SHARING A MEAL & GETTING TO KNOW STORIES OF OTHER S'POREANS

She may have met many people throughout her career in various fields, locally and overseas, but this was the first time Ms Hoon Wee Lian got to know a Singaporean from a broken family who had to resort to shoplifting for food and relying on his friends for survival during his growing years.

This happened at a social dining event held at the National Museum of Singaporeans on 20 Feb, where 25 Singaporeans from all walks of life gathered to share their stories.

"It's heartening to discover that the human spirit is very strong," said Ms Hoon, a former public relations executive who is now a financial advisor. "It makes you pause, to think and reflect, to realise you have to be mindful to learn from others."

Organised by Nexus, the event was held in conjunction with the on-going campaign that commemorates the 30th anniversary of Total Defence. It aimed to spread awareness that Total Defence is more than just military and civil defence, and also comprises social, psychological and economic defence.

Participants were divided into three groups, each comprising individuals from different backgrounds and age groups to encourage diverse discussion. Within each group, participants paired up and had three rounds of 1-to-1 conversation through an interactive card game.

By sharing their stories, they got to know how the other grew up in Singapore and what they felt were pressing issues facing the country.

While they had different backgrounds and life experiences, participants realised that there were also similarities that drew them together, such as food and national service.

For Mr Suresh S/O Ponnusamy, a communications executive, he realised through the sharing that all Singaporeans have a part to play to ensure progress for the country.
"Despite the issues that Singapore faces (such as an ageing population), I am hopeful and positive that we can overcome all these challenges together," he said.

"Everyone has a connecting factor that brings us all together and that is what makes us Singaporeans."

A special guest, former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 1st Warrant Officer (WO) (Retired) Chee Ah Leng, took to the stage to share his experience as part of the pioneering members of the Singapore Army.

The former School Sergeant Major of School of Infantry Weapons shared light-hearted anecdotes, joking that there were no more Rambutan trees left on Rambutan hill, a training area, because all leaves had been plucked by soldiers for camouflage practice. "You could see 'walking rambutan trees' running around the hill," he quipped.

On a more serious note, 1WO (Ret) Chee especially wanted to engage the younger as well as female participants through his stories.

"They must be positive and have the proper mindset that this is our country, everybody has to play a part to protect this country," he said.

To find out more about Total Defence and the various events held in conjunction with this year's campaign, visit http://www.totaldefence.sg