Top 10 epic failures of Singapore in 2010

For this year's year-end special post, I will have not one but two Top 10 posts. Similar to last year, I will have my Top 10 people of the year post.

As for the second one which I will be posting today, it is the Top 10 epic failures of Singapore in 2010 where I list 10 Singaporean flops that occurred this year.

Number 10


National team knocked out of the AFF Suzuki Cup group stages

Unable to beat a team whose name is Phillipines, only scored the winning goal in the last minute against Myanmar and losing to Vietnam 0:1.

If the women's table tennis team being crowned world champions was the biggest success in Singapore sports this year, then the football team is no doubt the biggest failure.

Number 9


Battlestar Galactica's shut-down due to a technical glitch

The main attraction of Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa had to be closed because of some technical problems. Definitely a big embarrassment for RWS and the government.

Marina Bay Sands looks set to pawn the Sentosa IR hands down.

Number 8


Taufik Batisah singing the National Anthem wrongly (again)

The winner of the first Singapore Idol competition sang "berseru" instead of "bersatu" during the National Day Parade. This is not the first time he sang this Malay song incorrectly, and he's a Malay.

Number 7


Singapore YOG cheer by JJ Lin

There is even a Facebook fan page for people to join and show their displeasure at this awful song. Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah. Seriously, only those from the kindergarten will enjoy listening to it. And JJ Lin of course

Number 6


My World Cup bets with Singapore Pools

I decided to put myself in this list as well since I'm a Singaporean and Singapore Pools has "Singapore" in it. I cannot remember how many bets did I made but none of them turned out to be correct.

Luckily, the BPL helped to cut my losses by allowing me to win some money back from several matches.

Number 5


Irritating MRT jingle

Another one associated with music. Hearing three aunties making noise inside an already squeezy MRT train will only frustrate you more. At least SMRT did listen to the complaints and stopped broadcasting it after some time.

Number 4


Mah Bow Tan's denial that HDB flats are unaffordable

The more he denies and defends, the more agitated people will become. Citizens were blamed for the shortage of public housing as they had "fantasy-home dreams" when in fact, it was the PRs who drove up property prices.

Minister Mah, better pray that you can win in the next election because many opposition candidates are arrowing you.

Number 3


Flash floods in Orchard Road (and other parts of the country)

A certain PAP minister said that floods are "freak events which occur once in fifty years". However, the country has been flooded so many times that NEA has to issue flood alerts whenever it rains.

Marina Barrage also played a part in this "freak event" which the government conveniently avoid talking about. In fact, the government tried to shirk responsibility.

The blame was passed on from NEA to PUB and then to Singaporeans for wanting "everything to be perfect". That's the reality of our highly-paid ministers, nobody ever apologizes for screw-ups.

Number 2


Government urging citizens to welcome foreigners

The government's addiction to foreigners and treating them like citizens is nothing new. Prime Minister Lee continued to urge Singaporeans to welcome more aliens here during his National Day Rally.

Other ministers also took turns to convince Singaporeans to accept these so-called foreign talents to no avail. Maybe we should hire some foreigner to be our ministers as well, they are definitely cheaper and better.

Number 1


YOG Organizing Committee

Number one epic failure of all.

School students were forced to stand in the rain. Others were threatened to sign up as volunteers. NTU students had to give up their hostels. The hilarious opening ceremony where clueless flag bearers walked around on stage.

Food poisoning of the YOG volunteers. Poor commentary by the commentators. Roads lanes were "reserved" for YOG buses. Singapore received worldwide attention (and laughter) for arresting a YOG critic over some harmless comments.

Most importantly, nobody wanted to assume responsibility when there were so many screw-ups. Plus, the YOG budget amounted to $387 million and the government insisted that it's worthwhile.