The issue of national identity is an increasingly contentious issue in a highly globalised world.

Some choose to identify themselves with characteristics unique to Singapore, such as food and Singlish.

Others see the ownership of a pink identification card as being the mark of a true citizen.

Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling showed his pride and loyalty when he dedicated his win to Singapore.

The plethora of ways Singaporeans identify with their nation makes it hard to define national identity.

However, the question should not be how to prove national identity, but how to inculcate it.

The escalating demand for wider job opportunities and the desire to study abroad are some reasons Singaporeans choose to leave the country.

It is imperative to ensure that Singaporeans abroad are still connected to their homeland.

Events such as Singapore Day in places such as New York and San Francisco are some of the avenues to unite and connect Singaporeans abroad ("3,500 S'poreans get a feel of home in San Francisco"; Sept 26).

However, it is seemingly mundane acts such as watching the National Day Parade live or commemorating events such as Racial Harmony Day that serve to instil national pride.

These are reminders to treasure our diversity and cosmopolitan nature, which are traits of our national identity.

Lee Song Yang, 17,

first-year junior college student

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