Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Merit: Tracy Yeo Yu Ting

MY SINGAPORE - A GARDEN CITY

Several decades ago, Singapore was just a fishing village with kampong houses and coconut trees. Today, Singapore is known as the “Garden City” with many high-rise buildings. Tall trees and beautiful flowers can be seen almost everywhere. “Garden City” is indeed an appropriate representation of Singapore.

I have a Malaysian friend who came to Singapore for a short visit last year. She told me that she would prefer staying in Singapore than in Malaysia. She commented that Singapore is a much cooler place due to the beautiful green environment. She does not need to carry her umbrella everywhere as there are many tall trees along the way, providing shades to ward off the immense heat.

Being a Singaporean, such comments made me feel very proud of my country. I agree with her that Singapore is a beautiful place where you can find green plants everywhere, even in high places like HDB flats. Many people grow plants along the corridors and inside the flats on the balcony, to beautify their homes. Besides beautifying homes, plants in places like the Herbal garden, Hort park and Botanical Gardens also serve educational purposes.

We need to maintain a clean environment so that our reputation of a clean and green “Garden city” will not be tarnished. It is every citizen’s duty. Only then can we continue to be proud Singaporeans.

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