Onward Singapore!

I’m a little bit more interested in this year's National Day Parade (NDP) because of its Creative Director Boo Junfeng. Themed 'We Are Singapore', every thing seems to be a throwback to the yesteryears, including the irony of remembering old playgrounds, only after they've been demolished.

At the very least, I’m keen to watch Boo Junfeng's ten-minute film that featured everyday Singaporeans. The social media and themes that went out for this NDP told the stories of Singaporeans across different generations. As Singapore moves forward, we have to be acutely aware of how diversity can unite or divide us.

Friends, neighbors, acquaintances and families. We don't all stand on the same page on many viewpoints when it comes to social causes or political opinions. This is getting increasingly loud, vocal and a little worrisome. Can we learn to disagree without fragmenting society and its demand on conformity? Can we agree to disagree without having to bend to the will of majority or what conservative voices dictate? Can Singapore remain tolerant to differences of race, religion, culture, lifestyles and world views? Can we avoiding sinking into the traps of our own echo chambers?

While we can remain calm and hear out differing viewpoints, we will have to have concede that we'll never stand on the same page. I need to accept that you will never agree with me, and you will have to accept that I won't ever attempt to understand your finer arguments. We wouldn't have unnecessary social contact after lines are drawn though, and in future, we would simply acknowledge one another's presence, and no farther. We would not be any closer other than recognizing one another as nice fellow Singaporeans who live in a different social sphere. In a Venn diagram, our paths will never cross voluntarily, save for attending mutual friends' events. But you and I will have to suffer one another's presence in this country we call home. Can this be done peaceably, and with civil and polite discourse?

For the first time in many years, I didn't cringe at the NDP theme song, which is a surprisingly well done remix of 'We Are Singapore' (NDP 1987). It isn’t unenjoyable. I like it! Happy 53rd, 🇸🇬. Majulah Singapura.