THE past 50 years have seen Singapore take a monumental leap forward.
I was a 17-year-old trainee teacher when this tiny island began its journey as a newly independent country in 1965.
The initial relief and joy on being ejected from Malaysia after a tumultuous two-year union gave way to deep apprehension when the way forward was fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Defence was a huge concern then. If any neighbouring country launched an attack, our tiny armed forces would find it very difficult to defend our borders.
Racial relations were in tatters. The police, with the help of dedicated public social agencies, had a very taxing, delicate and tricky task of mending inter-racial and ethnic ties.
Economically, we had to look for direct foreign investments, in a major thrust to industrialise and provide jobs for our people.
The building of public housing began in earnest to accommodate thousands who lived in squalid, closely packed and highly flammable attap-roof wooden houses.
Money to finance education, public transport, healthcare, and public amenities had to be sourced and properly budgeted.
As the Government got right down to meeting each new challenge with dedication, I watched with trepidation at first, and then with relief, surging confidence and admiration.
Its commitment of purpose overrode restrictions and complexities that would deter and enfeeble those without steely determination and resolve.
Singapore's ascendancy from a Third World backwater to a First World bustling metropolis was achieved in stellar fashion.
The Government and its people, working seamlessly and resolutely, overcame gargantuan obstacles in a continuing quest to improve the living standards and life of all Singaporeans.
The journey ahead is equally complex and taxing. New issues in the interconnected global world have to be looked into with the same diligence and innovative mindset, and new solutions have to be found.
As we celebrate our 50 years of independence and achievement, we must not allow complacency, divisiveness, and sectional pulls and pushes to deflect us from the unity of aim, purpose and direction to build an even better Singapore in the next half century.
I wish Singapore the very best as it celebrates its 50th birthday with aplomb, serenity and joy.
Ho Kong Loon
I was a 17-year-old trainee teacher when this tiny island began its journey as a newly independent country in 1965.
The initial relief and joy on being ejected from Malaysia after a tumultuous two-year union gave way to deep apprehension when the way forward was fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Defence was a huge concern then. If any neighbouring country launched an attack, our tiny armed forces would find it very difficult to defend our borders.
Racial relations were in tatters. The police, with the help of dedicated public social agencies, had a very taxing, delicate and tricky task of mending inter-racial and ethnic ties.
Economically, we had to look for direct foreign investments, in a major thrust to industrialise and provide jobs for our people.
The building of public housing began in earnest to accommodate thousands who lived in squalid, closely packed and highly flammable attap-roof wooden houses.
Money to finance education, public transport, healthcare, and public amenities had to be sourced and properly budgeted.
As the Government got right down to meeting each new challenge with dedication, I watched with trepidation at first, and then with relief, surging confidence and admiration.
Its commitment of purpose overrode restrictions and complexities that would deter and enfeeble those without steely determination and resolve.
Singapore's ascendancy from a Third World backwater to a First World bustling metropolis was achieved in stellar fashion.
The Government and its people, working seamlessly and resolutely, overcame gargantuan obstacles in a continuing quest to improve the living standards and life of all Singaporeans.
The journey ahead is equally complex and taxing. New issues in the interconnected global world have to be looked into with the same diligence and innovative mindset, and new solutions have to be found.
As we celebrate our 50 years of independence and achievement, we must not allow complacency, divisiveness, and sectional pulls and pushes to deflect us from the unity of aim, purpose and direction to build an even better Singapore in the next half century.
I wish Singapore the very best as it celebrates its 50th birthday with aplomb, serenity and joy.
Ho Kong Loon
