Our Merlion

Our Merlion Every informed citizen would know the reasons for the creation of the Merlion. But for me, I would like to believe that the majestic and sacred creature has been created to be our warrior and protector, one who stands erect and alert, fearless and brave at the mouth of the Singapore River, shielding and guard the safety of its citizens. The symbol of the Merlion was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner in early 1960s for use as the logo for the then Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). Later, it was conceptualised by Kwan Sai Kheong, and constructed by Lim Nang Seng into a statue to be the symbolic icon of Singapore mainly for tourism purposes. When the Merlion was launched on 15 Sep 1972 by then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, I was still in secondary school. We were quite excited about. Unfortunately, it was nearing the exam period, and we were busy attending revision classes after school in preparation for our GCE ‘O’ levels. I remember many of our classmates tried pestering our teachers to bring us on an excursion to the site. The excuse cited was to enhance and support our classroom studies on the subject of Social Studies. But the teachers reminded us that it was our last year at school. We did not give up on visiting the Merlion. A few of us managed to make our way to the Merlion Park during Chinese New Year in 1973. Of course we were impressed by the magnificent being! Comfortably seated in its circular basin, Mr Merlion is dressed in clean white panes. With sparkling red teacup eyes, and accompanied by the merry music, he is happily sprouting water out from his mouth. If only the water smells like mint! Nearby, we observe that the Merlion cub is also enjoying itself in its basin. There were people scattered around taking photographs. We were chatting away in the sun. Our hearts were heavy as the conversation flowed to the topic of leaving school. It was a bitter-sweet feeling. We felt sad that after 10 years of togetherness at school, we have to bid each other farewell and move on to pursue the next course of our lives. Sadly, many of us have to go out to work and only a selected few could afford to further our studies. On the other hand, we are glad that the government has been working hard to open up more paths for school leavers. The conceptualization of the Merlion has projected a promising front for the future. Singapore is transforming into a global economic hub. The influx of tourist in the coming years could create trade and job opportunities. Looking back, my classmates and I have moved on quite well. Most of us have successful careers. In 1982, ten years down the road since my fist visit to the Merlion, I brought my 10 month old child to revisit the site. It was his first outdoor excursion. I think it’s timely that he should to know about his country. I have selected the Merlion to be his first place of interest to visit as I hope that the mystic look of the hybrid creature and its beautiful environment will pique his interest to learn at that tender age. I recall that it was a Sunday morning. The sun’s heat was getting more intense than previously, as we crossed the underpass at Queen Elizabeth Walk. Above us, we could hear the vehicles driving along the Anderson Bridge. As we approached the park, we noticed that the loyal Guard appeared to have aged a little. We could see his fine wrinkle lines around the body. It was filled with bits of dirt. This time around, Mr Merlion looks friendlier. More people are seen to be around the park. Most of them are foreigners and some are equipped with heavy camera sets. My little boy has enjoyed playing with the crystal clear water sprouting from his mouth and was fascinated by the baby Merlion too. Ah boy was making a lot of gurgling noises and wanted to get into the basins to join the newly found friends. Now and then, he would look towards the far end on his left as if to question what is to become of that piece of land. Later, we came to know that the land is to become the present Marina South. I have fond memories for the Merlion. The Merlion has been a source of inspiration to me as it continues to symbolise the hopes and dreams of Singapore.