MyStory

Mdm Neo Bian Hong
"I want Singapore to be on the wish list of every individual … a must-visit in a lifetime."

National Heritage Board: Project on self-governance
Pre-interview sharing: Mdm Neo Bian Hong's mother gave birth to Mdm Neo at her home, but was aware that babies born on that date in KK received a gift. She is not sure what the gift is.

You know, my mother wasn't really, an educated person. So she doesn't know, but she knows something was celebrating on that particular day. referring to her birthdate.

So she knows there's something very significant?

She said something very significant for the country. But she did not know what was that. And when I was very young I just don't understand. So I realised it recently when there was some publication in the newspaper... and I realised that, hey, it's the same date as my birthdate!

So now it all clicked and came together.

It will be good to find out how many of us are born on that particular date.

So far we've found only three. But national statistics show that there should be over a hundred babies born.

On that particular date. Maybe some of them are not in town. Cos a lot of my friends are actually overseas.

Do you have anyone who shares the same birthday as you?

No, no. I'm not aware of, so far.

Where were you born?

Time?

Where?

My house.

Where do you stay?

Beach Road, which is nearby here.

Was it one of those shophouses?

Yes. Right. My father was running some business, selling rice.

So he was a businessman?

Yes, merchant. At that time they call merchant. I don't know why. So he was a businessman.

Did your mother ever share with you why she chose not to come to KK but stayed at home and give birth instead?

I guess traditionally that was the way.

Was that?

For all her kids.

How many of you were there?

We have about, including myself, seven.

Seven children. So, which, in order of hierarchy, you are number?

Number...  I have two brothers, elder brothers, two elder sisters, one younger sister, one younger brother.

So that's No. 5

No. 5. But I'm lucky in the sense that I have elder brothers, sisters, younger brother, sister, where I can experience different kind of ...

Different kinds of relationships?

Relationship.

I find it really interesting that your mother gave birth to you in your home, rather than come to KK. And KK is actually quite near! She's not like, living in some rural village where she has to travel out.

We used to stay in town. But she was from the countryside I guess.

Did she ever describe to you how it was like giving birth to a child at home?

Unfortunately, no. I think, traditionally, at that time, parents don't share all this with their kids, I think.

There's a lot of reservation.

I think they are quite a conservative type.

But for your two younger siblings, do you remember how it was like?

My younger one, I think. Definitely my younger brother, I can remember. It's in KK. Ya, but my sister, which is two years younger than me, I don't think I can remember.

You were still very young then.

I think I was three then.

So, now that you know you were born on the same date as the national flag, and the national anthem, and the coat-of-arms were unveiled, how do you feel about it?

I feel honoured to be sharing the same birthday. I sort of, you know. Growing with the nation, at the same time, and you see the development, the change from a..., I won't say kampong because I stay in a city. So it's the low rise kind of building and then turn into a urban city now. In fact, the place that I was living, I used to live, all the high rise buildings opposite Gateway, so you can see the changes around you ... It become a hotel belt in the area now.

How much do you know about Singapore's journey to nationhood? Could you share your feelings on this bit of history?

Not really familiar, because I think at that time, where 1955 to 1965 I was still very young. What I can vaguely remember is that at that time, there are a lot of racial issues.

You actually remember?

Remember, because when I was young, I was in primary school. My school also nearby my house.

Which one was that?

Nan Hua. And before I went to Nan Hua, I have attended a school that is just a stone's throw away from my house, walking distance, Xing Hua. I think now they shifted somewhere else. And we used to live in the area that is near Malay Kampong. You know, Arab street there.

Yes, Kampong Glam.

So we are in the borderline of Malay community and Chinese community ... I think there were quite an excitement at that time, there are some curfew around, we are not supposed to go out of our house. When we were young, we were asked not to even stare at the window, to peep at what is happening outside.

Also not allowed.

Not allowed. I mean, they are worried that something do happen if we step out of the house. So I guess at that time there were some tensions between the two races. So I vaguely remembered that, that was primary school time. And we do... the school did ask us to bring some food to school as well. Biscuits. Just in case, just in case, for that particular day, you are not allowed to go back for whatever reason, maybe there are some uncertainties outside the street. Then you may have to stay back in school and these are the food to sustain you for the rest of the day. So I thought, it's something very... I think it's deep inside my mind that I can remember at that kind of age. But other than that, it's different kind of lifestyle that we have now.

Do you recall experiencing any dangerous situations when you talk about racial tensions?

In fact, in fact, not so bad because I think, we have neighbours, Chinese, Malay, Indian, so we live quite peacefully. In a way, community way kind of living, you know last time, Beach Road those shophouses, it's like, you have different lanes, you have few units, everybody knows each other. So whose family has new baby they also know. Whether you are Chinese, you are Malay, they know. So we know each other actually. So in that kind of community it's different from now, I'll say.

So you have different races living side by side together. So the tensions were not there during the..

No, no, it's only on a particular day where suddenly I don't know why you are not allowed out of the streets.

So who will inform you that you are not allowed to go out?

The parents.

So will that affect the neighbours' children as well?

I think so, everybody is quite worried, but when we were young, we don't know, we don't worry about all this. We thought, something is different.

But it struck you very deeply.

Yes, yes. I think that's why until today I still can remember these few incidents here and there.

And I think at that time, mostly are Chinese speaking. If you are Chinese, you notice those people are speaking dialect and typically you can speak few dialects.

What about yourself?

Two or three dialects. Because my area used to be a Teochew community and they used to speak Teochew. I'm a Hokkien. But always when I start speaking they will think I'm a Teochew.

So you pick up Teochew by living with them.

 We have Indian neighbours, Malay neighbours also. My parents used to be able to speak very good Malay. Even my brothers, my sisters they can speak, except me. I don't know why. And then of course most of the Chinese speak Mandarin. English is hardly used. Those are the days that I can remember, these are the different things. And we used to see floods, rainy days.

What about your Malay neighbours, do they speak dialects?

Some of them can speak our language, you will be surprised. You know, the mamak stalls, they can speak our dialects.

Mamak stalls are those run by the Indians.

Indians. They can speak our language. They used to tuck at the corner of the shophouses. That's where the place where all the children go to, buy their candies, their titbits. It's different from now that we have to go to supermarkets, to choose, and then it's arranged, organised nicely in the shelves.

So through your fifty years in Singapore, what are some of the biggest changes you see?

Biggest changes. Development. Infrastructure. Development. I will say a lot of changes. Things like in the past, we used to take bus. Bus no air-con, car no air-con. Now, I think our younger generation is much luckier, including yourself.

Actually I miss the non-aircon buses.

Huh!

Ya, because I get very cold in the air-conditioned buses.

Ok. So I think that is the major changes. In the past no train, and you wait for a bus, you take a very long journey from one place to another place. So I guess that is the major change. The other thing is the, our airline, also something that is well-known. World class. In the past you, I think for those people, we don't have chance to go overseas. In the past, people don't normally travel overseas. And the airport is at Paya Lebar. Now it's in Changi Airport and the size is so huge. So comfortable.

Do you remember the start of the Singapore Airlines?

No, I wasn't involved. And we have no chance to even take a train to go overseas. When you talk about overseas, people normally travel from here to Malaysia by bus or by train. Ya, at that time.

So that is a big change, in the lifestyle.

Big change, the lifestyle, the transportation system. I will say, and also the buildings. I think at that time people used to stay in those shophouses... I don't remember when I was young that is a HDB flat. I think the first town developed was in Toa Payoh. That's the first few batch that people staying in the high rise, taking lifts.

And taking lift is a thrill you know. At that time. Serious.

Do you remember the first time you take the lift?

Ya, it's a thrill! I remember, that you know, my first primary school, next to my first primary school there is an association with a lift. And the lift is those kind of collapsible kind of door, that you have to open two doors in order to get into the lift, then you have to close two doors, then you go up. Sometimes we do, actually, taking those kind of lifts as a thrill ride.

Would you purposely go there just to take the lift?

Sometimes we do! I mean it's something really different. People at this age will laugh at us.

No, actually when I was a kid, I would run to ... I can't remember which hotel, they have those bubble lifts outside. So we will just take up and down!

Oh! So that's erm, and then the Seven Storey Hotel used to be opposite my house, that's another lift that we tried.

Were you ever chased out by the hotel manager?

No, no, no.

They didn't realise that it was children playing with the lift?

We are quite conscious, actually. If we have things to do, we go in, and then, last time it was not a hotel you know, they were selling some cigarettes kind of, selling come kind of, cigarette... selling certain things, currently I think tear down already. Previously they were selling steamboat.. I think the trade change and the owner also changed. But the shape is still the same. That was, that hotel was the hotel that I can remember also, when they tear down. I was there when the hotel was there.

So when you go to take the lift, do you go with your friends or siblings?

Friends and siblings. And I think living in city, last time people living in city, because we are lucky we live in city, we got many theatres around. They call, cinema. At that time I don't know, cinema or theatre, that you can pay fifty cents or what and you can get inside and watch movie and the movie is the kind of, really film type.

Where would you go to watch these?

There is a hotel near the.. currently occupied by Shaw House. It was a cinema and a low rise one. But they tear it down. But I can't remember the name. It's not Capitol. Capitol was one of the earlier ones that survive later. This is the previous one.

What about Cathay, do you go to Cathay?

Cathay, I can't remember. Because my house is so near, we just go across. And the Satay Club. We just need to walk, and we reach the Satay Club and there is the place, at that time our shopping centre. Or at that time, dining area.

Can you remember what Satay Club was like?

It's a lot of stalls around, and then they, making satay on the spot for you, I mean, they heat up the satay on the spot for you, and then you can just hang around, stick around the stalls. It's not so well structured and organised.

It's like an outdoor market.

Ya, ya.

Would they come out only during evenings or would they be there through the day?

I only remember at night we go over.

With your family?

Ya, right.

To go to Satay club, would be it right to say that it was like an outing?

Yes, big outing. At our time, normally it's, I will say, normally you eat in. Home cooked food. You have chance to go out, it's a big thing.

What was your favourite satay then?

Hmm. Chicken.

Chicken. Were there any particular stall holders that you watch out for?

No.  I think it's the same.. it's just that different stall.

What was the atmosphere like?

It's like.. it's just an outdoor eatery kind of setting. And facing the sea. The sea now is reclaimed. Previously it was nearer.

Among all these changes that you mentioned, is there anything you miss about Singapore from the past?

All the heritage. You know the National Theatre. We used to see the shape. And then they tear it down.

Where else? Library? The first National Library. I still can remember when we were in secondary school, we used to go there, and sometimes we stay around to study. Ya, these are past old good times we went through.

Why would you miss these buildings? Because you mentioned, both are buildings.

When they disappearing from our sight. Because nowadays library, you have in different towns. Like Bishan have Bishan library. It's decentralised. Last time it was centralised. So I guess, previously a lot of things centralised. Now a lot of things decentralised. In satellite towns.

You mentioned heritage. So it's like vanishing landmarks. Is that right? Why do you think it's important?

It's actually. It's something that registers, something the past, that you actually go through, and bring back your sweet memories at that time. It's also part and parcel of childhood life, growing up.

Besides this, would there be anything else you would miss?

I would say, those food that next to road side. Roadside stalls. It's authentic. It's really authentic. In the sense that these people are really good in that particular food and they set up the stall there, and they cook. And there's another type of stall, is they move from one area to the other area, and they used to carry with them, and then that particular time, they come to that area and sell their food.

I used to remember this old man that's carrying, two containers of food, one is laksa, one is mee siam. Then he will carry, if you want your food, they will scoop it out and serve you. All the way, all the shophouses.

Up and down the lanes?

Ya, ya.

Catering service!

It's like door-to-door service! It's different from now. You cannot find all these now. And you used to see the ice cream stalls when you were young and the ice cream stalls, go round the area to sell the ice cream. It's those good old days, good memories.

I think that's one that most of the interviewees miss - the food.

Food, yes yes, it's different. No matter how good they can cook now. It's different from the previous.

What do you think is the reason?

I do not know why. It's the chef there that's different. Maybe the chef go through different, I won't say training, maybe the way they are being trained to cook, and the way they cook is different. Last time I don't think they use gas cooker. They use charcoal or ... it's different way of cooking.

The taste will be different?

Ya, it's different.

Are there changes that you find positive? Could you share them with us?

I guess some... all the development that we have. And I think just quote example like housing development. I think that's something really helped the Singaporeans or whoever lived here, towards a better life. I think, in the past, I do not know whether you know, that normally the house toilets, they had to use the 36 door kind of containers to chuck away the waste. I mean, with the HDB flat, you got all those automatic flushing system. That's something that's really great.

The clean and green city, I think it's something that we are doing very good. In fact a lot of overseas cities, is amazed the way we actually clean our country.

Back to this housing thing, you mentioned that you stayed in a shophouse at Beach Road. So at this shophouse, what were the kind of toilets that you used?

Bucket type, bucket system. Initially when I was young. Later on, changed to those flushing system. Much later on.

When did you move away?

Move away from?

From Beach Road.

Until government resettlement.

When was that, roughly?

I think in the 80s. 80s, 90s, like that.

So you would have been in your late twenties?

Late twenties, around thirty. After I married, the house still there, I think it's about maybe in my thirties, beginning thirties, the house disappeared.

So when you move, did you move to a high-rise?

No, I moved to a walk-up apartment, and now I stay in a landed property. So I don't used to take lift. I still miss the lift!

So your lift experience is still confined to a very short distance!

Another thing that I think impress a lot is the cleaning up Singapore River. In the past it's quite dirty. And also the flooding. I told you when we were young, we used to play in the water, raining day. We used to play, raining day. Because I think at that time the infrastructure wasn't there, it used to flood. Every time raining it will flood.

You were quite near the sea right?

Yes, it used to flood. So what we do is that we will, I mean, we always will have to remove our shoes and walk in the ... sometimes even what more, you drop into the drain.

Has that ever happened to you?

Yes, yes! Because you cannot see. Sometimes it can go up to this level. Especially when you are, let's say, you are Primary School and you are quite small, and little one. It do happen.

So the water actually comes up to your knees?

Yes.

Was that frequent?

Quite frequent.

Would be like, a few times a year?

Can't remember, but I do remember, those times when we really play in the water, but if you talk to parents now, they will not allow their kids to play in the water, but we do have fun at that time!

So the attitude towards the floods would be, 'have a good time'?

Not really. If we have a choice, we would not want to have such... That's why I think it's really something that our government doing the right thing to develop the infrastructure and bring our standard to the next level.

It's been 50 years since Singapore achieved self-governance, and 44 years since Independence. I would like to find out more about your thoughts about Independence.
Singapore has seen three governments during its history - British, Japanese and Malaysian.

Have you ever wondered what it will be like if Singapore is not independent?

Have not thought through. I think the life will be different. The life will be like previously what we have. Because I mean, before independent, things are what I have just described. So I would think that what we have seen today will not be there. Even the progress will not be as fast. Because we are independent, we would want to improve the life of the people, and you personally want to do so, so that all the people are having a good time together. Rather than depends on, I mean, if it's not self governance, it depends on other people to help you to build up the infrastructure; it may not be the first priority in their list. I believe if we were under the British, they got so many countries to look after, you may not be in their first priority list, so your, the progress will not be that fast, and you may not gotten what you wish to, the priority you want to do, development, infrastructure. Self-government, you will know best, what is best for the people here, and also you understand the culture of the people, the thinking of the people, so you know how to strategise and structure, the way we vision our country's progress.

Do you think it's important for Singapore to be independent? Why?

We are already independent.

To remain so?

Yes, certainly. I think this one, no doubt.

Why?

I mean, we have been progressing. So, stay independent. Stay independent, I think we can excel better. Because we are into the right path, and we move higher and further

You think staying independent is a necessary condition?

Yes I would think so. I mean, we have seen the trail of forty-four years, and the growth that we have is exponential, and the track is in the right track.  So that actually proven that we are in the right track.

We have six national symbols - the Flag, National Anthem, Pledge, State Crest, the Lion Head and the National Flower. Which of these symbols mean the most to you? In what way, and why?

I thought all are important right, it's the symbolisation of Singapore. I mean when you see individual, particular one, you can so call, link to the, all these symbols.

Does anyone of them mean more to you? Seem more relevant to you?

If you want me to choose one particular one, I think the flag. I mean, when it stands out, you know it's Singapore! Because some other, lion head or what, from far, if you see from far, you may mistaken it as other, but the flag is very clear, we are the one and only one in the world. Ya, we have a unique flag. And it's very clear and loud and sharp and you can see from far. That's why I thought, if you want me to choose, that is the one that stands out, as compared to the rest. Because the rest, like the lion head, we also have some similar symbols.

Have you ever used the flag?

Yes. National Day. Hang outside the gate. We just taken out.

Why did you do that?

We are proud to be Singaporean, we celebrate! I thought this is something... annually we will do so. I mean, a lot of us doing so. You can see many of them hanging the flag. 

Some do and some don't, but few people really articulate why they do certain things. So this is the bit we are interested in, why do we do the things we do.

I thought we are proud to be Singaporean and we celebrate with the nation. In fact, every year if I can, I want to attend the preview. Sometimes we are given only the preview tickets, we will go and see with my kids. And we never feel bored about that.

With your children? Could I ask how many children you have?

I have two girls.

How old are they?

One is 20, the other one is 17.

So even until now, they would be interested in NDP?

Yes! NDP. If I can't get the ticket, they will be very sad.

Really? They would express it?

It will show on their face! But sometimes we have to draw lots, and so it's something we enjoy doing together, as a family, and celebrate with the nation. Especially the fireworks at the end, there are a lot of stories they tell us during the NDP. I thought it's good, it's an educational tool to.. I mean, last time when they were young, it's an educational tool to, tell them about our history, how we travel so far to reach this stage. It's not from Day No. 1 that you see all these high rise buildings, you have lift to take, and you can take MRT, you have so many cars on the street with aircon. You have so many covered link ways, shelter from rain, cover you all the way ot the school gate, so I think they appreciate that.

Have they ever shared with you why they loved going to NDP?

I guess it's the show, because different year they have different theme they go through. That's why I say they never feel bored. Because it's different year, different thing, and they realise a lot of thing they were not aware of. So it's an educational show. It's the NDP parade. I think the parade part now they cut short, because the parade part is front part, and the rest is the cultural show, different races dance together, especially last year one they tell story also. The year before also... we don't have a chance to sit in the actual date. That is my wish. To really celebrate the actual date with the nation.

What does 'Home' mean to you?

Home? Singapore is my home.

Why?

I'm born here. I was born here, my family are all here. All my siblings are in Singapore. Even my husband's family are all there. So this is our home. That's why so far, I think I have opportunities to go overseas, but I'm still here. Of course, overseas short assignments, I've come back, but I never think of moving away. Like my friend that is quite a long period did not see them. I believe this is my home, from day one until now still my home.

What about the rest of your family members?

Same, they feel the same way. I think we... it's a safe country, and whether you are a young kid, or you are old, everything is taken care of. I mean, our systems are quite structured, we plan for our nation. I mean, I work in government sector I know, we do a lot of planning. We know that there's aging population. And what do we do now is upgrading lift for those people that are having some challenge for walking, physical challenge people, and fix up the lift for HDB estates. And even for LTA we fix up some ramps, for MRT stations, also, upgrading the lifts. These are the things prepared for people. So I thought that our government actually do a lot of planning upfront, we foresee what are we facing, what are we challenging. Like now, they are talking about healthcare, they pay a lot of attention on healthcare. Our government also understands that our people are facing some problem in financing their healthcare. They are reviewing the system. So these are some good things that really come about.

So these are some of the reasons why you see Singapore as the place you want to live in?

Yes. To live, to play, to work for, and to ... you really don't have to worry. Things are there, and you need help, you know, nowadays, you have this town council is there, for whoever lives in the estate, you can always approach them.

When you think about Singapore, what are the first things that come to mind?

I do not know in what aspect you are looking at?

For example, somebody says, 'Singapore', what are the first things that pop to your mind?

I would say, it's, what pop up my mind, for example, is that clean and green city. I mean if you travel, you travel and in overseas and you come back and first thing you say is 'Ahhhh, it's so nice to be home. It's so clean here, so clean here.' So I think this's the first thing in my mind, whether, I'm here or step out of this for a short trip, you still want to come back here because it's clean and green! And you don't have to worry at night you go out, it's very safe here.

It's the security.

Ya, the security. It's very safe here.

If you have a foreign friend coming to Singapore, what are the top three things that you would introduce your friend to?

Food. And then, maybe, I mean, tourist attraction area, those are the things they would normally want to go. The other one is to look at the local way of local food in the hawker centres, localised stuff. These are the friends who come here, normally we would bring them to eat seafood, at East Coast, next to the sea, no more Satay Club. I think those are the places they love to be there, especially those dishes, chilli crab.

Which are the must-try dishes?

Chilli crab. Chicken rice they like also, Satay, some of them like it. I mean, angmoh friends, those foreigner. And I think Orchard Road, those areas, you don't need to bring them. So we normally bring them to those places that they don't use to go. Sometimes we bring them to our house, you know, to eat with the family. The localised stuff. And previously they stay with us, in our house.

You give them a homestay.

Yes, in fact, what did he say, he said that it's different. I think if he had chance to come back here, he don't mind stay with us again. Cos he say hotel style is different. Hotel is very commercial. And then if they happen to come here at this time, we will let them try the mooncakes.

So food is one of the main things. Why would you choose food as one of the main things foreign friends must try?

I guess, when you go overseas right, especially if you go Western countries, local food, Chinese food, even they do have the cloned type. Cloned laksa, cloned chicken, it's different.

Cloned type? Cloned laksa?

The laksa look-alike. But doesn't taste like laksa. So these are the reasons why, food is the main thing that we actually entertain them with. Of course I think sightseeing, general sightseeing of the town, the tourist attractions area, those are the areas they can follow through.

Am I right to say that you feel Singapore's food is really special?

Yes! And they love it. My husband used to have a friend from Mauritius, used to have friends from Australia. Normally we will bring them to all these places. If they bring their spouse, then sometimes we bring them to tourist attractions. But other than that, you know, kids, we would bring them to food. They love it.
Chilli crab. Laksa they don't mind. It's really authentic. Even our own people, you see my nephew went overseas to study, when he come back, first thing, he would walk to the particular stall to eat the char kway teow.

Have you ever been abroad for a period of time? Or on holiday? What do you miss about Singapore when you are away?

Not for me. That's why I say this is my house, my home.

Ok, but even on your short trips right, would there be anything that you miss about Singapore?

Food.

No. 1 food again?

And the security part.

Why food?

Home food? Food related to home.

When you talk about food right, in particular what kind of food? The Singaporean style kind of food? Hawker food or home-cooked food?

Both la, I miss both. Especially when you go overseas and Western countries right, you used to see fast food and burger, but you hardly see noodles, you crave for noodles, Chinese food, soup. You know what I mean?

 Yes, I understand.

Even you bring along the, what do you call that, instant noodles, you feel satisfied. Sometimes you do have to bring, in fact the instant noodles here and the instant noodles elsewhere is different. Local flavour!

You mentioned the security. Why?

It's safer here at night. And you don't have to worry. Whereas in overseas, sometimes you have to worry if you go too far away from the hotel. Because you are not quite sure about the security, especially if you go to places like... I ever go to India, you don't feel secure, even crossing the road is a problem. You can't cross, we can't cross, imagine Singaporeans cannot cross the road. Whereas here, we are very orderly. We have to cross at the traffic light. Down there no light. And my friend had to literally pull me across the road. So I guess the difference here is we are very structured, we are very orderly, and things are within our control. That's why it's called home.

It's a place where you don't really have to worry about how you get things done.

Ya, we are very comfortable.

What does it mean to be a Singaporean to you?

In what way?

If you have to define, being Singaporean means...?

Hmmm. Being Singapore. I do not know what you are referring to. When people look at you, they can tell you are Singaporean?

That could be one way. Or what do you think a Singaporean must be, to be a real Singaporean?

Honest. Integrity. Because I think that's why Singapore brand is there. I mean, when we do... I mean, my husband is doing business. When he goes overseas doing business, why people trust us is that the quality is there. Quality because he must make sure that you know to a certain standard before he release the products to his clients. So he say that we are Singapore brand, we have to make sure our quality reach certain standard before we can release to the user. So I guess being a Singaporean is honest, integrity and competency also. And we know what we are doing. And we honest, what we are doing. And we say what we do, and we really produce what we do.

You think Singaporeans mostly are like this?

I think so.

So far in your dealings?

Dealing with people, even, I thought that's why Singapore brand, that we can raise our flags so high there and everybody come to us. You know, our people are not cheap, but people are recruiting our Singaporeans. Why? Because we have got this quality that not easily to, you can't, you can't.. this are the quality of people that you can't train overnight, it's inside. 

Are there moments you feel proud of Singapore, or to be a Singaporean? Can you share with us these moments?

I think there are a few incidents. I mean, when the first time where our people participate the ASEAN Games, first time the flag fly and that guy who achieved that is Singaporean. So I think we are very proud of that, at that moment.

Did you actually see that?

I see from the TV.

How did you feel then?

I mean, it's not easy to be, achieve that level. And this guy make it. And Ong Peng Siong, the swimmer, he made us proud as well. The swimmer.

The first time we see our flag fly, really fly. And also the many golds that Ong Peng Siong was achieving. The other thing is that recently the Olympic Games, we achieve it, you feel like part of it, when they were celebrating at that, what is that place called? When, they are cheering and bidding for the results.

The Youth Olympics?

Ah, yes, the Youth Olympics, getting it to host, at that moment, at that spur, when you are watching the TV, is it, I am also the one that's cheering for this! We are proud to be Singaporean! That we achieved this. A small dot, a country, can compete with such a big country and we achieve that. And it's not easy. So I think that is, at that spur, you feel very, very proud to be Singaporean.

The other thing is the F1 also, that we are the first one who are actually conducting the night race. And we show our country to the world. Ya, I think, we really very proud of that. I mean, this has never come about, I mean, we have never dream about being able to achieve that.

Just a small dot you know, in the world map. And all this, competing with the big cities.

Big giants.

Ya.

Since us becoming a self-governing country in 1959, Singapore has overcome many different challenges. Even now, we still face challenges in different forms, such as SARS, H1N1, terrorism and economic downturn. For a small country, we are actually quite resilient. What do you think is the main reason Singapore survives challenges and difficulties time and again?

I think there are a few things. Good leaders - that's very important. And the people are willing to listen, believe in the leader, listen to the leader, and then work together as a united people.

Unity.

Unity. I think that's very important.

What do you think we need to do in order to continue overcoming challenges in the future?

Continue with this formula. This is a very good formula! Because I think if you have good leaders, and the follower doesn't listen to you, it will just tear apart. The country will not be in one piece. I mean, it will not be in the same direction, so to be able to work together, to work in the right direction, it's just like steering a ship. Steering a ship is not easy. But when you steer in the right direction, the body, the whole chunk of the body must follow through. Ya, so I think it's very important that the good leadership, as well as the people that believe in you, and follow you, and work together. So I think it's a very good formula. It can apply not only on country, actually on business as well. Leadership is very important. And also the, our government has got very structured way of planning thing, upfront planning.

How do you think we can encourage, promote or foster this sense of unity?

I guess, this one have to start from young. Education. It's very important. And make them feel that they are Singaporean since they are young.

How do you think that will be possible?

Through educational programmes, I think we should have a structured educational programme to actually bring them, to train them, to guide them, to let them understand that being a Singaporean, how did we achieve to this stage. It's through unity that we can reach to this final stage that we have. In order to further grow or what, our people have to gather together, move to the same direction.

Would it be right for me to say that you feel children need to understand where we came from?

Yes. I think showing them the history is the best way of teaching them, that how we reached this stage and what are the process we go through. Because I think the young generation may not went through what we went through. You are still young you know! For me, when I talk to my daughters, I can realise that there's somehow a gap. That our generation didn't go through. I don't know whether we are doing the right thing or not. Because we are too protective. They are being sheltered, too sheltered, so they may not realise that to reach to this current state, there are many men behind doing the work. They are at this end, the receiving end. But they did not experience the appreciation of what have gone through. So actually through education, it will actually help to alert them, to give them some background of how did we achieve this, and in order for them to bring it to the next height, they have to. If we don't want to stay put like that, if no one is going to, to do some, lead the team to move to the next level, they have to understand that. Because I notice that a lot of youngsters tend to go overseas and don't come back.

What about your own children?

Study here.

But are they aware of Singapore's roots, where we came from and how we've changed?

I guess more or less, but I don't think they will given a lot of opportunities, information ... because they are quite young, teenagers. I thought we should actually start training from very young. Make them feel that they are Singaporean.

What hopes and aspirations do you hold for Singapore?

I don't quite get what you mean.

Right now we are at this stage, this is our country, we've come very far. For the next, say for your children, or Singapore ten years down the road, how would you like Singapore to progress? What kind of a Singapore would you like Singapore to become?

I would think that, not just hosting F1, hosting Youth Olympics. Maybe something bigger than that. The actual Olympics Games.

You would like to see Singapore go more international?

Yes. I think it's well known now. I mean, in the past, when I worked in international, I used to work in international firms. When these foreigners came to Singapore, they told me, they told me personally that actually when they came here, they thought Singapore is just like Indonesia, and they were quite amazed that a small country like us is progressed so well. So I believe that we can achieve that if all of us work together. Unity again, to move... I mean, we are moving towards the right direction.

We host F1, we host Youth Olympics, and also I guess that this is the place that everyone's wishlist, want to be here. It's like our wishlist in the past, we want to go to Disneyland when we were young, right? But I would like Singapore to be the country, the wishlist, in the country, this is must-come, one of the wonders in the world, they want to be here.

For the international community?

Yes! For all parts of the world. So we can be one of the wonders of the world, that everyone must visit, before their lifetime.