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　　Unravel the beauty of choices with "The Red String", a captivating picture book presented by The National Kidney Foundation, featuring the inimitable illustrations of Ah Guo 阿果, along with writer Perry Ho. The story narrates the delightful adventure of a boy as he navigates life’s choices, symbolised by the red string that represents our interconnected existence.

　　Through this heartwarming tale of love, hope, and self-discovery, young readers are encouraged to recognise the impact of the choices today that may shape their tomorrows. This initiative subtly aims to heighten awareness of kidney health, weaving a tale that explores diverse perspectives and fosters new connections.

　　"Planting the seeds of kidney disease prevention in the minds of the young is the key to cultivating a healthier future. By instilling awareness and healthy habits early on, we empower the next generation to make informed choices, fostering a foundation of well-being that reaches far beyond themselves. Investing in the health education of our youth is an investment in a future where kidney disease is not just treated but prevented, paving the way for a generation that values and prioritizes lifelong well-being." Said Tim Oei, Chief Executive Officer, NKF.

　　There is a pressing need for our next generations to be aware of the choices they make. With its simple yet profound messaging, "The Red String" hopes to captivate and capture the imagination of young readers, and spur them on their own journeys of well-being and discovery.

２０２４大众“读者票选好书” 中文组优胜者
Popular Reader’s Choice Award 2024 Winner

　　Unravel the beauty of choices with "The Red String", a captivating picture book presented by The National Kidney Foundation, featuring the inimitable illustrations of Ah Guo 阿果, along with writer Perry Ho. The story narrates the delightful adventure of a boy as he navigates life’s choices, symbolised by the red string that represents our interconnected existence.

　　Through this heartwarming tale of love, hope, and self-discovery, young readers are encouraged to recognise the impact of the choices today that may shape their tomorrows. This initiative subtly aims to heighten awareness of kidney health, weaving a tale that explores diverse perspectives and fosters new connections.

　　"Planting the seeds of kidney disease prevention in the minds of the young is the key to cultivating a healthier future. By instilling awareness and healthy habits early on, we empower the next generation to make informed choices, fostering a foundation of well-being that reaches far beyond themselves. Investing in the health education of our youth is an investment in a future where kidney disease is not just treated but prevented, paving the way for a generation that values and prioritizes lifelong well-being." Said Tim Oei, Chief Executive Officer, NKF.

　　There is a pressing need for our next generations to be aware of the choices they make. With its simple yet profound messaging, "The Red String" hopes to captivate and capture the imagination of young readers, and spur them on their own journeys of well-being and discovery.

　　What is it like growing up in Singapore? This vibrant island is a mosaic of diverse cultures, filled with seemingly ordinary moments that can turn into unforgettable memories. Join a young boy from a new immigrant family as he navigates his unique childhood and discovers the magic in every corner of this equatorial island.

　　What is it like growing up in Singapore? This vibrant island is a mosaic of diverse cultures, filled with seemingly ordinary moments that can turn into unforgettable memories. Join a young boy from a new immigrant family as he navigates his unique childhood and discovers the magic in every corner of this equatorial island.

　　在新加坡成長是一段怎樣的旅程？在這個多元文化交融的小島上，處處都充滿看似平常卻令人難忘的驚喜。這本童詩繪本通過一個新移民家庭小孩的視角，帶你領略別樣的赤道島國童年，感受獨特而溫暖的瞬間。

　　在新加坡成長是一段怎樣的旅程？在這個多元文化交融的小島上，處處都充滿看似平常卻令人難忘的驚喜。這本童詩繪本通過一個新移民家庭小孩的視角，帶你領略別樣的赤道島國童年，感受獨特而溫暖的瞬間。

　　Modern Singapore was forged in the flames of a volatile past. Different groups fought to tear Singapore apart during our early years of nation building.

　　This five-book series traces those turbulent years and tell the stories of the people who witnessed history up close. Written in a clear and down-to-earth way, packed with photographs and with pages of graphic novel storytelling, these booklets will appeal to students, young people and anyone looking for a vivid and concise overview of Singapore’s turbulent years.

The five titles in the series are:

• Battle for Hearts and Minds: Fighting the Communist Threat, 1948-1963 The fight against the communist threat in Singapore and Malaya in the years immediately after World War II. (76 pages)
  
  
• The Undeclared War: Konfrontasi Indonesia’s Konfrontasi (Confrontation) campaign against Malaysia and Singapore in the 1960s, including the 1965 bombing of MacDonald House in Orchard Road that killed three innocent people. (64 pages)
  
  
• Into The Fire: 1964 Racial Riots The deadly racial riots of July and September 1964 that took place against a backdrop of growing political tension in Singapore and Malaysia. (52 pages)
  
  
• Singapore Is Out: Separation and Independence The fight for merger and the issues that led to political tension between Singapore and Malaysia and, eventually, to independence for Singapore. (48 pages)
  
  
• War Is Far From Over: Fighting the Communist Threat, 1968-1989 The havoc wreaked when the communists resumed their attacks in Malaysia and Singapore in the 1960s and 1970s. (60 pages)

　　After Japan was hit by a triple disaster — an earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear meltdown — in 2011, Singapore raised about S$35.7 million, one of its largest contributions for disaster relief in another country.

　　In 2023, the year after Japan had relaxed border measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic that erupted in 2020, 591,267 travellers from Singapore visited Japan. This was equivalent to almost 15 per cent of Singapore’s resident population. In 2024, this number grew further by 16.9 per cent to 691,100.

　　The people of Singapore have shown strong support for Japan, even though Japan had occupied their home from 1942 to 1945, during the Second World War.

　　Things improved later. After Singapore became independent in 1965, Japan established diplomatic relations with it in 1966 and contributed significantly to its development. Both countries have also since cooperated in various areas, including the economic, defence, and security spheres.

　　The Land of the Rising Sun and the Lion City: The Story of Japan and Singapore illustrates the growing ties between both countries through their people’s experiences. The collection of 68 essays is contributed by more than 80 writers from various walks of life, including government officials, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, and journalists.

　　They include Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Pang Kin Keong and Japan’s former Special Advisor on National Security Miyagawa Makio, who led the negotiations for the 2002 Japan–Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement; former Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Tan Chin Tiong and Bilahari Kausikan; Nippon Paint Chairman Goh Hup Jin; Albirex Niigata President Korenaga Daisuke; TungLok Group President Andrew Tjioe; chef Willin Low; Enshu Sado School’s Grand Master Kobori Sojitsu; World Toilet Organization founder Jack Sim; Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Singapore Office’s Executive Director Shiraishi Takuya; Gardens by the Bay Chief Executive Felix Loh; Japan Creative Centre Director Kawabe Akiko; Singapore Film Society Chairman Kenneth Tan; Artistic Director of the Singapore Biennale 2006 and 2008, Nanjo Fumio; National Gallery Singapore’s Assistant Chief Executive Aun Koh; Cultural Medallion winners Iskandar Jalil, Dick Lee, and Eric Khoo; YouTuber Ghib Ojisan; and journalists Walter Sim and Michiyo Ishida. Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and Japan’s former Minister for Digital Transformation Kono Taro penned the forewords.