PM Lee is officially the coolest dude in Singapore, guys.
Following the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal and President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is officially the third person to take over the White House’s Instagram account.
In the first post, the White House gave a brief introduction of their Instagram takeover, sharing a picture of PM Lee, Mrs. Lee, President Obama and Mrs. Obama waving to the crowds at The White House South Lawn.
PM Lee, on the other hand, introduced himself with a picture of him lounging at the President’s Guest House.
The Instagram takeover occurred yesterday after PM Lee attended a state dinner at the White House. Prior to that, President Obama also made a public speech which captured the hearts of many, using Singlish references like “rojak”, “little red dot“, and also addressing Singaporeans with multi-racial greetings like “Good morning, Selamat Datang, Vanakkam and Ni Hao.”
Singapore is one nation with four official languages so let me just say good morning, selamat datang, vanakkam and ni hao.
In this work, we draw strength from our people, two societies built on multi-multiculturalism and on merit. In United States, we call ourselves a melting pot. In Singapore, it is rojak — different parts united in a harmonious whole. Bound by the belief that no matter who you are, you work hard and play by the rules, you can make it.
Even at the state dinner, President Barack Obama peppered his toast with uniquely Singaporean catch phrases and highlighted Singapore’s vibrant gastronomical scene.
We were tempted to offer each of you a “Singapore Sling” or some chili crab. However, for those of you who know its unmistakable scent — which never seems to go away — you’ll understand why we are not serving a fruit known as durian here in the White House.
The President, too, toasted to the everlasting friendship and partnership with Singapore with the traditional Yam Seng.
To Prime Minister and Mrs Lee, and to the friendship and partnership between our peoples, let’s continue to build something special together. Onward, Singapore — Majulah Singapura. Onward, America. Cheers. Yam seng.
To commemorate this union, Singapore has also named an orchid in honour of Mr. Obama and First Lady Michelle.
Personally, it makes me feel extremely heartened and proud that even President Obama highlighted our national language.
Following the recent Jet Star SG51 Saga here, it does beg the question on why it was so widely celebrated when the President adopted Singlish in his speeches, but attracted so much backlash when it was done in our own country – some even touting it as hard to understand and a disgrace to the country’s English standards.
Not so much of a disgrace now, hor?
This article was first published on Goodyfeed.com
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