A new beginning

A friend of mine told me that he intended to have his humanities research project based on how large scale events contribute to the growth of Singapore. The word growth was an understatement. What is happening is total evolution, the changing of the whole landscape of this tiny country. The entire scene of Singapore is currently going through a massive upheaval and there is so so so much to expect in the future. 2 years back, we auctioned the two plots of land- sentosa and marina bay in anticipation of two humongous integrated resorts to emerge in a few years' down the road. The IMF and world bank summit in 2006, 117th IOC session in 2005, the grand prix's in town this year. What more can we expect?

The Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The wait for that moment of truth was worth it.

It was held in the padang. Roads were temporarily closed and if you spun around 360 degrees, you would realise that before you stood the old supreme court building flanked on both sides by two skylines (city districts). The varying architecture gave a telling tale of the transformation of this land with the exception of one obstinate victorian styled building sitting there immovable. A series of performances from various schools and local celebrities built up to the real deal- the announcement of the YOG results. This was followed by a video showcasing Singapore's widespread publicity, the tireless efforts of the MCYS and all the events that led to this day struck me hard. At that instant, it shook me and i began to realise the insurmountable effort of the government towards moving Singapore beyond what we currently are. There used to be a saying that Singapore is a disneyland with a death penalty. We are indeed a disneyland but we will never ever come close to the death penalty. With everything that is going to happen, we are definitely far from death. Well, the moment soon arrived. Tension and anxiety sealed our lips for that short instance as the IOC chairman, Jacques Rogge, announced our country's name to host the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Everyone immediately erupted into euphoria and 7000 strong crowd roared with pride. A magnificent sight and emotion to behold... even Parliamentary Secretary of the MCYS Teo Ser Luck had difficulty withholding the tears all welled up in his eyes. Few other moments can repeat or capture that spontaneous response. And now we shall continue to count down. But this time, to the event itself. In Singapore. Singapore still has a long way to go. And this simple statement gives hope to every Singaporean.

afresh!

This is not about me. This blog will not speak or mention my personal life in detail. Of course, through my ruminations and thoughts laid out, you can figure my personality. The world wide web has been an uncanny tool in bringing forth knowledge, thoughts, works, emotions, information and ideas. Ideas especially so. The beliefs of Man are everywhere and though I have often advocated the use of personal journals, online web journals will optimise the spread of ideas. Ideas to share. Ideas to influence. Ideas to make that difference to society (as cliche as that may sound).

I would not call this page an online journal. It is, as the heading explicitly says - a collection of profound thoughts and inquiries. Lately, my mind has been in a mess of many thoughts and so the need to arrange them through this blog. It is disconcerting to know so much and forget much. It's just like a filling a bathtub with a hole. This blog would serve as a chart which maps my growth in thoughts in black and white or in fact, electronically. I admire people who keep to their faiths and beliefs. Philosophers, economists, matyrs, religious figures, many forgotten ones who stand firm in their principles. Resilience and trust. Choosing what you think is right. This is what divides the world. The 20th century was not only a series of battles between the Soviet and Allied bloc. It was a battle of ideas to shape the world economy and modern thinking. Keynes and Hayek fought it out. As I see it (pardon the deviation), Hayek somewhat stood triumphant over Keynes. These people fuel my aspirations to be a frame of ideas, unwavering before challenges.

Yet, on stockmarket charts, there are the dips. I may not always be correct, well substantiated or fallacious. Forgive me if I am errorneous whether it be in my grammar, use of vocabulary or ideas published.

And thus, this entry marks the start of ideas to come.