Today is 9th August 2024, it’s Singapore’s National Day, our 59th birthday! First and foremost, wishing Singapore a Happy 59th Birthday! As Singapore celebrates her 59th birthday today, I would be sharing my thoughts and feelings in this article. As for my photography adventures of National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 rehearsals, you can visit my TGH Photography and Travel website.
There are a lot of topics to discuss about Singapore, from the local economy to world economy, to daily matters such as cost of living, arts and cultural, maturity as a society and nation, education and training, adapting and repositioning itself as a developed country facing a new era of technological, economical and political disruptions, challenges and uncertainties.
On a personal note, I chose a few areas that were much closer to my heart and mind for my Happy 59th Birthday Singapore article today.
A new era of leadership has begun for Singapore
The dawn of a new era of leadership in Singapore with a new prime minister, PM Lawrence Wong taking over the reins of leading Singapore. We are now in a transition period from the 3rd generation leadership to the new 4th generation leadership, in the midst of new challenges around the world and also for Singapore.
In PM Lawrence Wong first National Day message on 8th August 2024 (watch it here on YouTube), we got to hear his thoughts, views, also a preview of his strategies, plans and directions for Singapore.
How would this new era of leadership for Singapore be like? How would Singapore adapt and change for a new era facing different sets of unique challenges and environments? While there are uncertainties, there are also new opportunities ahead.
World geo-politics getting more difficult and challenging
The world geo-politics around the world are getting more difficult and challenging, from conflicts and political tensions, it’s a big worry and concern for the rest of the world. We cannot rest on our laurels, we cannot be complacent, as those situations can impact and affect Singapore on a number of fronts.
Slowing world economy
A slowing world economy is worrying for Singapore. On top of that, being a developed economy, we are not going to get high GDP growth like a developing country. The retrenchment news around the world might not immediately or directly impact the person on the street, the eventual macro financial and economical impacts would be felt down the road.
No matter whether you are a person on the street, small or medium business, or a big company, we have to adapt, adjust and face head on the slowing world economy and its impacts.
Forward Singapore (Forward SG)
Forward Singapore (Forward SG) was launched in June 2022. How would Singapore take this Forward SG together into the next era of growth and development facing many challenges, uncertainties and geo-political issues?
From 3rd world to 1st world, Singapore had made great strides and achievements. How can Singapore maintain and sustain this status, to bring the country to next level as a developed country?
How can we Singaporeans map our own new roadmap and direction for Singapore, writing our new chapter in Singapore’s story with Forward SG? How can we (regardless of which generation that you are in) play our own individual and collective role in Forward SG?
A lot of food for thought, for everyone of us here in Singapore.
Happy 59th Birthday Singapore!
Once again, wishing Singapore a Happy 59th Birthday and to fellow Singaporeans a Happy National Day 2024 celebration and festivities! While we celebrate Singapore’s birthday and achievements, we also need to take stock of ourselves on all levels, unite together and move Forward SG, writing a new chapter for ourselves.
Majulah Singapore, let’s go Forward SG!