5 Wishes for My Daughter's Singapore

Natalia,

As you sleep tonight, I like you to know that you have been born into an exceptional nation. This nation, which is just a tiny island that many had thought would never make it, has just celebrated its 50th birthday.

A big party was held and everyone was very happy; when you reach 50 yourself, I hope that our nation's party will be even bigger. I like to tell you that this country succeeded not by chance but because of brave men and women who gave their all and made decisions responsibly with vision and purpose. Daddy has many hopes for your future: you are born in a country filled with limitless opportunities and if you like, you could even aspire to be Prime Minister.

But still, this tiny island with its many strengths after 50 years of stellar growth, can suddenly lose it all. Daddy like to make these 5 wishes for your Singapore so that it will stand the test of time.

1. A Singapore that keeps fighting for its beliefs

I wish that your Singapore will not forget that 1965 happened because we refused to back down on our belief that racial equality matters. May material considerations never replace beliefs so that this island will remain an exceptional place for you to call home.

2. A Singapore that remains audacious

I wish that your Singapore will be even more audacious to blaze new trails. When you are older, you will see how amazing our airport is and it is just one of the signs of the audacity of our island state. That was never afraid of any challenge and met them with resolve and courage.  

3. A more united Singapore.

I wish your Singapore will be able to find a higher purpose to keep everyone united. In our early years, we were struggling to survive hence unity was easier. In your time of plenty, may your generation find its purpose in serving others and the world.

4. Passionate Singaporeans 

I wish that your generation will continue to be driven by passion and purpose just like the founding generation. That passion which will lead to a diversity of opinions and political affiliations should not diminish your Singapore but enhance it. 

5. That another great leader can emerge

I wish that your generation will learn more about Mr Lee Kuan Yew and not look upon him as the last giant for Singapore but as a benchmark to exceed. All great civilisations need great leaders in successive ages to bring that group to the next level. I wish that your generation will not fear the challenge but rise up and become giants yourselves in the new age.

Sweet dreams my love, and may your Singapore become even greater. Majulah Singapura.

Picture by Marje: The author and his daughter, Natalia Chong Wei En, who was born on the 31st of July, 2015, the year of Singapore's Golden Jubilee. 

About Lawrence Chong

He is the Co-founder and CEO of Consulus, an innovation consultancy with business management and multi-disciplinary design capabilities. He is a featured Speaker at global events such as World Marketing Summit and World Brand Congress. He is the Immediate Past President of Design Business Chamber Singapore. His thoughts on Asian innovation and creativity appear frequently in regional media such as Marketing Magazine, and VTC10. In his personal capacity, he is a member of Religions for Peace and the Focolare, working for peace through dialogue among people of other faiths.