By Luca Bücken live from Singapore.
9 August 2015: the National Day of Singapore celebrations were held in commemoration of the 50th year of city-state’s independence after being expelled from Malaysia in 1965.
Whilst 26,000 people came together in the city centre to witness the military parade, fireworks, and the address of the Prime Minister, more events and festivities were held throughout the entire country.
The streets of Singapore were coloured in red and white as the majority of Singaporeans took pride in wearing the countries national colours, celebrating their nation’s development. In the past decades, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world’s wealthiest countries with a a per capita GDP above $56,000 and 90% home ownership.
The overall theme for SG 50 was “celebration as one people” with the focus on Singapore’s journey and taking pride in the countries achievement. This latter theme was also reflected in the address of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen”.
His statement was also tribute to his father Lee Kuan Yew, who had led Singapore into independence and was its much-respected leader until 1990. The former Prime minister died in March 2015, prompting nationwide mourning.
The parade was held were Singapore’s founding father had held the independence speech, when Singapore was ejected from Malaysia amidst social unrest. The military parade featured 179 vehicles and platforms, while the aerial component included the flypast of 50 aircraft.
The National Day Parade was for the first time since 1969 attended by foreign leaders, as dignitaries from 18 countries, including seven heads of state, were present for the celebrations. The list of invited heads of state and government included HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister John Key from New Zealand.
Other foreign dignitaries and senior foreign representatives included HE Vice-President Li Yuanchao from China and HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, representing Queen Elizabeth II.
Singapore has one diplomatic mission accredited to all three Benelux countries and the EU headed by HE Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan. Deputy Head of Mission is Counsellor Chua Ethan.
For more information
Mission of Singapore to the EU and the Benelux countries: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brussels.html
