When Singapore attained its independence abruptly 50 years ago, her first generation of citizens had very little to cheer about and, in fact, much to be concerned about. This tiny island that has no natural resources had virtually nothing to build a nation with except the tenacity and grit displayed by her first generation of citizens.
Fast forward 50 years later, the new citizens that will be born into this same nation in 2015, have inherited much from their forefathers. They have much to look forward to in this world-class city-state that they will call home and they too will have a part to play to bring Singapore to the next 50 years and beyond.
Just as our pioneers strived hard to make their dreams a reality, what then are our hopes and aspirations for the generation that will be born in 2015, our Jubilee Year? After 2 months of consultation with citizens from all walks of life and receiving more than 6,500 suggestions, the ideas are put to a public vote which drew more than 20,000 responses. Today, the SG50 Golden Jubilee Baby Gift is finally revealed. We are privileged to bring you a sneak peek.
Who is eligible?
Every Singaporean baby born in 2015 (50th Jubilee Year of Singapore).
What is the Keepsake Suitcase?
There are 8 items, individually (and lovingly) packed inside a very handsome and large Keepsake Suitcase with the following dimensions:
Length: 48cm
Depth: 32 cm
Width: 21 cm
Weight: 5 Kg
The Keepsake Suitcase is fastened with 2 metal clips and a handle for carrying. Attached to the handle is a luggage tag that reads, ‘Welcome to our Singapore Family’.
Printed on the suitcase cover is a colourful graphic representation of Singapore’s city skyline background and cute zoo animals in the foreground. There is a tree blossoming with circular orbs bearing the SG50 Baby Logo and smaller orbs bearing 8 desired attributes for all SG50 babies: I Dream Big, I Give Thanks, I Care, I Love Life, I Live Strong, I Play Hard, I Think Deep and I Grow Well.
What is Inside?
Items inside the Keepsake Suitcase are chosen to represent the three “C”s:
- “Care” for the baby
- “Celebrate” family bonds and
- “Commemorate” the baby’s birth in Singapore’s Golden Jubilee Year
Each item exemplifies an attribute we desire the baby to grow up with. For example:
I Live Strong: May you discover your potential and develop your unique strengths, May you be strong and face the future fearlessly and joyfully.
I Play Hard: May you take the time to laugh and play. May you live life to the fullest!
The 8 items in the Keepsake Suitcase are:
- A Commemorative Medallion (Not given in the preview sample; will be given only to the SG50 baby)
- A Multi-functional Shawl: can be used keep baby warm or to hang over the pram to shade baby from the sun etc.
- A Baby Sling
- A Set of 5 Children’s Book from the Timmy and Tammy series (Stories for preschoolers about two kids exploring Singapore)
- A Commemorative Family Photo Frame
- A 6-pcs Baby Clothes Set (Comprising of 2 rompers, 1 shirt and 1 shorts, a pair of mittens and socks)
- A Commemorative Scrapbook and
- A Stroller-friendly Skip Hop Diaper Bag (Yes, a stylish and durable Skip Hop!)
How is the gift given / delivered?
Parents of Singaporean children born in 2015 can log on to www.nptd.gov.sg/sg50baby to register for the gift. You can choose to arrange for a free delivery to an address in Singapore or opt for self-collection at the birth registration counters at maternity hospitals in Singapore or at the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
What is special?
The items within the Keepsake Suitcase, though simple, are heartfelt and carry much significance. For one, it represents the hope and aspirations of THIS generation of Singaporeans for the NEXT. These aspirations are printed in the red orbs and then elaborated in simple but touching message in the inner-cover of the suitcase. The message is then signed-off, ‘ With Love, Your Fellow Singaporeans’. How meaningful!
We were touched to see these little details when we were un-boxing the Keepsake Suitcase. For babies born in 2015, this is not merely a welcome gift but a conveyor of wishes, blessings, and passing on of the legacies of an entire nation to the new lives born in our country’s Jubilee Year. It is therefore appropriate that parents who receive this Golden Jubilee Baby Gift to look beyond these tangible items and appreciate the intangibles that it represents (the goodwill, the initiative, the effort and the blessings behind the gift), which is of far more significance and value.
Additional Info:
The SG50 Baby Jubilee Gift is a community initiative led by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) and supported by the following ministries and government agencies:
- Ministry of Social and Family Development
- People’s Association
- Families for Life
- NTUC U Family
- I Love Children
Besides the Keepsake Suitcase, SG50 babies will also receive a specially-designed birth certificate to mark this milestone. Parents of SG50 babies can look forward to a series of parenting courses organised by the Government to prepare for their exciting journey in parenthood. More information will be available from www.nptd.gov.sg/sg50baby.
How interesting! It seems like a lot of thought has gone into this one. The books are such a nice touch!
Love everything inside it! Can tell a lot of thought (and resources) went into every item. And how nice baby AJ got to model for it 🙂
Oh wow, looking good! Hmm… maybe I should try for my no.3!
nice! I’m expecting a jubilee baby and am looking forward to receiving this lovely keepsake.
When they released the frame and album, I was skeptical to be honest because I didn’t think it represented the celebration of SG50 and the Jubilee baby well. But with this release, I am very proud to know that a lot of thought have gone into the selection of things to be put in, as well as the meaning behind the things. I especially like the clothes set (necessities for the newborn is always a good thing especially for those who struggle to even get these things due to financial problems), the sling and the diaper bag. But what I really like, is the set of books which is so meaningful for parents to read to their children about everything iconic in singapore! Reading is a lifetime investment hence I believe by encouraging parents to share that bond with children is a great start!!
Very pretty! Looks like a lot of thought has gone into this. Love the suitcase especially!
this is super cute! Esp love the suitcase, didn’t know its so big! Can’t wait for 2015 to receive my set, yay!
It’s a beautiful set! I love how much thought went into these meaningful gifts.. My fave is the lion-printed shawl hehe
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
I think this is a really lovely gift! Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into it, and I particularly love the books and diaper bag. The books really make the gift unique to Singaporeans, and the diaper bag is so practical and useful. One can never have too many good diaper bags, right? Hopefully, I’ll be able to have another kid next year, and this would be a nice bonus. 😉
What a lot of thought must have gone into. I like that there are practical items, like the sling and diaper bag as well as commemorative items to welcome the Jubilee Baby. A very meaningful initiative to celebrate family.
I love this! Would have been thrilled to receive it with Zac’s birth. 😉
It is such a lovely commemorative gift so boo to the naysayers.