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Singapore must be a place for the human spirit to flourish: PM Lee

SINGAPORE — Inspired by his parents' creativity, Singaporean artist Mark Ong has loved drawing since he was a child. He now creates custom shoe designs for brands such as Nike and sports legends like Kobe Bryant, as well as jerseys for football club Arsenal.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong meets with artist Mark Ong and his wife Sue-Anne Lim after delivering the National Day Rally.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong meets with artist Mark Ong and his wife Sue-Anne Lim after delivering the National Day Rally.

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SINGAPORE — Inspired by his parents' creativity, Singaporean artist Mark Ong has loved drawing since he was a child. He now creates custom shoe designs for brands such as Nike and sports legends like Kobe Bryant, as well as jerseys for football club Arsenal.

Mr Ong, who designs under his own brand name SBTG (pronounced "sabotage"), was among several Singaporeans mentioned by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 19).

"Building and rebuilding Singapore is not just about satisfying material needs," said Mr Lee, who announced new housing and healthcare measures in his speech. "The human spirit must flourish in Singapore."

Mr Ong is one of the "ordinary Singaporeans doing extraordinary things", taking the path less travelled and excelling in his field, said Mr Lee.

"It all started when he won an online competition in 2003 and overnight, had an order for 72 pairs of sneakers. He sold the first pairs for US$300 each, and now his earlier works sell for thousands of dollars. I wish my old sneakers were as valuable," said Mr Lee.

Other Singaporeans mentioned were cancer research scientist Azhar Ali, entrepreneurs Darius Cheung and Roshni Mahtani, popiah businessman Michael Ker, documentary photographer and artist Sim Chi Yin and conductor and composer Wong Kah Chun.

Ms Sim's achievements include being commissioned as the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize photographer — the first Asian to be chosen. She is also a nominee member of acclaimed international photographic co-operative Magnum Photos.

Mr Wong, whose maths teacher in Jurong Primary School got him to join the school band, is today the chief conductor of the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra in Germany. He will be a guest conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for their Lunar New Year concert.

He considers the Jurong West home he grew up in to be "better than any hotel" and has founded Project Infinitude to bring music to less privileged and special-needs children in Singapore and elsewhere.

"These are just a few of many, many Singaporeans who are pursuing dreams, breaking new ground and flying our flag high," said Mr Lee.

A hundred years from now, Singapore should stand out not just for its modern skyscrapers and world rankings, but for being a nation of boundless opportunities where every skill and talent is celebrated and where those who have done well help others to do better, he said.

"Let us continue to stand tall, chase rainbows and work together for many brighter tomorrows," said Mr Lee, before wishing everyone good night.

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