random thoughts…from steven

It comes around once a year and for many years now it’s just been something I’d watch on TV. Being the skeptical Singaporean I never ever thought I’d physically head down for a show. I mean, the crowds, the traffic…it just did not seem worth it. Then I finally give it a chance back in 2006 and my perception changed forever. As it turned out, it really wasn’t that bad. In fact, it was kind of fun.

Well, this year I’ve gone on to take an even closer look at the parade as I will also be doing the live TV commentary for it when it airs on 9 Aug. And you know what? I have a new found appreciation for the parade because now I truly realize the kind of effort and work that goes into making this one show happen. With over 7000 participants, you can imagine the kind of logistics that is needed! And that’s why I really take my hat off to the folks from the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) who pull this off year after year.

Just this last saturday, it rained mid way through the full dress rehearsal but no one blinked an eye. I mean besides putting on their raincoats, the crowd stayed on. The performers also just kept going as if it wasn’t raining. It was really nice to see this sort of spirit in the air. How apt since this year’s theme is “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit”.

So am I a convert? Yes. Nothing can replace the feeling of actually being there at the show itself. There is a certain mood in the air that gets to you. Plus this year, lots of old familiar tunes have been given a new twist, either in a different language or with a new beat added. I have to admit that thus far, the music is still my favourite part…and the fireworks.

The skeptic in me has faded. I think it’s going to be a great show and I’m looking forward to the actual day.

It’s not everyday this happens so I thought I should write about it.

About two weeks back, a project I’ve been working on for a few years now – Citibank YMCA Youth For Causes – was conferred the Singapore Youth Award under the team category for community service. It’s a great honour to get this award because it really means the project has been reaching out to young people in Singapore.

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In a nutshell, this project provides seed funding to youth groups who will embark on projects to help raise awareness and/or funds for a charity of their choice. If you’re curious, take a look at the website (www.youthforcauses.com).

To be honest though, I’ve never been one to really care for awards. They are just not for me. And I’ve often felt the same way about grades in school too. Why should these “titles” and “labels” be used to determine the kind of person you are? Why should they be a measure of how good or bad you are at something? Especially in school, are your academic grades an accurate reflection as to the type of person you are? Can they truly measure how well you have performed in life? So why then are they used to determine our future paths in life?

Having this sort of mindset early in life, was of course not great for my parents. Let me give you an example. Each year I would just scrape through my exams, I’d pass by just enough to move on to the next year of school. I would be in the bottom ten percent of the class and of course, with that came the “talk from parents”, the concern from teachers…but I would often tell them, what does it matter, did I not make it through to the next year like everyone else? When I am working, will it make a difference whether I was first or last in class in secondary school?

The answer to that as we all know is, yes, it should not matter. (Unless you work for the civil service. I mean, have you guys ever tried filling out their job applications? It’s like writing a mini book!)

But truth be said, it wasn’t that I wanted to be bottom of the class or that I did not want to do well. I did try. I just did not excel in those aspects. I excelled in other ways, ways that the early education system in Singapore could not capture. During my early years, the end goal was still always to be a doctor or lawyer, working in the media was not an option. So being outspoken, having personal opinions and thoughts, asking questions, these were things that were not encouraged. We were just meant to go to school to listen, memorise and regurgitate the facts. But I am glad to say things have now changed for the better.

So with regards to the award, well, it’s always nice to get the recognition from others and I don’t deny that there is some pride in getting it. But for me, it’s still just an award and it means nothing if things end there. The best reward will often come in ways you least expect and those are the best awards of all.

We’ve got some new trailers for the morning show. We went with a “breakfast” theme and hopefully people will like it.

Check them out at on youtube –  http://youtube.com/watch?v=rcooQ1gF-4M

Click on the “more from primetime morning” on the right for the short bumpers.