Celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Finland, the Finnish Ambassador shared his thoughts and impressions of Singapore, as his four years tenure comes to an end

AMBASSADOR Vänskä marveled at Singapore’s captivating blend of cultures, people, and delectable cuisine. The unexpected lushness of the city-state, with its green parks and jungles seamlessly woven into the INTERVIEW urban fabric, left a lasting impression. “It is really, really a ‘garden’ city,” he enthused, highlighting Singapore’s distinctive charm.

Reflecting on what he would replicate in his home country, Ambassador Vänskä commended Singapore’s dynamic and forward-thinking approach. He praised the city-state’s penchant for systematic planning and its openness to adopting best practices from around the world. This drive to shape the future and benchmark against global standards stood out as a valuable lesson.

Turning our attention to Finland, Ambassador Vänskä shared the secret of the nation’s remarkable consistency in topping global happiness charts. He attributed this achievement to the Finns’ genuine appreciation for life’s modest joys and a steadfast commitment to maintaining a robust work-life balance. “We don’t live for work only,” he underscored, emphasising the importance of harmony between professional and personal pursuits. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Finland. Ambassador Vänskä highlighted a special commemorative event to mark the occasion.

Source – Sun Media Magazine ” InDiplomacy – Issue 88 “
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