Myriad-tocracy: the colours that make us Uniquely Singaporean

Yet nothing contradicts more wildly than the spectacularly Singaporean circumstance of spending more than a S$100,000 on a car, only to bend over backwards just avoid spending a paltry $2 in parking.

"Boy ah - can you see the parking board? Does it have an orange sign underneath anot?"

Pantone 143, Kiam Kana* Orange

*Lit. Salted Olive, meaning a stingy person.

Or more memorable could be the mini crisis your parents invoke on the way to pick you up:

"Boy ah - faster come out, if I wait too long, will kena fine one."

Pantone 1365, Kan Cheong Yellow

If our boring Literature classes taught us anything, it would be that blue represents peace, serenity, and calm - and perhaps for a good reason.

Dotting the gentrified green spaces amongst our towering HDB estates, these benches play host to our brisk walk-exhausted elderly in the morning, work-worn couples in the evenings, and inebriated youngsters in the twilight. (Remember, kids: no consumption of alcohol in public spaces between 10:30PM to 7:00AM)

Maybe our Lit teachers were on to something after all

Pantone 3005: Lepak Blue

Don't you think those tiled round tables in the void decks have one of the deepest, richest, most beautiful blues I've ever seen. Sort of a cross between Lapis Lazuli and Cobalt - this deep, bodied tone never fails to make us feel at home.

How cantik, how blue, how beautiful.

Pantone 2756: Void Deck Blue

Speaking of home - how about the sprightly splashes of pink that adorn our roadways and bridges? The pink Bougainvilleas that embellish the roadsides and overhead bridges are the perfect counterpoint to the repetitive masses of asphalt, shrubbery and signage.

On wheels or on foot, you can never miss these.

Pantone 224: Overhead Bridge Violet

"Clean and Green"- the first words out your mouth when asked about your country. Clean and Green? Nothing could then be more Singaporean than our national mascot: the Rubbish Bin.

Journeying abroad, we soon realise how much we've taken for granted the omnipresent trashcan here at home.

In case you don't know how rubbish bins work

Pantone 344: Rubbish Bin Green

And then there's red. Our national colour; the colour of universal brotherhood and equality of all man...

Given Singapore's obsession with construction, these ubiquitous signs could actually be a national symbol.

Pantone 1805: Bahaya Red

We Singaporeans are a curious breed. We kaopei our National Service, lament the sad state of our public transport, decry the tyranny of the Nanny State.

But yet, we, the citizens are roused, united, whenever we top an international ranking: the best airport, the best living standards, or even the most expensive automobile prices. We grin at being something more than a Little Red Dot. We've made it. The world has seen us.

You've been great, Singapore.

Here's to the past 51 years.

Pantone 032: Majulah Red

Onward, Singapore.