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We Built a Nation
Singapore became an independent country following its exit from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. Thrust into nationhood amid a volatile regional climate plagued by conflict (Indonesia was waging an undeclared war, the Konfrontasi, to oppose the formation of Malaysia), Singapore’s founding generation of leaders focused on cohesiveness to ensure its survival. In the words of Singapore’s first President Mr Yusof Ishak: “If we are to remain a cohesive people, we must concentrate on the factors which bind us together, and not those which will divide us."
Transforming Landscapes, Improving Lives: 50 Years of Economic Development
As the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) celebrated its 50th anniversary at the time of writing in 2011, it was also timely for Singaporeans to look back on the country’s economic development, a critical block in the nation-building process over the past five decades.
Former Taman Jurong Camp
Following the implementation of National Service in 1967, Singapore's pioneer batch of National Service men were conscipted in Taman Jurong Camp. A heritage marker was installed in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of National Service in Singapore.
Central Fire Station
The Central Fire Station is the oldest surviving fire station in Singapore and is a living monument to the local firefighting force.
Civilian War Memorial
This is the first memorial in Singapore dedicated to the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945). It calls to mind the shared sufferings of the various ethnic communities in Singapore, and the ardent hope that locals had after the war to rebuild their homes.
Our History of Healthcare
This article is adapted from the 2015 exhibition 200 Years of Healthcare that was developed by the National Heritage Board in collaboration with the Museum Roundtable. The exhibition focussed on the history and evolution of healthcare in Singapore from the 1800s to present day Singapore and showcased the significant milestones and achievements of the healthcare sector.
Why We Should Remember WWII
What’s Up, Singapore’s newspaper for students, asked Education Minister (Schools) Ng Chee Meng about World War 2. Why is it important that today’s young Singaporeans know about events 75 years ago?
1942 and the Fall of Singapore
The passage of time opens a window for hindsight to enter, allowing us the privilege of retrospection. In this context, a pivotal event like the fall of Singapore to the Japanese army on 15 February 1942 and subsequent military occupation by the Japanese has invoked, over the years, a long and still unending river of memories, publications, documentaries, public exhibitions and other forms of remembrance, so much so that it could arguably be regarded as "the most remembered event" in the history of Singapore.
Pearl's Hill Lower Barracks, 90 Eu Tong Sen Street
The Lower and Upper Barracks at Pearl’s Hill Terrace and Eu Tong Sen Street were the last large police buildings to be completed under the direction of Inspector-General Harold Fairburn. As the head of the Straits Settlements Police Force from 1925 to 1935, his strategy to combat the high crime rates was to modernise the police force and expand its presence by building better facilities. Originally built in 1934 to house the Sikh Contingent, the Upper and Lower Barracks were the very emblems of law and order, standing sentinel over the security of the island and functioning as nerve centers where critical political, military and security decisions were made.
Old Hill Street Police Station, 140 Hill Street
Completed in 1934, the imposing Hill Street Police Station exerted a considerable measure of police presence in the city centre amidst rising crime, and against the backdrop of the city’s unsavoury reputation as the “Chicago of the East” by the 1920s. The proximity of the Hill Street Police Station to Chinatown, which was then the heartland of secret society activities, enabled larger police turnouts to respond more effectively during gang fights and outbreaks of violence. The provision of barracks also meant that police officers could be deployed at short notice to protect lives and properties during emergencies.
