A SPECIAL REUNION IN SHANGHAI

This year's Singapore Day in China was not only a reunion for overseas Singaporeans, but also a time for them to remember the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away on 23 Mar. PIONEER brings you the highlights from Century Park, Shanghai.

The usual celebratory event to connect overseas Singaporeans turned sombre briefly when about 5,000 Singaporeans observed a minute of silence on 12 Apr in a special tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapores founding prime minister.

Among them was Nicholas Ray, a 16 year-old student who recalled his grandmother tearing at the news of Mr Lee's passing in late March.

Singaporeans observing a minute of silence for the late Mr Lee.

"It does feel like we have lost someone close. Without him Singapore wouldn't be what it is today." Singaporeans also penned more than 2,000 tribute messages.

Guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean led the crowd in observing a minute of silence. Mr Teo, who had earlier in the day visited sailors on board the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Landing Ship Tank RSS Resolution on a port call in Shanghai, noted: "We are all saddened that Mr Lee is not able to join us for National Day and the 50th anniversary of our independence.

But I think the mood here is that we all want to rededicate ourselves to Singapore and take Singapore forward in the years ahead to SG100."

A taste of home

Besides savouring authentic hawker fare like nasi lemak and Indian rojak, Singaporeans updated themselves on happenings back home through the various showcases by participating ministries. At the Ministry of Defence booth, the Fitness Challenge based on the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) was a hit with Singaporeans young and old.

One participant was 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Tan Kit Jang, 24, an exchange student at Fudan university. "It seems like a great idea. These are the three core stations that we need to build up our fitness for various physical activities. And it's easier to train (because) you can just train at home anytime," said the combat engineer, who managed to complete 41 push-ups.

Parents and their children who are due for enlistment got a sneak preview of National Service (NS) through the showcase of a recruit's bunk. Among them was Mr Kenneth Chow, a director based in Hong Kong, who flew to Shanghai with his 17-year-old son Joel.

Lance Corporal (Ret) Tan Choo Wah, 65, showing his granddaughter the modern accommodation and equipment for recruits today. Conditions were much more spartan during his NS days in 1968.

"Joel's returning to Singapore for NS next year, so I wanted him to try out the new IPPT and take a look at the field pack and equipment. Things have changed so much and improved from my time," said the 48-year-old who was a regimental policeman.

For the record, Joel did 40 push-ups for the Fitness Challenge. "It was fun, I feel good, and ready. But the PTI (Physical Training Instructor) told me to train even harder!"