The Singapore Story, NDP 2011

Majula, the Singapore Spirit.

The birth of a Nation featuring the multi cultural heritage and showcasing the pioneering spirit of the older generation, the beginning of a country with many possibilities.
Singapore was once a fishing village. For hundreds of years people came from far away to this tiny island bringing food and spices, textiles and precious stones. They brought their rich cultures and diversed languages and on this island they saw the future.
The Malays brought their delicious food and culture. They settled at the mouth of the Singapore river.
Not long after the Chinese arrived and made Singapore their home.
The Indians came with their spices, curry powder, chili
and their culture of song and dance
The fusion of the different cultures and people into one single whirlpool on this island is how Singapore became the melting pot of cultures and races. Finally, everyone comes together, representing how the different races live side by side peacefully in Singapore, an important aspect of the Singapore spirit.

Year 1965: The year of Independence. A new Nation was born with Lee Kwan Yew being the father of all.
It's a time of struggle and uncertainty and a time of determination for the pioneering generation of Singaporeans.
It became an island of dreams. "Singapura, oh Singapura sunny island set in the sea"

but also had to fight severe storms growing up which they only were able to master together.
"Coming together in times of trouble and working together to overcome hurdles is another aspect of the Singapore spirit." the father explains to son.
Singapore's progress from the seventies to the New Millennium
The fast changes in modern Singapore from push carts, trishaws and bicycles
to cars, highways and high rise buildings...
the transformation from a 3rd world country to a first world metropolis.
Singapore's aspirations towards a better future can only be reached if all come together and work hard for a better tomorrow.
This sense of moving "onward" together, or "Majulah" forms a critical part what it means to be Singaporean and what the singapore spirit represents.
Magnificent Marina Bay and Central Business District

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
The Singapore Pledge symbolizes the passing of the Singapore spirit from one generation to the next.
...pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation."
The grand finale of this year's National Day celebrations.

Once again we want to congratulate Singapore to your amazing progress, wish you a Happy Birthday and many more prosperous years to come!