Usually, I really feel that dwelling in Singapore is like dwelling in a bubble. A well-sheltered bubble. So I crave to have totally different experiences, not prepared to settle on this protected zone.
Thus with my free-spirit nature, I wander the world to be taught totally different cultures, meet new individuals, broaden my thoughts and to expertise life.
A wild baby
So I see myself as a wilful baby of the nation; the one who’s all the time attempting to run away. Wherever I’m going, I may be as wild and rebellious as I may be as a result of on the finish of the day, I do know I can return to this protected harbour. Upon my return, Singapore is a mom who receives me along with her open arms and finally accepts me for who I’m.
I’m not probably the most patriotic particular person within the nation, however it doesn’t imply I really like her any much less. Like most households, I battle with the love-hate relationship. However it doesn’t matter what, I do know my root is right here.
Saving for wet days
Many years we’ve invested in nation-building weren’t simply the facade of Singapore we showcase to the world. Through the years, we have now additionally collected our nationwide reserves.
There have been numerous events the place we questioned when can we withdraw our cash from the reserves. Is it time but? It’s for wet days the federal government mentioned.
That leads us to ponder how a lot cash is inside our reserved funds. We are going to surprise if the cash has already been squandered away on account of poor funding foresight. You can’t blame a Singaporean to entertain such ideas since they by no means disclosed the precise quantity.
Since independence, we managed to navigate by means of totally different crises. From the Asian monetary disaster in 1997 to SARS in 2003 and the worldwide monetary disaster in 2009.
2009 was the 12 months we dipped into our nationwide reserve for the primary time to save lots of our financial system.
Right now marks the historical past because the second time we attain deep into our pockets as our Finance Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat introduced an S$48 billion Covid-19 Resilience Finances to assist save jobs and giving some monetary assist to assist Singaporeans.
Covid-19 Resilience Finances 2020
This price range is concentrating on to assist staff and to guard their livelihoods, assist self-employed freelancers, supply some monetary assist to households, assist companies permitting them to remain afloat and supporting the CoVid-19 affected sectors.
Naturally, this issues me as a result of I’m on the entrance of the pack getting the primary blow. I made the conscientious option to be a freelancer figuring out that I’m taking the chance with no job safety. I’m grateful for the truth that in troublesome occasions like this, the federal government strikes swiftly providing this resilience price range 2020 masking freelancers as effectively.
Whereas the handouts will assist to ease off the monetary load, then again, I’m not was once on the receiving finish as a result of it isn’t a small quantity both.
You possibly can argue that that is rightfully our cash so we shouldn’t be pai seh* about taking it again. Since younger, we have now been “brain-washed” that we earn our retains. We have now realized to not rely on the federal government or anybody for handouts. Thus, each Singaporean works onerous for our cash.
For now, each little bit counts.
#SGUnited
With the worldwide financial system at jeopardy and individuals are requested to remain dwelling on a big scale foundation is a wierd time the place nobody has skilled earlier than. We’re additionally navigating on the unknown as we be taught new details about the virus daily.
Since January, our authorities are working onerous to maintain the CoVid-19 scenario below management. Some make the onerous choices implementing measures to manage the coronavirus unfold, whereas others guarantee we have now sufficient meals provides and well-stocked supermarkets. Additionally, not forgetting those that have helped put our supplementary price range collectively.
Our frontline medic group faces our invisible enemy head-on whereas many unsung heroes who work behind the scene. For instance, the individuals doing contact tracing, individuals cracking mysteries of latest clusters and airline crew who carry our individuals again dwelling from all around the world and lots of extra! Everybody contributing in a technique or one other. #SGUnited
Powerful time don’t final however powerful individuals do
The cupboard of ministers has not been by means of Singapore’s independence, the early days of nation-building and days the place Singapore tries to make a mark on the world stage. Nonetheless, they show their capabilities and show management qualities as we proceed to battle this invisible enemy collectively as a nation.
If Mr Lee Kuan Yew continues to be alive, he can be very happy with our individuals.
Nobody is aware of how onerous or how lengthy this rain goes to maintain going for. All I do know is, that is the wet day the federal government has been speaking about. And that is the interval we had been preparing for.
It is a bubble I name dwelling
Placing our variations apart, in the present day, I stand as a proud Singaporean. That Singaporean who lives contained in the bubble. Grateful to be on this bubble that shelters me from the thunderstorms. When the storm is over, the sky is obvious, watch me fly. I’ll take off to wherever my coronary heart (& pockets) takes me. Irrespective of the place I might be, I do know I’ll return to this place I name dwelling.
* a way of disgrace
