What does the Singapore Spirit mean to you?

What does the Singapore Spirit mean to ME?

Have grown up on the this little red dot for the past 25 years (and counting!), there have been many memorable and poignant instances displayed by fellow Singaporeans which reflected the Singapore Spirit in more ways than one. Tangible and intangible reaching out and touching the hearts of those on our sunny blessed shores and those who live across the globe.

Even as our country has made it to global stage in terms of living standards, a stellar airport and world-class education, there are many under-privileged people (from the very young to the elderly) who require help both in monetary and welfare. Hence a whole host of Charity fund raising programmes were produced, inviting celebs (locals and foreign) to take on stunts and performances in a bid raise donations for the needy. With an average of 4 shows per year ( not counting the regular flag raising and other smaller scale donation runs), it is heartening to see sums in the range of 6-figures being raised per show every year. This goes to show that we are a nation that cares.

Not just limited to our 2-legged people, we have also extended our caring and sharing nature to furry 4-legged friends. The SPCA, ASD, AVA etc have received volunteers of all ages taking time off to lend a hand during busy adoption drives, driving the message of Sterilisation and it's importance to the public to prevent unwanted strays and rescuing abused animals from irresponsible people.

Caring is an universal element, Singaporeans have also shown much compassion and empathy to others living on the globe. Take for example the recent devastating Si Chuan earthquake and after shocks that left the province in shatters and countless lives lost and injured. Singapore's established transport operator company - ComfortDelGro has kindly sent a bus, 3 mini buses and 35 cabs to Si Chuan to help in distributing and carrying supplies to the wrecked area. With a driving school in Chengdu, ComfortDelGro has turned it into a resource collection and distribution centre to collect relief items and redistribute them to those in need.

Pic credit: Reuters

The Singapore's Disaster Assistance Rescue Teams (DART) have also been speedilty sent to China to help in the recovery work. The team consists of rescuers, doctors, paramedics, engineers, technical support personnel and rescue dogs.

Hence the Singapore Spirit means simply to share love and care for our fellow people (and furry friends) and those across the globe.

We are after all a passionate pulsating lil red dot of life.