Singapore marked its 47th birthday

SINGAPORE: Singapore marked its 47th birthday on Thursday with thousands of people gathered at the downtown Marina Bay area as spectators for this years National Day Parade.
   
 
 Delivering the National Day Message on Wednesday, PM Lee Hsien Loong said despite a backdrop of uncertainty in Europe and US, Singapore’s economy has fared quite well, growing 1.7% in the first half of 2012. It is on track for a 1.5-2.5% growth for the whole year.
 
 Mr Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore must always offer hope of a better future, creating opportunities for all.
 
 National Day Parade VIPs included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Former Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh Chok Tong, and President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who took office in September last year.