SINGAPOREANS IN SHANGHAI PAY TRIBUTE TO MR LEE KUAN YEW

About 5,000 Singaporeans who are based in Shanghai paid tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the Republic's founding Prime Minister, at Singapore Day on 11 Apr.

A day-long event held in major cities over the world to connect overseas Singaporeans, this year's edition of Singapore Day in China included a special tribute to Mr Lee, who passed away about three weeks ago.

In his address, Guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said: "We would not be gathered here today, as Singaporeans, if not for Mr Lee and our pioneers. Even with his passing, Mr Lee brought Singaporeans together, in Singapore and also overseas."

Mr Teo led the crowd to observe a minute of silence for Mr Lee.

During an interview with the media, Mr Teo added that despite the strong outpouring of emotions, he was glad to see that there was "a strong positive mood, to want to move ahead - to live by the values laid down by Mr Lee and the founding fathers".

Singaporeans penned tribute messages to Mr Lee in an exhibition tent which featured photo montages of his life and contributions to Singapore.

One of Mr Lee's legacies was to introduce National Service (NS) - a cornerstone of Singapore's defence and nation-building efforts.

At the Ministry of Defence's (MINDEF's) booth, Singaporeans found out more about pioneers who, like Mr Lee, helped to build up the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The stories of these pioneer servicemen, like the legendary Captain (CPT) (Ret) "Tiger" Hong Seng Mak, were originally curated for the SAF50 exhibition held in February at VivoCity to mark the SAF's 50th anniversary this year. MINDEF brought part of the exhibits to Shanghai.

It brought back fond memories for Lance Corporal (LCP) (Ret) Tan Choo Wah, 65, who enlisted in 1968.

"I remember 'Tiger' Hong, who owned the parade square. Training was tougher then, but we got through it," said the 65-year-old who was from the SAF's pioneer batch of combat engineers.

Singaporeans also found out about the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format through a fitness challenge. It attracted not just men, but also women and children. Each participant had to complete as many push-ups or sit-ups as they could in one minute.

CPT (NS) Jason Tay, 39, gave thumbs up for the new IPPT format, as well as the SAF's slew of new facilities like the Multi-Mission Range Complex which allows soldiers to conduct day and night live-firing indoor in all weather conditions.

"The new IPPT is easier to train for, and the new range (MMRC) is more efficient; these are definitely great steps forward," said the artillery officer who visited the MINDEF booth to update himself on the latest developments in the SAF.

Parents also brought their children to the MINDEF booth to find out more about today's NS and Basic Military Training. Ms Sherlyn Lim, 39, described the bunk and military equipment showcase as a "good preview".

"It mentally prepares my son for what to expect in three years' time when he enlists for NS," she said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Teo met with Shanghai Party Secretary Han Zheng as part of his six-day visit to China. He also visited sailors, midshipmen and senior military expert trainees on board Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Resolution.

The ship was docked at Shanghai's Wu Song Naval Base for a port call as part of the midshipmen's training, and to network with their Chinese counterparts.

Such port calls strengthen the defence ties of the Republic of Singapore Navy and the host navies.