2008 is a year fraught with many sad news – rapid deterioriation of the credit industry leading to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, continual battle against terrorism in India, milk powder and melamine scandal in China and the fatal earthquake in Sichuan. As we are bidding farewell to 2008, we hope that 2009 will bring new hope and more happy news to everyone.
Looking from the homefront, Singapore has not escaped unscathed from what are plaguing the other regions. The financial crisis has led to the collapse of 150-year old Lehman Brothers and caused many retail investors to lose their retirement fund. The terrorism in India resulted in the loss of fellow countryman. The melamine scandal drew fears in many Singaporeans regarding food produce from China. Many Singaporeans contributed generously to the mercy relief for the survivors of the Sichuan earthquake.
Enough of the bad news, 2008 is not exactly without any happy events. The phenomenal success of the Beijing Olympics showed the other regions what Asians were capable of. The world records that were broken in the various stadiums made us wowed by the architectural superiority of the Chinese. The winning of a silver medal by the Singapore’s table tennis women team also made many Singaporeans jubilant for many days.
2009 will continue to be a trying year especially economically with the financial crisis expected to worsen and many more people to lose their jobs. In the security area, fights against terrorism will persevere. The policies to be implemented by newly elected US President – Barrack Obama will be watched by the world. Many are hoping that the new President will lead US to greater heights and resolve some of the long-drawn issues.
Let’s hope that 2009 will be a better year for all.
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