By Gwendolyn Lovina Oh Rui Yan

Singapore has changed a lot since 50 years ago. 50 years ago, Singapore did not have high-rise buildings, flats, etc. We had only shop houses. But now, Singapore has high-rise buildings, flats and many more establishments.

I am proud to be a Singaporean because Singapore is my homeland. I was born here, and I belong here. Wherever I go, I will always remember that I am, and always will be, a Singaporean. Singapore has become what it is today because of our leaders that time, as well as our forefathers. They had done our nation proud.

Singapore has all kinds of interesting places and tourist attractions. These make me proud of Singapore. When I sing the national anthem and hold my clenched fist to my chest while reciting the pledge, I am filled with pride.

To me, the most important moment in Singapore’s history between 1959 and 2009 was when Singapore gained independence in 1965. On 9 August 1965, Lee Kuan Yew announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. For me, it is a moment of anguish. “All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger,” said Lee Kuan Yew in 1965. The people also had different feelings on the separation. But, we progressed together as one people, one nation, one Singapore to make what Singapore is today.

Fifty years from now I envision Singapore to be just like it is today, only better. Singapore will progress further. There will be more athletes and every year we will win several trophies. The education system in Singapore will have more interaction with technology. The National Day Parade will be grander, too. There will be more fireworks, and the fireworks will spell out ‘Happy Birthday Singapore’ . The parade will also have more high-tech facilities. In order to enable Singapore to progress further in peace and harmony, we have to respect each other’s religions and beliefs. That way, we can continue to work together to strengthen our racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

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