The fact that we are celebrating a national and a community event together is testament of Singapore's unique character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society as well as a maturing nation. I am particularly pleased to see this sense of belonging and harmony within our small community in Egypt.
2 The theme for this year's National Day Parade, which we will be watching together shortly after this, is "Live our Dreams, Fly our Flag". This is indeed a very appropriate theme as we reflect upon Singapore's forty-five years of nation-building, which incidentally, represents a tiny speck in the vast canvass of the history of human civilisation. Every one of us is familiar with Singapore's national flag but how many of us remember the meaning and significance of the features? As we celebrate National Day, allow me to take this opportunity to jolt our memories. The red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man; white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue; the crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant; and the five stars stand for our nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
3 So, as we "fly our flag" this year, let us be reminded of these values and aspirations. Let us also be quietly proud of what we have achieved. Despite our small size and lack of natural resources, Singapore has developed into a first-world city and a key node in Asia. Singapore has also become a trusted brand name for efficiency, quality and integrity. As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted in his National Day message, "let us celebrate our achievements as one united people. We can be proud of what we have attained, but we must keep learning from others, improve in every area and strive hard to achieve our future goals. Tomorrow's Singapore must be better than today's".
4 Next, what does it mean to "live our dreams"? At the Marine Parade National Day Dinner on 7 August, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had eloquently addressed this question. In his speech, SM Goh observed that the expectations and dreams of younger Singaporeans, or Generation Y, have changed. They are placing more emphasis on leading a rounded, fulfilling life beyond the conventional 5Cs of cash, credit cards, car, condominium and country club membership. SM Goh said that if he has to reinvent the 5Cs, his dream "is to help create the conditions for a generation of Singaporeans to have a good Career, live in Comfort, surrounded by Children, and be Considerate and Charitable".
5 As I hope that you will find time to read SM Goh's speech, I will only highlight the last two Cs, namely, to be considerate and charitable. Being considerate and charitable is also very much in line with the spirit of Ramadan, which we are celebrating today. SM Goh has defined these two Cs as follows: "Being considerate includes having regard for the feelings and needs of others in our speech and action"; and "Being charitable is not just about giving money but your time and effort to help the less fortunate. It means compassion and empathy for others in difficulties". Being considerate and charitable are important qualities that underpin the foundation of Singapore as a harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
6 In this context, I would like to highlight the "Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund". Many of you may already be familiar with the Fund, which has provided pocket money for recess to thousands of needy students over the last ten years. This year, it aims to help more than 12,000 students. I would like to encourage all of us to contribute to this worthwhile cause. If you have not already done so, we have placed a donation box at the reception table for your convenience. As the Singapore community in Egyp, let all of us play our small part in helping our fellow Singaporeans. To kick-start the donation drive, the Singapore Embassy staff will collectively make a contribution of LE 7000. This is an opportunity for those of us who have done better to extend a helping hand to our fellow Singaporeans who are less privileged.
7 Before concluding, I want to extend a special welcome to the newly arrived students. This year, we have a bumper crop of 52 new students. I would like to encourage each and every one of you to study hard, stay active in PERKAMAS and be connected to Singapore. The Embassy and your seniors are always ready to help you during your time in Egypt. Finally, let me conclude by wishing everyone a Happy National Day and Ramadan Kareem. Thank you.
. . . . .