S’poreans make customised SGMojis to celebrate Youth Month & S’pore’s 56th birthday

In celebration of Youth Month and Singapore’s 56th birthday, the National Youth Council (NYC) launched SGMoji, an avatar builder, for Singaporeans to express their individuality and unique Singapore spirit through a variety of outfits, accessories, illustrated backgrounds, and stickers.

56 SGMojis for 56th National Day

After receiving more than 3,000 entries, 56 SGMojis have been selected for showcase on the SGMoji website.

While some customised their SGMoji to represent their individuality, others made SGMojis inspired by others to illuminate the importance of their role in the community.

In addition to UNESCO’s recognition of Singapore’s hawker culture and our shared love for bubble tea, food has always been part of the culture as a way to express gratitude and affection.

From the frontliner who works tirelessly to support the nation’s healthcare system in times of crisis to the friendly neighbourhood makcik who calls us “sayang” and feed us like her own family, food transcends its functional purpose of nourishing the bodies by warming the hearts of both senders and recipients.

Here are the favourites that caught our eye and illuminated the diversity of Singapore’s society:

1. Neighbourhood makcik by Lin

“My SGMoji is inspired by my former neighbour, the kindest and friendliest makcik who fully embodies the kampung spirit, a key part of the Singapore Spirit. When I was in primary school, I would sometimes forget to bring my keys and had to wait outside the door as everyone was out at work. She would invite me in and cook specially for me so that I could eat and do my homework while I waited for my family to return. She helped sew the costumes for my school performances and always invited us to celebrate Hari Raya with her family. Our families were very close despite coming from different backgrounds and ethnicities. We have never seen race, language, or religion as a barrier to showing love and kindness to one another. This SGMoji is my tribute to her and her embodiment of the Singapore Spirit.”

2. NS man by Sean

“I am currently serving my National Service reservist and therefore feeling this NS mojo. I feel especially proud as a Singaporean to have [gone] through army and lucky to have formed special bonds with many of my army mates, people whom I can stand alongside to protect the country and entrust my life with.”

3. Mix-raced bubble tea lover by Suvi

“As a Thai-Indian mix raced Singaporean, my SGMoji embodies my culturally diverse heritage with the traditional saree. The bubble tea represents my love for it and how [it] is something well known and enjoyed by many from all walks of life.”

4. Nurse by Lois

“Thankful for the opportunity to be a nurse and be part of the community to fight COVID-19 together. Everyone must have a sense of responsibility for their own health as well as for others, just like how we must return food tray now. May we grow in our sense of social responsibility and keep safe!”

5. Paralympic athlete by Rafiqin

“Singapore Paralympics are often under represented. With this SGMoji contest and its wide range of accessories I could use, I chose to bring recognition for these amazing local Paralympic athletes who have worked hard for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic. With that being said, I hope Singaporeans would come and support our fellow athletes in the upcoming Paralympic Games this August! Go Team Singapore!”

6. Hawker foodie by Darren

“Hawker culture is uniquely Singapore and it’s also in UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Also, using tissue packet to chope seats is also commonly seen at hawker centers not just by Singaporeans but foreigners as well, assimilating to our hawker culture.”

From the cultural and racial diversity to our universal love for hawker food, click here to view all 56 entries that embody the Singapore spirit.

Sticker pack

Besides viewing the SGMoji avatars, you can also enjoy more of the SGMoji features in the form of a sticker pack.

It comes with a set of seven standardised everyday Singaporean phrases when downloaded.

Singapore’s 56th birthday

While the SGMoji avatar is one way of expressing ourselves, it is not the only way to show what makes us Singaporean.

Singapore has come a long way since it first gained independence in 1965.

Did you know the first-ever NDP was held in 1966? Our NDPs have continually improved since, with better technology and resources.

Singapore has survived some rough patches such as the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.

When the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak arrived on our shores in March 2003, Singapore was overwhelmed with panic but the medical crisis blew over by the end of May that year.

The shared values of Singaporeans have helped the country to tide through each crisis. While Covid-19 poses another challenge, our continued efforts will allow us to emerge stronger together.

Find out more information about SGMoji via their website and Instagram @nycsg.

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The writer had fun viewing the SGMoji gallery and reflecting on her Singaporeanness while writing this sponsored article by the National Youth Council.

All images by National Youth Council.