MyStory

Dr Ching Wee Soon, 1961
Assistant Manager, Nanyang Polytechnic

National Heritage Board: Project on self-governance Do you know that you share a very important birthday with our country? 3rd December is the date when Singapore’s National Anthem, the new flag and Coat of Arms (State Crest) were first unveiled to the newly-self-governing state. How do you feel about that?

Very happy and honoured to share something in common with our country. I think that this makes the date all the more significant.

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

I think that Singapore has really come a long way, building everything from scratch, from the time where there’s a lot of racial riots, unemployment and all that, to what it is today. I feel that building a nation is already very difficult, let alone a multi-racial country like Singapore. I’m proud to acknowledge the fact that we have overcome all odds and emerged from as a first world nation.

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

It’s important. We have the freedom to do what is right for us, for the best of interest of the people here. Otherwise, it will be hard to come to a compromise for certain decisions, and we would not have progressed at such a fast pace.

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 think the Pledge. It’s very meaningful to say the Pledge. The very fact that the pledge is available in 4 different languages shows that despite our racial differences, we all share the same goals and ideals. The pledge carries a message that lays the foundation and reminds everyone - both young and old- to work towards building a united Singapore.

What are some of the biggest changes between the Singapore of your childhood and now? Could you share more about them?

We have better buildings, better environment, better education system etc. Take our university for example Nobody used to hear of it right? The name National University of Singapore used to be unheard of in other countries. Now it’s within the top 100 ranking worldwide and there are more foreigners sending their children to Singapore to study. This really shows how much we have progressed. Medical system. We are one of the best in the world.

The same goes for transport system. We don’t have that kind of problems that the other countries face - traffic jams and all that. There is more social cohesion now as well. At that time when I was young. I think there were riots around 1960s. I still remember us grouping together to go to a neighbour’s house in case there is any riot outbreak. Back then, I was staying in a kampung in Sembawang called ‘Bah Soon Pah’. I think during the riots, the Chinese were afraid that the Malays would attack them, and vice versa. So they grouped together. My family would gather at a neighbour’s house with a few other families. It was very tense.

Harmony is very important. I think that the people are more mature now. In the past Singaporeans were easily affected by others. Now they can think better. They know what is good and what is not. I think the change is due to Singaporeans travelling around more often and comparing ourselves to other nations. This definitely broadens our horizon and shapes our thinking.

Is there anything you miss about Singapore from the past?

I think at that time the education is not so stressful. We enjoyed learning at our own pace, unlike the children nowadays. Back in those days, school was interesting and relaxing. We didn’t have to study that much and the standard was not as high. On the other hand, children nowadays have to study a lot harder and the society is a lot more competitive. Many of them are caught in the rat race, struggling to become the cream of the crop. However I think it is good for them, and good for the nation as well.

What does ‘Home’ mean to you?

Home is a place where we live, where we connect with our family members, where we truly belong.

Would you see Singapore as your home? Why is that so?

Yes, yes, definitely. That’s my home, because I was born here, I studied here and I live here. I’m going to retire here. Singapore is such a safe and stable place, and everything is taken care of. Our friends and family are all here. Where else would I call it my home?

What does it mean to be a Singaporean to you?

We hold the Singapore passport. What does this mean? This not only means that we travel with this passport just to clear the customs. This also means that we have to serve NS (National Service) to protect our nation and contribute in ways that make our nation proud, just like how we are proud to be part of the nation.

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

Of course. Something I’m extremely proud of would be the economic development. Other moments would be when we clinched medals during the Olympics, when we travelled around to third world countries and compared our living standards to them. It is then that I realized how fortunate we are.

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?

Our Prime Minister, and the Cabinet working behind him, If our government does not consist of such high calibre individuals with great foresight, problems would not have been resolved that easily. I think this has to be the way, just like a company. When a company is successful, It is largely due to the management of the CEO. Of course, this can’t be done without the support of the people as well. I would think that the people here are very caring and cooperative. They won’t say no for no reason. They will try to understand the situation, then try to help each other and support the policies that the government implements I think that is very important, for everybody to work together.

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

Just like in a company, we need to anticipate challenges, analyse the current situation, and subsequently make necessary changes. It is also important to evaluate the effectiveness of the changed policies and strategies, by comparing against our past performances as well as other nationals that are on par.

How would you like Singapore to be in the future? Could you describe how you would like Singapore to be years down the road?

Ideally speaking, I would love a high standard of living with low cost, definitely not the other way round.

What hopes and aspirations do you hold for Singapore?

Everybody must be caring, and work together as one cohesive unit.