Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

Celebrating SG60

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On Saturday, Singapore marks a momentous milestone: its 60th year of independence. SG60 is not just a commemoration of the nation’s birth but a celebration of its remarkable transformation from a fledgling city-state to a global metropolis. 

Singapore’s journey began on August 9, 1965, with the Proclamation of Independence. The document, drafted by Minister for Law Edmund Barker and signed by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia and its emergence as a sovereign, democratic, and independent nation. The proclamation declared Singapore’s commitment to justice, equality, and the welfare of its people, a vision that has guided the nation for six decades.

“Now I LEE KUAN YEW Prime Minister of Singapore, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE on behalf of the people and the Government of Singapore that as from today the ninth day of August in the year one thousand nine hundred and sixty-five Singapore shall forever be a sovereign democratic and independent nation, founded upon the principles of justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society.”

SG60 is more than a birthday; it is a national moment to reflect on Singapore’s journey, celebrate its achievements, and reaffirm the values that have shaped its identity. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised, SG60 is a time for all Singaporeans to reflect on the values that brought the country this far—resilience, unity, multiculturalism, and openness—and to look ahead to the future.

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The theme for SG60, “Building Our Singapore Together,” highlights the importance of collective effort in shaping the nation’s next chapter. It is a call for every Singaporean to connect, care, and contribute, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community spirit.

SG60 is marked by a vibrant calendar of events that span the arts, sports, family, and community engagement. These include the SG60 Homecoming Concert at Jewel Changi Airport on August 1, featuring homegrown stars like Stefanie Sun, Kit Chan, and Regina Song. The event is part of Changi Airport Group’s “Together, We Make Magic” series, which also includes horticultural displays and a spectacular outdoor light-up along Airport Boulevard.

The National Family Festival on May 31 was a large-scale event promoting family values and intergenerational bonding, reinforcing the importance of strong family ties in Singapore’s social fabric. On June 24, the International Conference on Cohesive Societies brought together local and global leaders, fostering interfaith and multicultural dialogue, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to harmony and inclusivity. Between July 11 to 20, Singapore hosted the World Aquatics Championships with the world’s top aquatic athletes participating. This event showcased Singapore’s status as a global sporting hub and the World Aquatics Masters Championships also offered opportunities for local participation. 

GetActive! Singapore in July and August is a nationwide movement encouraging Singaporeans to celebrate National Day through sports and active living, with companies and communities hosting their own activities. The Purple Parade is Singapore’s largest disability inclusion movement, promoting awareness and support for persons with disabilities, a testament to the nation’s commitment to inclusivity.

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At the Changi Airport SG60 Outdoor Light-Up and Floral Displays, iconic locations like the Merlion, Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, and Gardens by the Bay will be illuminated, while floral installations across Changi’s terminals and Jewel Changi Airport feature the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, and a six-metre-high floral Merlion made from 60 plant types. The Arts and Heritage Triple Bill is a series of special arts and heritage events that invites Singaporeans to explore the nation’s history and identity, fostering reflection and unity.

Singapore’s progress over the past 60 years is a testament to its people’s resilience and determination. From its early struggles with unemployment, housing shortages, and limited resources, the nation has become a global financial centre, a leader in education and healthcare, and a model of multicultural harmony.

Key milestones include:

  • Economic Transformation: From a trading port to a diversified economy driven by innovation and technology.
  • Housing and Urban Development: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) provided affordable homes, transforming the cityscape and improving living standards.
  • Education and Workforce: Investments in education created a skilled workforce, powering Singapore’s economic growth.
  • Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion: Policies promoting racial and religious harmony have fostered a stable, inclusive society.

SG60 is not just a look back; it is a rallying call to shape the next chapter of the Singapore story. The celebrations emphasise the need for Singaporeans to stay united, embrace change, and continue building a society that is open, resilient, and caring. The Forward Singapore exercise, which informs the SG60 theme, encourages citizens to participate in shaping policies and initiatives, ensuring that Singapore remains a place of opportunity and hope for future generations.

At the core of SG60 are the values that have defined Singapore’s journey. These include multiculturalism, which is celebrated through events like the Chingay Parade and the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, reinforcing the importance of diversity and harmony; resilience, which honours stories of overcoming adversity, from the early days of independence to the challenges of a fast-changing world; openness and boldness, which are reflected in Singapore’s embrace of globalisation, innovation, and new ideas; and care and contribution, which are encouraged through community initiatives, volunteerism, and efforts to support the vulnerable.

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As Singapore turns 60, the nation pauses to celebrate not just its achievements, but the spirit of its people. From grand concerts and sporting events to community festivals and acts of kindness, SG60 is a reminder that Singapore’s greatest strength lies in its unity and collective resolve. Whether you are attending a concert at Jewel Changi Airport, participating in a community walkathon, or simply reflecting on the nation’s journey, SG60 offers every Singaporean a chance to be part of something bigger, a shared story of hope, progress, and togetherness.

As the red and white flags fly high and familiar songs fill the air, Singaporeans are reminded that the journey continues, powered by the same values and spirit that have always defined this remarkable city-state. 

Happy birthday, Singapore! Happy SG60! And Majulah Singapura!

In My Hands Today…

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The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science – J. Kenji López-Alt

Ever wondered how to pan-fry a steak with a charred crust and an interior that’s perfectly medium-rare from edge to edge when you cut into it? How to make homemade mac ‘n’ cheese that is as satisfyingly gooey and velvety-smooth as the blue box stuff, but far tastier? How to roast a succulent, moist turkey (forget about brining!)—and use a foolproof method that works every time?

As Serious Eats’s culinary nerd-in-residence, J. Kenji López-Alt has pondered all these questions and more. In The Food Lab, Kenji focuses on the science behind beloved American dishes, delving into the interactions between heat, energy, and molecules that create great food. Kenji shows that often, conventional methods don’t work that well, and home cooks can achieve far better results using new—but simple—techniques. In hundreds of easy-to-make recipes with over 1,000 full-color images, you will find out how to make foolproof Hollandaise sauce in just two minutes, how to transform one simple tomato sauce into a half dozen dishes, how to make the crispiest, creamiest potato casserole ever conceived, and much more.

World Breastfeeding Week

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World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, stands as a global testament to the importance of breastfeeding in nurturing healthy infants and supporting maternal well-being. This week-long observance, first celebrated in 1992, commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF, and other organisations to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

World Breastfeeding Week emerged from a collective recognition of the need to prioritise breastfeeding on a global scale. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network dedicated to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding worldwide, organises this annual event. WABA collaborates closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to ensure that aid reaches the right communities and individuals.

The overarching goal of World Breastfeeding Week is multifaceted. It highlights the importance of breastfeeding, encourages and promotes breastfeeding practices, and improves the health outcomes for babies and mothers globally

World Breastfeeding Week adopts a specific theme to focus its efforts and messaging each year. For 2025, the theme is “Prioritise breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems.” The campaign underscores the importance of prioritising breastfeeding by building robust and sustainable support systems. A supportive environment for breastfeeding benefits families and significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with artificial feeding. The week aims to connect actors across all levels involved in breastfeeding support to create resilient and sustainable support systems.

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Breastfeeding stands as the gold standard for infant nutrition, offering many benefits that extend far beyond basic sustenance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants, offering a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat: everything a baby needs for healthy growth. This natural food is provided in a form that’s more easily digested than infant formula.

One of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is the transfer of antibodies from mother to child. These antibodies help infants fight off viruses and bacteria, providing a crucial boost to the developing immune system. This immunological support translates into tangible health benefits including a lower risk of respiratory tract infections, fewer ear infections, reduced incidence of diarrhea, and a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The benefits of breastfeeding extend well into childhood and even adulthood. Research has linked breastfeeding to lower risk of asthma and allergies, reduced likelihood of obesity in childhood and adulthood, decreased risk of type 1 diabetes, and potential improvements in cognitive development and IQ scores.

The impact of breastfeeding on global health cannot be overstated. Increased breastfeeding to near-universal levels in low and medium-income countries could prevent approximately 820,000 deaths of children under the age of five annually. This statistic alone underscores the critical role of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality and improving global health outcomes.

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While breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, it’s equally important to understand the potential consequences when infants are not breastfed or when breastfeeding rates are suboptimal. Infants who are not breastfed face higher risks of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, otitis media (ear infections), necrotising enterocolitis, particularly in premature infants. These conditions can lead to increased hospitalisations and doctor visits, placing a burden on both families and healthcare systems.

The absence of breastfeeding can have lasting effects on an individual’s health. These include an increased risk of childhood obesity, a higher likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes, and the potential for lower IQ scores and reduced cognitive development.

On a broader scale, suboptimal breastfeeding practices have significant health and economic consequences. A study in the USA attributed 3,340 annual excess deaths to suboptimal breastfeeding, with 78% of these being maternal deaths due to myocardial infarction, breast cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, 721 excess pediatric deaths were attributed mainly to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and necrotising enterocolitis. The economic costs associated with not breastfeeding are substantial. In Australia alone, it’s estimated that costs related to not breastfeeding amount to 1.448 million Australian dollars per day.

While much focus is placed on infant health, breastfeeding also offers significant benefits to mothers. Mothers who breastfeed experience faster postpartum recovery: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, potentially aiding in postpartum weight loss. Breastfeeding is associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers. Some studies suggest breastfeeding may lower the risk of osteoporosis. Breastfeeding is linked to a decreased risk of hypertension and improved cardiovascular health. Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child through skin-to-skin contact and eye contact, fostering a sense of security and emotional connection.

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Despite the clear benefits, many mothers face challenges in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. World Breastfeeding Week aims to address these challenges by promoting education and support. Some of the common barriers to breastfeeding include a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding techniques and benefits, insufficient support from healthcare providers, workplace constraints, including lack of paid maternity leave and lactation rooms, cultural and societal pressures, and medical issues that may complicate breastfeeding.

World Breastfeeding Week emphasises the importance of a multi-faceted approach to supporting breastfeeding mothers. The week educates and informs families about the benefits of breastfeeding and proper techniques, trains healthcare practitioners to provide effective support to mothers and babies, encouraging peer groups and community initiatives to promote and sustain breastfeeding, advocates for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, including adequate maternity leave and lactation facilities, and pushing for policies that protect and promote breastfeeding rights.

World Breastfeeding Week has become a powerful platform for raising awareness and driving change. It is celebrated in more than 170 countries, uniting governments, organisations, and communities in the common goal of supporting breastfeeding. The week serves as a catalyst for policy changes at national and international levels, increased funding for breastfeeding support programmes, greater public awareness of the importance of breastfeeding, improved training for healthcare professionals in breastfeeding support, and the development of breastfeeding-friendly initiatives in workplaces and communities.

2025 Week 31 Update

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Today’s quote is not attributed to anyone, and yet, it offers a powerful metaphor for awareness and awakening, not just in the literal sense, but on an emotional, mental, or spiritual level. It suggests that often, we go through life on autopilot, caught in routines, assumptions, or unconscious patterns. We may believe we are fully awake or engaged, but only after a moment of clarity, growth, or transformation do we realise how unaware or disconnected we had been.

“Waking up” here refers to becoming conscious, to truths about ourselves, our relationships, our purpose, or the world around us. It could be triggered by a life-changing event, a deep insight, or even a quiet shift in perspective. The quote reminds us that true awareness often comes in hindsight, and it encourages us to live with greater mindfulness and presence. Ultimately, it’s a gentle call to live more deliberately, to open our eyes to the depth and wonder of the present moment, and to keep questioning what we think we know—because that’s where real growth begins.

It’s the start of yet another month, and here’s wishing a fantastic month of August to everyone. This month, I walked more than I had walked in a month since I started tracking my steps back in 2021 during the Covid months. As of the end of July, I’ve crossed into Malaysia and crossed the top part of Kedah and Penang and am back in Kedah for a short while before I will enter the state of Perak. I am about 700 odd km from home and if all goes well, I will be home sometime in mid-September. I am so excited to be seeing the end of this almost five-year long walk come to an end. What shall I do next? I have some ideas, so I’ll share more once I have finalised them.

I am about halfway through my 2025 reading challenge and as I pretty much say each month, I need to read more. Maybe this monthly check-in is the push I need each month to start reading more. So here’s to hoping I read more and crush my 2025 reading goals.

GG ended her internship on a high note – she was interning at an accounting big 4 company and got a priority offer for when she graduates. She still is not sure if she will accept it or not, but it’s good to be wanted and may be just the impetus she needs to work harder and end school with great grades. BB, on the other hand, is nearing the end of his national service obligation and now has the unenviable task of looking at what he wants to do once he ends – whether he wants to join the workforce, study or a combination of the two.

That’s all from me this week. Here’s to a fantastic month for everyone! Stay positive and keep smiling!

In My Hands Today…

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The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations from the author of the bestselling The 48 Laws of Power – Robert Greene

Over the last 22 years, Robert Greene has provided insights into every aspect of being human whether that be getting what you want, understanding others’ motivations, mastering your impulses, and recognizing strengths and weaknesses. The Daily Laws distills that wisdom into daily entries.

Each entry delivers refined and concise wisdom from one of his books, in an easy to digest lesson that will only take a few minutes to read, as well as a Commandment — a prescription or prompt for the reader to follow.

Not only is The Daily Laws the perfect entry point for those new to Greene’s penetrating insight, but it will also help the many Greene fans throughout the world understanding and internalizing the many lessons that fill his books. It is a guide to a lifetime of reading and re-reading about power, seduction, strategy, psychology and human nature.