“MY (The) Singapore Spirit
- Theme for National Day Parade 2011 -

As the clock in Melbourne strikes 12 midnight, I celebrate my motherland's birthday many miles away from home. Rather than subscribe to THE Singapore Spirit, I'd prefer to call it MY Singapore Spirit. It adds a personal touch and a greater sense of belonging.

Much has been said about what constitutes a Singapore Spirit. As follows are the building blocks that make up what I come to call as MY Singapore Spirit:

(1) COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Singapore has come a long way since independence in 1965. One crucial ingredient to our success has been our staunch commitment to excellence. We are always gunning for Number 1, be it our airport, seaport or even in academic pursuits such as Mathematics/ Science Olympiads. When we purify our NEwater, we also want to do better: so we added the UV light process to an already world-class process. The Singapore Inc. brand has this commitment to excellence imbued in it or in Singlish terms, one may call it "kiasu".

(2) SENSE OF PRIDE
Much as Singaporeans (myself) like to complain, we are actually happy with our lifestyles knowing that we're better off in many aspects (compared to other nations in the world). We are proud of our achievement and in being Singaporean (even though we are much more subtle about it). As an international student, universities here like to cite Singapore as a model example in many aspects. As such, when professors discuss about Singapore in lectures, I feel a sense of pride. Of course, when Singapore is criticized, I do stand up for Singapore and rebut their claims if they prove unfounded.

(3) PEOPLE POWER
Singapore is a nation built by migrants from all over the world. We cherish meritocracy and value talent as people is our only resource. I am glad for the education that I have received in Singapore, thereby allowing me to hold my own on the global stage. The attention we give to nurturing people is almost second to none in the world. Singapore is always accepting, always opening our doors to talent who wish to join us in our pursuit for a better future. This being said, we'll have to continue to attract talent in order to grow.

(4) HUNGER FOR SUCCESS
Critics argue that Singaporeans are becoming complacent having lived in a glass house. I beg to differ. Singaporeans are still hungry for success and never rest on our laurels. Even for myself, I strive to achieve the top marks in my grade and keep the Singapore flag flying high. The young knows that in order to survive, we have to compete. And to compete well, we need in us the thirst for success that can drive us to surmount any obstacles that come our way.

(5) MULTICULTURALISM
Singaporeans value multiculturalism, having been exposed to the culture of various races from young. The food especially, proves to be a glue that somehow binds all Singaporeans together. I agree that Mee Goreng is one of the most iconic Singaporean dish. Reason? It's a dish that has a Malay name, uses Chinese noodles as its core ingredient and is best served by an Indian. Enough said. We live and breathe multiculturalism. We also know that in order for us to prosper, we must move together as a team regardless of race, language or religion. Our fates are intertwined especially in today's unpredictable globalised world.

These 5 elements of MY Singapore Spirit are what we as a nation have to nurture in our younger generations and also sustain it within our populace.

As we overseas Singaporeans celebrate here in Melbourne later today, I'd just like to say:

HAPPY 46th BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

Here's the NDP 2011 Theme Song - In A Heartbeat: