The island will also be hosting activities such as a trail walk and a tour, so that visitors can experience the kampung spirit.
Nuranisha Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia 12 Jun 15;
SINGAPORE: One thousand Siglap residents will plant a hundred trees in Pulau Ubin this weekend to celebrate Singapore's Golden Jubilee, but it is not just a reforestation project. The island will host some exciting activities this weekend to let visitors experience the kampung spirit.
From taking a walk through the NParks Sensory Trail, to touring the different kampungs, the Siglap SG50 Day@Ubin event by Siglap grassroots organisations hopes to encourage family bonding, as grandparents tell of life in the past and how it has changed.
On Saturday (Jun 13), Siglap residents will participate in reforestation and coastal clean-up activities, and enjoy other activities like the trail walk. Members of the public can take part in the trail walk and kampung tour on Sunday.
"We are going to bring the residents there to cherish the present and really preserve the future," said Dr Maliki Osman, Mayor of the South East District. "As part of the Government's effort, in keeping Ubin as rustic as it can. We want Siglap's residents to go there and mark and celebrate this 50th anniversary celebration."
Dr Maliki is leading efforts in Siglap to raise S$50,000 towards the education of five young beneficiaries under a project called 50@50. Fifty 50-year-old residents and grassroots leaders are participating.
Residents have also been busy printing 5,000 T-shirts with an orchid motif that they can wear during National Day.
- CNA/hs
Siglap residents to raise funds for needy children to mark SG50
HOLLY MATTHEWS Today Online 13 Jun 15;
SINGAPORE — As they celebrate their 50th birthday with Singapore this year, 50 Siglap residents will be doing their bit for five children from low-income families.
They aim to raise S$10,000 for each of the children’s education by selling 1,000 limited-edition polo T-shirts printed with a special SG50 design.
Among those involved in the fund-raising is Mayor of the South East District, Dr Maliki Osman, who felt it was a meaningful way to mark the personal milestone. “What better way for us to come together ... to say thanks to Singapore for what she has done for us, than (by) giving back in our small way to these five kids.”
Agreeing, Mr Lim Khay Guan, one of the Siglap residents taking part in the fund-raising, said: “You (would) feel like you have done something, even though it’s small ... We’re planting seeds for the next generation.”
Dr Maliki also announced other activities Siglap will hold to mark SG50.
For instance, 1,000 residents will spend the day in Pulau Ubin today as a way to discover Singapore’s past. They will be visiting Malay and Chinese kampung houses, eating traditional food and celebrating a mock Malay wedding, among other things.
Another initiative is an ongoing project to have some 5,000 residents print an orchid SG50 logo on red or white T-shirts to be worn at Siglap’s National Day Observance Ceremony.
Dr Maliki said these initiatives all stemmed from the idea of bringing residents together to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
“Celebrating SG50 is to celebrate the Singapore spirit and ensure it remains alive for many generations to come.” HOLLY MATTHEWS
