SINGAPORE : A great spirit of courage, solidarity and generosity has emerged from the Asian tsunami tragedy.
Singapore's swift response to help disaster areas was also lauded by officials from affected countries.
Singaporeans from all walks of life chipped in to help rebuild homes and lives.
The Indonesian Embassy collected some S$200,000 and over 100 tonnes of relief items in the first three days after the disaster.
It will be raising more funds through a musical performance in Singapore next month, as well as at the launch of a new association in April.
Mochamad S. Hidayat, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, said: "We plan to launch what we call an Indonesian-Singaporean Friendship Association. It is a non-profit association. The main aim is to promote people-to-people contact and deepen understanding between the people of the two countries."
The Indonesian Ambassador and Sri Lankan High Commissioner said Singaporeans have risen to the occasion and provided much help in their time of need.
Even though it has been a month since the tsunami struck, the volunteers and pledges are still trickling in to help with the rebuilding efforts.
Ajit Jayaratne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Singapore, said: "Temasek Holdings has offered US$1 million, just to give an example, that a lot of money is made available by major Singaporean conglomerate, now Temasek have indicated to us that they are waiting to go into specific projects which we have to identify for them."
In the past month, the Sri Lanka High Commission have despatched 23 containers of supplies and some 20 million ruppees to help victims in its country.
While humanitarian aid have tappered off somewhat, officials say Singaporeans are now helping with reconstruction efforts. - CNA
At least better than Huang Na... Kena con...
