With emotions riding high on the back of a weekend filled with nationalistic pride, I couldn't help but finally upload this play-and-sing cover of Kit Chan's "Home" into my own Youtube channel. I actually recorded this video back in Dec 2010 when I'd just returned from Perth for my first uni summer break (yes it's the same shirt I wore yesterday); as an original submission for the "Make Your Own 'Home' Video Contest" organised by Mindef, in commemoration of Total Defence Day 2011. I'd been contacted by the contest organiser as they saw my earlier cover of Home that I'd recorded in Perth, and they encouraged me to join the contest and submit my video. I ended up recording a newer version, which was uploaded only onto the organiser's channel.
I remembered gunning for the category of the most number of votes, but it wasn't to be. The biggest surprise however, came when in his Total Defence Day '11 speech, DPM Teo Chee Hean (then also Minister of Defence) mentioned me: "For Rao Yu Jun, a young Singaporean studying overseas, his video of himself playing the piano and singing “Home” in English and Mandarin expresses his "gratitude and relief at coming home, and being with [his] family" (http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2011/feb/15feb11_nr/15feb11_speech.html#.VcdZC_mqpBc). It was one of the proudest moments of my life, to be cited by a minister as an example of someone who appreciates Home. This was way better than winning the contest, of which I think I finished third. I remember many of my friends congratulating me on FB and in person, even though it theoretically wasn't that much of an achievement.
Anyway, I managed to catch the NDP on TV. When the tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew came up, it triggered an uncomfortable twitch of anguish in my gut, and I teared again; from what I saw on TV many others in the stands did, too. The fact remains that it is a heart-wrenching irony that the very man responsible for trailblazing the nation's growth had passed before we could officially shower 50 years' worth of plaudits on him. I wonder how did PM Lee feel. Towards the end of the parade it started to drizzle as "Home" was sung; perhaps those were tears from heaven.
The late Mr Lee has clearly left behind vast vestiges of his legacy, whether you like it or not. His methods will continue to divide opinions, perhaps also alienating some, but for the best part of it, our country has emerged as excellent case-study material for successful nation building in only half a century. But what is the deeper meaning behind his legacy? No, it's got nothing to do with politics. Instead, I think I found an answer in one of the last songs of the parade, Count On Me Singapore: "Count on me Singapore, count on me to give my best and more, together Singapore, Singapore." I think the true meaning behind LKY's leadership lies in his willingness to give his life for the country; a true stand-alone spirit. At the end of the day, we only have human capital as a natural resource, so it is entirely up to each and every one of us to make it work, stop being cynical, and keep Singapore going. We shouldn't be so narrow-minded as to think the country's growth is solely the government's business. We all have to do our part in our respective fields to ensure we continue to be the flagbearers of justice and equality in the world. Our forefathers have already set a great foundation for us. Our passport is one of the most valuable in the world. We have a strong and stable economy. We have equal access to education. Yet we also have many new problems to solve.
The founder of the Soka Gakkai International and my life mentor Daisaku Ikeda, once shared the story of Sang Nila Utama with young students in Japan, to help them understand how Singapore came to be known as the Lion City. Ikeda sensei continued, "This is indeed a fitting legend for Singapore, the noble land of capable people. A fancy crown is unimportant. What matters is advancing with the spirit of a lion for the sake of one’s friends and others, never fearing the harshest adversity. The crown of true champions of the people sparkles on the heads of youth who have this spirit." He also recounted an episode from LKY's life in Cambridge, "The dean of Cambridge warmly encouraged young Mr. Lee, speaking to him about how to live a good life. He told him to remember that: “What is past is past. What has happened has happened. That is that. It’s the future that counts, that makes life worth living.”"
What will Singapore be like in SG100? That's entirely up to its people.
This is Home, truly. :)
