Niki Cheong

Love thy neighbour (yes, including Singapore)

Sep 29, 2008 Rantings

I got a warm fuzzy feeling earlier when reading the newspapers. I know, I know, I never thought it would happen too but there’s always a first time for everything. :)

I am referring to an article in the sports section of today’s The Star headlined:

Singapore turns to Sepang for advice on organising F1

The headlines says a lot but you can click here to read the article, which reports on how Malaysia’s Fyreen Hanim Kamarul Ariffin has been in Singapore to advice the organisers there for their first ever formula one race (and the first ever night race) held yesterday in which Fernando Alonso won.

“I feel like a teacher. It is the first time for them. And we have had the experience.”

I think this is great. I remember at the beginning when there was talk about how Singapore was hoping to get onto the F1 calendar and some people were up in arms, saying that this would steal the limelight from the Malaysian edition.

I think it’s great of both parties to cooperate - after all, a successful event can only boost our region’s profile, bring more tourist in (which means more money) and show the world that we may not be big countries, but we are able to host and organise world class events.

And as much as Fyreen is able to “teach” them, I’m sure she will learn some things in return which can only be good for us.

More than anything, it shows that the “rivalry” between Malaysia and Singapore is merely politics, cosmetic and sarcastic and that we are able to see beyond all this for the sake of cooperation, collaboration and professionalism.

8.06pm Malaysian time (+8 GMT)

Tags: Formula One. Singapore