YOU SHOULD KNOW
Who founded modern Singapore?
Sir Stamford Raffles
Who was Singapore’s first Chief Minister?
David Marshall
Who was Singapore’s first Prime Minister?
Mr Lee Kuan Yew
How long did the Japanese Occupation last?
About three and a half years, from 1942 to 1945.
What was Singapore called during the Japanese Occupation?
Syonan-to, meaning “Light of the South.”
What does the Merlion symbolise?
The lion head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, while the fish body represents its beginnings as a fishing village.
What are the animals on the National Coat of Arm and it's meaning?
Tiger: Represents the country's historical and cultural ties with Malaysia.
Lion: Represents Singapore itself (the "Lion City" or Singapura).
When did Singapore become an independent country?
8 August 1965
Why was the Singapore River important in the past?
It was a major centre for trade, transport and business.
Who were the coolies, and what work did they do?
Coolies were labourers who carried goods, built roads and performed other physically demanding work.
What does The Motto "Majulah Singapura" means?
Majulah Singapura, which is Malay for "Onward Singapore"
What was the purpose of Fort Canning Hill in Singapore’s history?
It was used as a royal settlement, military base and defence position.
What does the Crescent Moon & 5 Stars represent?
The crescent moon represents a young, rising nation. The five stars represent democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
What kinds of goods were traded at Singapore’s early port?
Spices, rubber, tin, textiles, tea and other goods.
How did Singapore develop from a trading port into a modern nation?
Through strong leadership, education, industrial development, international trade and careful national planning
What is Singapore's national flower?
Vanda Miss Joaquim
What was Singapore's old name?
Temasek
National Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as _________ ,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a _______ society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve ________ , prosperity
and ________ for our nation.
How did public housing improve the lives of Singaporeans?
It provided safer, cleaner and more affordable homes with proper water, electricity and sanitation.
Which came first: the Merlion or Singapore's independence?
Singapore's independence (1965). The Merlion was designed in 1964 but officially unveiled in 1972.
How many official languages does Singapore have? (What are they?)
4. Chinese, Malay, Tamil & English
How many Public Holidays are there in Singapore?
11.
What does the Red & White colour on the flag represent?
Red : Universal brotherhood and equality
White : Purity and virtue
Beside Singapore main island, how many islands belongs to Singapore?
More than 60 smaller islands.
Some well-known offshore islands include:
🏝️ Sentosa – famous for beaches, Universal Studios Singapore and attractions
🏝️ Pulau Ubin – known for nature, cycling trails and kampung life
🏝️ St John’s Island – used for recreation and nature visits
🏝️ Kusu Island – known for temples and pilgrimages
🏝️ Lazarus Island – known for its beaches
🏝️ Sisters’ Islands – famous for marine life and Singapore’s first marine park
🏝️ Jurong Island – an important industrial island
What is the oldest bridge in Singapore?
Cavenagh Bridge