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SINGAPORE: Singapore marked its 44th birthday on Sunday and the celebrations were not just limited to the island.
From Beijing to Jakarta, and even Afghanistan, Singaporeans overseas also took part in a special event, a mass pledge taking to showcase their solidarity and unity.
The patriotic act took place at 8.22pm Singapore Time on Sunday night.
Singapore's soldiers in Afghanistan marked the momentous occasion by taking the pledge.
Most of the pledge taking ceremonies were organised by overseas clubs and associations.
And in Beijing, it was also the first time the live screening of the National Day Parade was held at the Singapore embassy.
Over 300 Singaporeans working, living and studying in the city showed up.
Janet Ang, a Singaporean living in Beijing, said: "I certainly hope that Singapore continues to prosper, foster racial harmony and encourage everybody - companies and foreigners with talent to come live in our country and continue to grow and prosper and have peace and prosperity."
Lily Cheah, another Singaporean living in Beijing, said: "This is the first time I am away from Singapore during National Day because I have been attending National Day every year since 1970 until now."
And in Jakarta, close to a thousand folks including local leaders, businessmen and Singaporeans in the Indonesian capital turned up for their own celebrations.
The National Anthem was played before Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri and Singapore's Ambassador to ASEAN, Lim Thuan Kuan cut the cake.
Mr Mirpuri said the celebration with Indonesian friends is a reminder of the close ties between the two countries.
This time round, Singapore's hosting of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games next year formed the theme for the decorations.
Ashok Mirpuri, Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia, said: "Last year was F1. Every year we try to promote something new about Singapore. This year in anticipating the Youth Olympics Games next year, we decided to introduce it to people so that they know that when they are planning their trips around next year they got the Youth Olympic Games.
“Of course the F1 continues and there are lots of events in Singapore for them. And Indonesians come and go so often. So we really like to keep introducing them to all these things happening in Singapore."
But the best part was still the food which included a sumptuous spread of all-time favourite dishes like laksa, roti prata and chicken rice. - CNA/vm
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