Countdown to 2015

Hey guys! I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year!!

The countdown to 2015 this year is considered a major one for fellow Singaporeans as we would be celebrating their 50th year as an independent nation. As such the SG50.

Whether it is in Singapore or not, people around the globe are in the festive mood as they countdown to a new year. For many, a new year would represent a new beginning for them. Indeed, given the tumultous year of 2014, many would wish for a much better 2015.

Lets round up 2014's events. Not in chronological order.

2014 is no doubt an eventful year, be it good or bad. 2014 saw the manifestation of the Ebola epidemic, which claimed thousands of lives, plaguing the already faltering nations of Africa. When the Ebola virus first spread, we witnessed many people from all around the world (even from countries not facing the crisis) descending on the African nations landing their fellow Africans a helping hand. Unfazed by the uncertainties there, they were willing to sacrifice their well being and life to save those people there. This is what I call faith in humanity.

2014 was also a year enjoyed by many football fans around the year. Last year saw the World Cup being held in Brazil. A joyous occasion it may be for the visitors, it wasn't the same for the hosts. Before the World Cup even commenced, protests were widespread in many capitals of Brazil. Don't get them wrong, Brazilians love football. Many protested against the government for spending a bomb on the large scale event when it was barely able to handle the country's welfare. Brazil's infrastructure is poor. There is a pressing need to improve on its transportation and homes, and yet, neglecting all of these, the government spent billions on the World Cup stadiums. The people questioned the government's stance on this. In reply, the asserted that the World Cup would rake in huge profits in terms of its tourism industry.
Who is right and who is wrong. This remains debatable. However, the World Cup concluded with barely any hiccups. This in itself is a success for the Brazilians already!

Turning over to the Middle East, we see the formation of ISIL, short for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. The terrorist group caught the world by surprise for its ability to capture large swathes of Iraq in such short period of time. Today, ISIL represents a formidable force and rival of even Al Qaeda. Nevertheless, they are crumbling against a coalition strike comprising world powers.
The terrorist threat is real and will continue to be a threat to many nations.

A bad year for Malaysia's aviation industry. 2014 saw many plane disasters. 2 of which involved Malaysian Airlines and one owned by a Malaysian. The most recent one involving Airasia plane QZ8501 which most probably went down due to bad weather in the region. RIP the victims of these air crashes, And condolences to the families and relatives who lost their loved ones in this catastrophe.

Russia's annexation of Crimea saw its economy crumble as a result of sanctions imposed by Europe and United States. Will Russia continue to remain stubborn or will it mend its ways. 2015 may be year for us to find out.

The unveiling of the controversial movie The Interview led to a cyber attack by hackers who were apparently displeased at how the movie depicted the assassination of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.


The above are some of the more major events which happened in 2015. There are many more not on the list. Let's hope that 2015 will be a much better year for the human race!!