Alonso’s startling comeback from the 15th grid after a poor second qualifier showing to snatch the first place in the Singapore Grand Prix is the perfect end not just for him, but also for Singapore.
Not just because it makes for a dramatic race, but Alonso’s triumph is also almost symbolic of what my country Singapore stands for – overcoming the odds and exceeding expectations.
When his engine cut in the qualifier caused him to barely make the finals, and almost all the pundits favoured Messa for the win, Alonso surprised everyone with what he himself dubbed as a "miracle."
Similarly, there were doubts that Singapore had the capability to host an F1 race, let alone the world’s first night race, when she announced her intentions two years ago.
After all, this is a country that previously decided not to have a driving race track, thus handing next-door Malaysia a headstart into the multi-billion dollar industry.
Even Alonso was among the first to express his reservations then. He said that there were too many unknown variables to conduct such an event.
So there’s an irony when he defied the odds to win, just as how Singapore proved detractors wrong when she hosted what many call a smooth Grand Prix.
But while Alonso may call his win a miracle, Singapore’s record card shows that it’s no coincidence when she exceeds expectations.
You can say that that’s our nation’s DNA. Way back in 1965, when Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia after a short-lived merger, many thought the little isle in the South-China sea was doomed.
We had limited land, no natural resources, and we even depended on Malaysia for water. One little red dot on the world map is flanked on one side with the largest Muslim country on the globe, and on the other with the country that excommunicated her.
So why and how did we not only survive, but thrived to be the most economically developed country in the region?
It’s thanks to excellent leadership that has the foresight to steer Singapore in the right direction. Then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew quickly realised that people are the country’s prime asset and set forth to harness its potential, rapidly developing the education landscape. That was, and still is, a top prioty. Today, Singapore’s an education hub with students from hailing from all parts of the globe.
In economic terms, our comparative advantage lies with our people, which can be likened to stem cells. There are skilled and highly sought after engineers, doctors and lawyers in the workforce now thanks to Lee.
Lee, by specialising in a resource that meets every demand, found the key to unlock the door to Singapore’s prosperity, much to everyone’s surprise.
I guess our vulnerability has proven to be a driving force behind our stellar performance on almost every front: education, medical, military etc. We give our best in whatever we’re doing. And when we ourselves are a quality product shaped by our government, there’s little wonder why we have been, and will continue to, surpass the world’s condescending expectations of us.
Of course, Singapore has suffered huge debacles too. Recently a terrorist called Mas Selemat escaped from a detention centre.
But instead of hiding the fact, active measures were taken.Those responsible were punished, and steps were quickly taken to try to repair the damage. Posts were set up around the island’s perimeter to try to stop Selemat’s escape.
Those who follow the news will know that he has not been caught yet, but the Singapore attitude is clear. It is a pragmatic, proactive one that is determined to have its way.
Most of the time, that’s enough to bring you far. The success of the world’s first night race is just one of a list of examples before and to come. That is the Singapore dream.
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