Should we still host Singapore Day?

I am concerned that despite the looming global economic downturn, tax dollars continue to be spent on hosting Singapore Day overseas (“Thousands living in United States celebrate Singapore Day in San Francisco”; Sept 26, Channel NewsAsia).

The event can cost some S$4.4 million, as it did in 2014, and I wonder about the aims of such an event. Is it to entice overseas Singaporeans to return or just to provide a link for them?

Emigration is not a simple decision. One must think about the job overseas, the children’s education and housing. Once one has settled down, returning home could be costly and even unthinkable.

Providing a link for overseas Singaporeans cannot be achieved over a day. There are websites that do a better job of presenting our culture, entertainment and political scene.

There must be other ways to spend the money. Even building more covered walkways would benefit many people here. Alternatively, sending our school bands or cultural groups overseas to perform would help to provide a link back to Singapore.

We are spending a lot of money. Are we achieving the aims of the event? Perhaps it is more pertinent to improve living conditions here so that fewer Singaporeans leave.