National Day
July 27,2010
I am proud being a Singaporean. What we are today, we really have to thank MM Lee, PM Lee and the team. Our government is World Class. Without them, we will not be what we are today. Some may complain or unhappy on some of the rules implemented. However, if they take a step back to look at a bigger picture, I am sure they will appreciate what PAP has done for us. For certain things, it takes time to see the results. For example, CPF savings for old age, affordable HDB houses for each to have a roof of their own, a garden city, education for all, etc.
Baby Boomers and Generation X will probably be able to appreciate our government better. As for Generation Y, being a more pampered and protected generation and more vocal, and less knowledge of what our government has done for us in the past, it takes more efforts to instill the sense of belonging and gratitude in them. I was especially disappointed in one of the “The Noose” epsiode, “We are Singaporeans” section. Many do not know our first prime minister is MM Lee Kuan Yew. The main man, well respected by many and well known in the world, our younger generation could not get this question correct. Dr Goh Keng Swee is another remarkable man of Singapore. Little was known of him till after his death. Dr Goh and MM Lee are a perfect team in making Singapore today. The full Singapore story should be taught in school as early as primary and in detailed again in secondary school. The key men that made today’s Singapore should be told to the students so they will appreciate Singapore. Documentaries can also be shown on TV for the public to remind them the work done by PAP. It will be too late to tell the goodness of a person only after his death.
I look forward to National Day parade each year. The feeling is beyond words that can describe. If you get a chance to be there live, you will understand what I mean. Each year, the NDP committee strive to make it better than the year before. The goody bag has also become a challenge each year. There are many items and usually such items are preferably practical for the actual event use and/or after event. Gifts can be unique even if it is a common item. The design plays a very important role. A simple bag can look stylish by the colour and design. A cap can be different by choosing the right material, colour, shape and style. Boxes can be made fun too by the items inside and the usage. Most important of all, the gifts given should be taken into considerations the type of event, the objective, the profile of the recipients. This way, the item given out will be more meaningful and appreciated. Gifts should never be given for the sake of giving. Ideas and designs should be practical too.
I find this year’s NDP bag creative in design but the size is not practical. All primary 5 students are given the chance to attend the NDP, however this bag is not practical for them as it is too big and long. They can’t make full use of it. It will be too big for their tuition worksheets and books, too small as a school bag. For the adults, it is not quite a size that can be carried around too. If this is made into a shopping bag size, I think it will be more practical for the students and adults as they can use it during weekend. 2 years ago, the idea of the bag is also good. It is eco-friendly. However, the size, material and design makes it look so much like a “paper bag” that you do not see it being carried around. The most well received bags are the document bag style. I must say, 3 years ago, that design is fantastic. It allows the combination of different panels to allow the user to create their own identity bag.
Gifts, just like clothes, will be different by careful thoughts into the choosing of the material, design and packaging to fit the objective of the event and making sure it is suitable for the recipients. These are the services we provide to help our clients create the lasting impression when gifts are presented to their clients with the right image and branding.
