Mayor Zai's Blog

The weekend's events

Over the weekend, I attended a few events that were very meaningful and fun.

The first one was on a Saturday morning - The event that I attended was the “Fun on Foot” This event attracted more than 2000 people. It was a competition on finding out 'Singapore's first'. This event was part of the Heritage Fest this year.

I found the project to be a very good way of finding out more about our culture and heritage. It was interactive and interesting. This was a 'hands on' approach adopted in discovering more about Singapore. I am glad to see such activities being organised, as they would help to instill in us, especially in our young, awareness of our rich history and appreciation for who we are.

I can see that the move towards having a sense of belonging and a sense of attachment is happening here. It is not something that can be developed over night but it is definitely can be built up over the years. There are lots of new ideas and bottoms up initiatives that are emerging that involve participation of groups and individuals and I am really excited about this development.

As part of the event, I was invited to view the new exhibits entitled “Beauty in Asia” at the Asian Civilisation Museum. The ACM is a place that I think all Singaporeans should be very proud of... there is so much talent, capabilities and knowledge that had gone into turning this museum to what it is today. And I would recommend that all of us should visit it to find out more.

My day did not end there because I attended another meaningful event at the Esplanade Park. I was the GOH at the “The Boys Brigade CARES 2007” which was held at the Esplanade Park on Saturday afternoon. The members of the Boys Brigade brought the elderly and young children from our local welfare homes on the “Duck” and “Hippo” Tours. I was glad to see that our young people were sincere and enthusiastic in contributing to society in such a worthwhile manner. I am sure that friendships were formed while the boys and the elderly interacted and I hope they had something to learn from each other.

I was also heartened to see the “not-so-young” from the alumni of the Boys Brigade was active too, by coming back to contribute and guide the current members. This augurs well for BB. I would to congratulate the Boys Brigade's for on their sixtieth anniversary. 

On a separate note, it was reported recently in the papers that a foreign student was taunted and made-fun-of in school for being different and also speaking with an accent. Such incidents remind us that discrimination is very real. We cannot take for granted the peace and harmony that we enjoy at present. As the situation around the world changes and becomes more complex, we will faced with new challenges brought about by new technologies, influx of foreigners and workers. Thus, it is critical that we continue to play our part to ensure that the delicate balance of harmony that we had painstakingly build all these years do not get jeopardized. In particular, we must teach our young to be mindful and be sensitive. Always be opened minded and speak about issues freely yet responsibly.