It was a sunny, breezy day on 26th August 2017. Parents and their children Picket Fence@Tampines met up with their friends at Tampines West Community Centre. There was excitement hanging in the air. Chairs were arranged orderly around the stage. Strong men propped up loudspeakers and booths started opening up for the event. On this very day, a Malay singing competition “Mega Si Cilik” was about to happen.
The children from k1 and k2 classes gathered amongst the teachers. They were chattering animatedly about the event they had been long awaiting for. Some of them were looking at the other participants, feeling nervous. Others were craning their necks to look for their parents. But, all in all, this would be an unforgettable event the children will remember for the rest of their lives!After the registration booth,the children were directed to their seats. The k1 was seated in the first row whilst the k2 seated on the 6th. More children flooded the open space auditorium and parents were showed to a different section of the area.
“Selamat datang, ibu bapa dan kanak-kanak,” a Mediacorp deejay announced to everyone as the audience filled up their seats. He welcomed all, malays and non-malays.
It was not that long that the Malay host invited the K1 children to the stage to sing “Lompat Si Katak Lompat”. The children swayed their bodies as they sang the song with a happy tune. By the time the children finished singing, the host pointed out something unique about this group, though. He explained that this is a Malay singing event and was indeed surprised and pleased to see the dynamics of the group.
The K1 children comprised of 4 Chinese students along with 4 Malay children. He asked a chinese boy if he knows the meaning of the lyrics he would be singing. At first, the boy was quiet, petrified to answer. Hence, the host asked the girl next to him with a different question.
Do you know the meaning of katak?”
“Frog” was her concise answer.
Half an hour later, it was the K2 children’s turn to show their singing talent. They were led behind the stage to prop their headset onto their heads. Soon after the previous school had completed their singing, the children climbed the stairs of the stage and took their places. They sang “Bangau oh Bangau” with their hearts out.
The main host, this time, highlighted that Singapore is a multi-racial country and that it is an added advantage for children who pick up a third language. The audience clapped their hands together for these groups.
The day ensued till the mid-afternoon. The results were about to be announced. All participants from different schools in the vicinity of the Tampines area were congratulated by the Guest-of-Honour Zulkifli Masagos. The judges were also pleased with the performances.
Finally, after the long wait, the host called out our school’s name. Teachers and children were awarded to receive medals and a frame as consolation. The children were extremely overjoyed as they had put a lot of effort and work.
Well done, K1 and K2 children!
