Singap re!Happy Birthday

This monTh we celebraTe s ingapore s golden Jubilee , paying homage To The d iverse people , cuT Ting-edge innovaTion

and naTural beauTy ThaT make up This island naTion. JeTsTar is celebraTing in iTs own way: honouring 50 special s ingaporeans

aT home and abroad wiTh a very special campaign

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Celebrating One PeOPle

s i n g A p o r e s s t o r y i s w e l l - k n o w n but not well-worn: an underdog lacking in size, natural resources and national identity achieves independence, then rises up on the world stage as the little country that could. In the past 50 years, this land of big dreams has withstood regional strife, domestic challenges and international politics to become a global business hub and bustling tourist destination. But for the 5.5 million Singaporean residents, whove instilled a local flavour into everything from laksa to queuing, the Lion City is more than a political success story: its home.

The Singaporean spirit of determination and unity began at the first National Day Parade in 1966, when not even rain dampened the enthusiastic celebration of the newly independent nation. Since then, the parade has been a source of Singaporean pride, celebrating our diversity while strengthening our collective identity.

This year, the parade will span the whole Marina Bay area from Gardens by the Bay to the Padang

the site of the countrys first parade. And this year, thanks to the addition of a long weekend by President Tony Tan, it caps off three full days of celebration. The Jubilee Weekend runs from August 7 to 10, kicking off at Marina Bay with the Heartstrings fun walk to raise money for Community Chest (read more on page 38).

Here at Jetstar, weve been busy putting together our own very special event to commemorate Singapores big 5-0.

As part of our Jubilee campaign, Jetstar Asia has chosen to bring 25 Singaporean expats home for National Day and to honour another 25 local Singaporeans. These unsung heroes mothers, brothers, colleagues and classmates are

In 1965, Singapore an island of diverse cultures living under the tropical sun off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula became the worlds newest independent nation. This month, the Little Red Dot, as it became known, celebrates its Golden Jubilee

Lets honour the dreamers, the pioneers

and the everyday people that have made the Little

Red Dot a success

people who strive to make their communities and the lives of those around them a little bit better. More than 500 entrants from across the Asia-Pacific region were nominated by their family, friends and colleagues as examples of the Singaporean spirit.

The faces of the 50 winning entrants have been painted by celebrated artist and illustrator Michael Ng, in his famously whimsical style, as part of an SG50 aircraft livery. The aircraft was unveiled at a special gate hold party at Changi Airport on July 30, in the presence of the competition winners and their families.

So, as the nation reflects on the past and looks toward the future, lets honour the dreamers, the pioneers and the everyday people that have made the Little Red Dot a success. After all, a celebration like this comes only once every 50 years.

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50 of the nations unsung heroes have taken to the sky on Jetstars whimsical SG50 aircraft livery:

Michael Ng is the artist behind the design

w h e n yo u lo o k At t h e w o r k of renowned artist Michael Ng, you understand why his moniker is Mindflyer. Swirling shapes and bright colours explode into stars and stripes or collide to form retro sci-fi creatures or alien robots the ordinary becomes extraordinary, following Ngs idea that art is everything, everywhere. Ng draws inspiration from his Singapore home as well as the world around him, saying that everything has its own beauty.

Its a style entirely Ngs own, and it evokes a sense of escapism, hinting that another world can exist if only we can imagine it. And this month, as Singapore becomes a sea of red flags under sky-popping fireworks, his world of shape and colour, of the real and surreal, is being brought to life the Mindflyer is taking flight.

Michael Ng is the artist behind Jetstar Asias special livery, an aircraft wraparound designed in celebration of Singapores 50th birthday. In partnership with Jetstar, Ng has captured the likeness of 50 unsung heroes from the Lion City and abroad and incorporated them into the special Jubilee design, which, he says, pairs nature and humanity.

Its great to partner with a homegrown company like Jetstar, Ng says. To see one of my artworks on a real plane flying around for the first time is something Ill never forget.

The design is based on a common Singaporean sight: the black-naped oriole. This golden bird, with its black mask and black neck, has been featured on stamps, coins and notes, and for Ng represents the Singaporean spirit, adapting and thriving in its environment. It speaks of tenacity, strength and determination the qualities Singapore was founded upon as well as freedom through flight.

The faces of Jetstars 50 heroes have been designed to rest across the wings of the oriole. Ng says capturing each ones personality was a challenge. After I established the basic face shape and jawline, I started to look into what makes the individual face special, he says. Was it their hairstyle, their smile, their dimples or their distinctive facial hair? Then I pay special attention to that when Im drawing, to really capture that persons individuality.

Overall, I wanted the livery to feel festive and to convey a sense of optimism.

A diehard kopi-drinking, English- and Mandarin- speaking self-described Ah Beng, Michael Ng is, himself, something of a

hero of Singapore. In 2006, with artists Fleecircus and Drewscape, he founded the Organisation of Illustrators Council (OIC Singapore) to connect professional illustrators and encourage young artists.

Singapore illustrators have come a long way, he says. Based on what Ive seen, I am super-excited about how the local illustration scene will develop in the next 5 to 10 years.

Michael Ngs colourful T-shirt designs and bright Starbucks giftcards offer a glimpse into the world of one of Singapores great illustrators. But in Ngs Jetstar livery, not just the physical faces of Singapore, but also the swirling, daydreaming Mindflyer in all of us, take flight.

Meet the artist

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Melinda Lim Quee Cheng

Ng Soon NoiDr Kala Retna Chan Seck SungOng Su LoonLim Kian Wei Wee Shi Chen

Meet the Faces Were proud to introduce you to 10 of the 50 deserving winners of our competition, with their portraits by Michael Ng

Before leaving Singapore to study in melbourne, Gang Jing Hui completed his National Service, where he marched as part of the Guard of Honour in the 2013 National Day parade. Since then, the parade has held a special place in Gans heart, and as he returns to celebrate SG50 with his girlfriend, family and friends, hes looking forward to creating more special memories. Having my face on a Jetstar aircraft is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, he says. Its a unique and cool opportunity that not many can say they have experienced.23, Student, melbourne

Vivian Ho, a former project manager, has dedicated her life to looking after her son, who lives with a serious genetic disorder. Although described by her friend Judy Hui Ling as a hero, Ho says humbly that shes simply doing what any mother would do. No matter how hard things are, she says, always end the day with a positive thought, as tomorrows a fresh opportunity for things to be better.33, project manager/caregiver, Singapore

melinda Lim Quee cheng, a former jetsetting Singapore girl, left a comfortable and lucrative job as a financial consultant to work as a missionary in cambodia. As she returns to celebrate Singapores Golden Jubilee, shes looking forward to seeing family and friends and savouring her mothers lovingly home-cooked meals especially the ngoh hiang (five-spice meat roll)! Home is where my loved ones are, she says. There is no place like it.35, missionary, phnom penh

eighty-nine-year-old Ng Soon Noi represents the commitment and strength of Singapores pioneer generation. Soon Noi took three jobs to support her five children and make sure they received a good education. Her grandson, cheah Wan Sean, nominated Ng Soon Noi, and says he is proud of his grandmother without her perseverance, he explains, his family would not be where they are today. As for Ng Soon Noi, she is simply proud to live in an environment where everyone is safe and sound. 89, Retired, Singapore

Dr Kala Retnas career has taken her from management trainer in the Singapore Armed forces to her current role as a senior lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. But DrRetna says she is most proud to be born a Singaporean, and adds, I appreciate the kind gesture of Jetstar in honouring SG50 and giving Singaporeans an opportunity to be part of the celebration and joy of the nation and its people. 61, management Lecturer, Wellington

As part of the first regiment of Singaporean officers who built the nations Armed forces, chan Seck Sung is a true pioneer. Nowadays, chan continues to inspire others by serving as the president of his former high schools alumni committee. It was here that chong Kok Hwee met chan and discovered the impact hed made on a new and independent Singapore. His commitment to building up the Armed forces and services to his alma mater and the community make mrchan a true Singapore hero in my eyes, says chong. 71, former SAf officer, Singapore

Mok Weng Lock

Its a privilege to be among the select few to be nominated to return home to celebrate this years National Day with our loved ones, says mok Weng Lock. even more so this year, as its a special year. mok is returning to Singapore for National Day for the first time since 2006, and while hes excited to be spending time with family and friends, hes mostly looking forward to indulging in another very Singaporean love: food!30, Solutions Analyst, Sydney

As an electrical engineer and talented ceramist, Ong is proud of the growth and maturity of Singapore not only its financial growth, but also the development of the countrys artistic and cultural soul. my approach to ceramics draws on the same ethos as Singapore; that is, we draw the best ideas from around the world and redefine them to work for us within our physical constraints and our stamp of sensibility and pragmatism, he says.40, electrical engineer/ceramist, Singapore

more than 10 years ago, Lim Kian Wei started a family tradition of hanging the Singapore flag in the window of his familys apartment before National Day. The tradition, Kian Wei says, is a good rally point for the family to begin their celebrations each year. As he returns from Kuala Lumpur to celebrate SG50, Kian Wei will be hanging the flag once again and soaking in the celebratory atmosphere alongside his family.59, executive Director, Kuala Lumpur

Wee Shi chen loves all things Singaporean: from the countrys sights and sounds to the Singlish and, of course, the food. But according to his friend Ooi Teck chau, its his volunteer work, community mentoring and mantra of paying it forward that make Wee an outstanding Singaporean. Im sure I wouldnt be in a position to contribute if it wasnt for the sacrifices and hard work of the Singaporeans before me, Wee says.28, Intelligence Analyst, Singapore

Gan Jing Hui Ho Shy Pyng (Vivian Ho)

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