SINGAPORE DAY 2009 DRAWS MORE THAN 12,000 VISITORS

More than 12,000 overseas Singaporeans flocked in from all over Europe on 25 Apr to experience the Singapore culture in Hampton Court Palace, London.

Organised by the Overseas Singaporean Unit, Singapore Day 2009, which was in its third year, had Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng as the guest of honour.

Themed Relook, Refresh and Reconnect, the annual event was aimed at celebrating all things Singaporean, and engaging Singaporeans residing in European countries such as Italy, France and Germany.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) exhibited its Electronic Individual Physical Proficiency Test Scoring System (ELISS), computer simulation training programs such as the Virtual Battlespace 2 and its latest efforts in engaging the national service community through new media.

A first year Chemistry student at Imperial College London, Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Terrence Thong, who had a go at the ELISS, said of the MINDEF display: "It's very interactive and interesting. Rather than just showing pictures, the displays get people involved and participating in them."

As with the previous Singapore Days, held in New York and Melbourne, stalls offering authentic hawker food featured in the food guide Makansutra were a tantalising draw, treating overseas Singaporeans to palatable Singapore delights such as Fried Hokkien Mee, Kway Chap and Katong Laksa.

"Having been here for six months, I've not had Laksa and Char Kway Teow and food like this, so the food here is definitely a main plus!" said LTA (NS) Thong.

Keeping the crowds entertained with songs and witty exchanges were artistes Jack Neo, Mark Lee, Henry Thia, Rui En and Taufik Batisa. And Hossan Leong, together with the Dim Sum Dollies, comprising Selena Tan, Emma Yong and Pamela Oei, evoked much laughter from the captivated audience with their mix of song, dance and satirical dialogue.

Exhibitions by other organisations such as the Ministry of Education and the Housing and Development Board were also featured to keep the overseas diaspora updated on the latest developments back in Singapore.

Summing up her experience at the event, Ms Joanne Lai, an Economics student at University College London, said: "I'm really glad I came, because Singapore Day is quite happening, and it does remind me of home."