FAQ · History 35

Archaeological finds suggest Singapore had significant historical links to the Malay world and classical sultanates. A 14th-century golden armlet found at Bukit Larangan features a Javanese Kala motif from Hindu mythology. This artefact demonstrates advanced metalworking techniques and the influence of Hindu cosmology in the island's pre-Islamic past. Additionally, the Singapore Stone was a large sandstone slab inscribed with an undeciphered Indic script. This stone, which may date back to the 10th or 11th century, suggests possible connections to the Majapahit civilisation. Fragments of the slab remain after it was destroyed in 1843 to widen the Singapore River mouth.

From the fourth century CE, the region was ruled by the Kalabhras, who were warriors from the Vellalar community. This era is often referred to as the dark period of Tamil history. Around the seventh century CE, the Kalabhras were overthrown by the Pandyas and Cholas. The period also saw the rise of the Pallavas in the sixth century CE, who were known for their patronage of architecture. Eventually, the Cholas became the dominant kingdom after defeating the Pallavas.

Before gaining independence in 1965, Singapore was a colony of the British Empire. Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 and later merged with Penang and Malacca to form the Straits Settlements in 1826. After 1858, British nationality law applied to the Straits Settlements as Crown dominions. During this time, Singaporeans and other imperial citizens were considered British subjects. Singapore was also briefly a constituent part of Malaysia between 1963 and 1965.

Initially, Singapore faced difficulties due to the bureaucracy and indifference of British India's administrators. The local merchant community eventually pushed for Singapore to become a separate British colony. On 1 April 1867, the Straits Settlements became a Crown colony receiving orders directly from the Colonial Office. A governor based in Singapore ruled the territory with the help of executive and legislative councils. While these councils were not elected, more local representatives were gradually included over time. The colonial government also implemented measures to address social issues like the coolie trade and secret societies.

The reaction to Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965 was divided within the left-wing camp. Leaders of the Barisan Sosialis declined to recognise the independence of Singapore. Lee Siew Choh, the chairman of the party, attacked the independence by claiming it was not genuine. He released public slogans such as Phony Independence and Crush Malaysia. However, other representatives like Lim Huan Boon recognised the independence and stated there was no such thing as half independence.

The earliest visual records of Singapore as a British settlement consist of images produced for marine coastal surveying. These early hydrographic sketches were used for navigational purposes but resemble later landscape works. Examples include wash drawings by John Michael Houghton from 1819 and sketches from 1823. During this century, Singapore was largely known as a British port, so popular representations often featured harbour and port scenes. Some early artists included British officers such as John Turnbull Thomson and Charles Andrew Dyce.

During the 1930s, an increasing number of men from various immigrant nationalities and local born ethnicities joined the SSVF as international tensions heightened. This included naval, air force, special operations, irregular units, and home guard units. On 25 December 1941, Dalforce was created as an irregular guerrilla unit within the SSVF. Recruited from the local ethnic Chinese people, these 4,000 resistance fighters were known as Dalley's Desperadoes. Most members were captured on 15 February 1942 when their positions were overrun during the Battle of Singapore.

During the Second World War, the Singapore Volunteer Force was involved in the defense of the island. This force included men from various immigrant nationalities and local ethnicities such as European, Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian. An irregular guerrilla unit known as Dalforce was also created on 25 December 1941. This unit recruited local ethnic Chinese members and was nicknamed Dalley's Desperadoes due to their ferocious fighting. By the time the Japanese invaded, Dalforce consisted of 4,000 resistance fighters. Most members of the SSVF were captured on 15 February 1942 when their positions were overrun.

During the Cold War, Singapore served as a hub for British intelligence activities across Southeast Asia. It was described as the nerve centre of British defence forces east of the Suez. The island hosted regional headquarters for the Joint Intelligence Committee and various intelligence directorates for the British army, navy, and air force. Additionally, allies such as the United States, France, Australia, and the Netherlands maintained a presence in the country. Singapore also housed a signals intelligence site and an image intelligence centre.

Tuminez is a professional who has held several significant roles related to policy and education. She served as the Vice-Dean of Research and Assistant Dean of Executive Education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. Additionally, she has been a board member of the Singapore American School. Her career includes work with the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Microsoft in Southeast Asia. She has also been involved with various international organizations and NGOs.

The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore is the supreme law of the land. It is a written constitution that took effect on 9 August 1965. The text is one of the legally binding sources of constitutional law, alongside judicial interpretations and certain statutes. While Article 4 declares its supremacy, some views suggest the legal system is characterized by parliamentary sovereignty in practice. The High Court exercises judicial review over both legislation and administrative acts. Most articles can be amended with the support of more than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament.

Singapore condemned the Hamas terror attacks on Israel following the October 7 attacks in 2023. The government and the Singapore Red Cross contributed over half a million dollars in humanitarian aid to support relief efforts. While Singapore expressed sympathy for the plight of Palestinians, it also stated that the atrocities by Hamas cannot be justified. Over time, Singapore's stance has shifted incrementally, including voting for a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. In February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that Israel's military actions had gone too far. By May 2024, Singapore supported a United Nations resolution for Palestine's admittance as a member of the international organization.

The Pedra Branca dispute was a territorial disagreement between Singapore and Malaysia concerning several islets at the eastern entrance to the Singapore Strait. These islets included Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge. The dispute began in 1979 and was largely resolved by the International Court of Justice in 2008. The court determined that Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore, while Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia. Sovereignty over South Ledge is determined by the state in whose territorial waters it is located.

The history of Jews in Singapore dates back to the 19th century with the first wave of immigrants being Baghdadi traders. These settlers moved between British ports like Calcutta and Singapore during the 18th and 19th centuries. They originally spoke Arabic but later adopted the Malay language after arriving in the country. This community established a Jewish quarter that included the first synagogue located at Boat Quay. Today, Singapore is unique as the only country in Southeast Asia to have indigenous Jews.

Singapore uses a system called the group representation constituency, or GRC, to ensure minority representation. Under this scheme, teams of candidates compete for election instead of individuals. At least one member of the team must belong to the Malay, Indian, or another minority community. This system was primarily implemented to enshrine minority representation within the Parliament. It has been in effect since the general election in 1988.

Reactions to Singapore's independence within the left-wing camp were divided. Lee Siew Choh, the chairman of BS, attacked the independence by claiming it was not genuine. He used public slogans such as Phony Independence and Boycott Parliament to express his views. In contrast, Lim Huan Boon recognized the independence of Singapore. He stated that there was no such thing as phony or half independence.

The official founding of modern Singapore and the start of its history as a British settlement occurred with the signing of the Treaty of Singapore on 6 February 1819. This agreement was made after Raffles smuggled Tengku Hussein to Singapore with the help of the Temenggong. In exchange for recognizing Hussein as the rightful Sultan of Johor, the British East India Company provided him with a yearly payment. The Temenggong also received a yearly sum of 3,000 Spanish dollars as part of the deal. Despite being established as a free port without port duties, the new colony quickly became a spectacular success.

Singapore has practiced universal suffrage and compulsory voting since 1959. This means that all eligible citizens, including women, are required to vote. The legal voting age for participating in elections is 21 years old. The Elections Department Singapore manages the planning and conduct of all parliamentary and presidential elections. During these elections, voters use paper ballots to cast their votes in secret. Serial numbers are included on the ballot papers to prevent counterfeiting and voter impersonation.

The constitution provides for the liberty of a person and includes the prohibition of slavery and forced labour. It also offers protections against retrospective criminal laws, repeated trials, and banishment. Citizens are granted freedoms of speech, assembly, association, religion, and movement. However, Parliament can restrict these freedoms for reasons such as national security, public health, or public order. In practice, the courts allow the government complete discretion when imposing these restrictions.

The industrialization process began following a 1960 proposal to construct a new industrial town in Jurong. To support economic development, Singapore sought international assistance, including advisors from the United Nations Industrial Survey Mission. The Economic and Development Board was formed in 1961 to spearhead these industrialization efforts. The first factory in the estate, the National Iron and Steel Mills, had its foundation stone laid in 1962. Following this, the Jurong Industrial Estate expanded rapidly, eventually leading to the creation of Jurong Island to accommodate growing industrial demands.

The Singapore government maintains tight control over public demonstrations under the Public Order Act, which requires police permits for gatherings. Even at the designated Speakers' Corner, strict rules apply and only Singapore citizens are allowed to protest without a permit. Laws restricting freedom of speech exist to prohibit speech that may breed ill will or cause disharmony within the multiracial and multi-religious society. The government justifies these controls as necessary for maintaining public order and social stability. However, critics argue that these laws severely limit freedom of expression and assembly.

Singapore officially applied to join the United Nations on 2 September 1965. The application was submitted to the United Nations Security Council by Malaysia on 20 September 1965. This submission was supported by the United Kingdom, Jordan, and Ivory Coast. The move by Malaysia helped overcome a potential veto by the Soviet Union. Consequently, Singapore was admitted as the 117th member by the United Nations General Assembly on 21 September 1965. The resolution passed by acclamation during its 1332nd Plenary Session.

The relations between Singapore and South Korea began with a trade mission visit in April 1950. Before formal ties were established, South Korea set up a trade office and sent a special envoy to Singapore in 1969. The two countries officially established formal diplomatic relations in 1975. Both nations are notable as the only United Nations members within the Four Asian Tigers. Their economic cooperation grew significantly, leading to a free trade agreement signed in 2005.

The earliest contact between Singapore and South Korea occurred in April 1950 when a South Korean trade delegation visited the Colony of Singapore. Following Singapore's independence in 1965, the two nations established a fishing venture in 1967. A significant milestone occurred in August 1969 when a special envoy from the South Korean President visited Singapore to deliver a special message. Formal diplomatic relations were eventually established between the two countries in 1975. Both nations are notable for being the only two United Nations members within the Four Asian Tigers.

Javanese migration occurred in several waves throughout history. The first wave took place during the Shailendra era between the 6th and 9th centuries. Later, migrants arrived during the Singhasari and Majapahit eras from the 12th to 14th centuries. Some also moved from the Dutch East Indies to seek new opportunities in British Malaya. Additionally, some individuals arrived during World War II as forced labour in Japanese-occupied British Malaya and Borneo.

The cemetery is viewed by many activists as a distinctive slice of the multi-ethnic country's fast disappearing heritage. This importance led to various movements and groups forming to advocate for its preservation against redevelopment plans. While the government planned to convert the area into a housing estate and build a new highway, the site remains a subject of heritage conservation discussions. Efforts have been made to document the graves located within the cemetery. These discussions highlight the tension between urban development and the preservation of cultural history.

The Tamil calendar is a sidereal solar calendar that follows a 60-year cycle. It consists of 12 months in a year, starting with Chithirai when the Sun enters the first rāśi. The number of days in a month varies between 29 and 32. The new year begins following the March equinox in the middle of April. People often use the Tamil Panchangam to check auspicious times for religious and cultural events.

The early history of Singapore is obscured by myth and legend. One notable legend involves a chief who discovered a jewelled head-dress while digging in the ground. This discovery influenced local customs, as the beginning of the year was calculated from the rising of the moon when the chief wore the head-gear. Additionally, the area known as Long Ya Men is described as two hills that look like dragon's teeth. These legends coexist with archaeological evidence of an urbanised settlement and a regional trade centre.

The history of silat is largely known through myth and oral traditions due to a lack of written records. According to the Malay Annals, the beginnings of the Sumatran empire involved the story of Paduka Demang Lebar Daun and Sang Sapurba at the Batang Musi River. Through an oath, Sang Sapurba officially styled Paduka Demang Lebar Daun as the forefather of the Nusantara peoples. This tradition is believed to have developed around the Bukit Siguntang Mahameru kingdom in Sumatra. These historical narratives help explain the roots of the combat systems practiced across the Malay archipelago.

The Constitution stipulates two different amendment procedures depending on the purpose of the change. Most provisions can be amended if supported by a supermajority of two-thirds of all elected MPs during the Second and Third Readings. However, non-elected MPs such as NCMPs and NMPs are not allowed to vote on these constitutional amendment bills. Certain specific provisions require a national referendum to be amended instead of just a parliamentary vote. This includes amendments to Part III, which protects Singapore's sovereignty, as well as other key provisions mentioned in Articles 5(2A) and 5A.

During the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, Singapore acted as a major energy hub to ensure the continued flow of essential fuels. The country entered into a supply agreement with Australia to address energy needs following the closure of the Strait. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement to maintain open energy trade. A bilateral agreement was signed on 10 April to support the flow of refined petroleum products like diesel and liquefied natural gas. Under this arrangement, Singapore agrees to supply refined fuel in return for Australia supplying liquefied natural gas.

Singapore implemented one of the world's largest and best-organised epidemic control programmes to manage the virus. Strict circuit breaker lockdown measures were enforced from 7 April to 1 June 2020 to stem the tide of infections. The government also launched a mass vaccination campaign that achieved a very high vaccination rate among the eligible populace. Contact tracing measures such as SafeEntry and TraceTogether were used to identify and quarantine close contacts. Additionally, various measures were taken to mass test the population and isolate infected individuals.

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix took place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 20 to 22 September. This event served as the eighteenth round of the 2024 Formula One World Championship. Lando Norris of McLaren won the race after taking the pole position during a disrupted qualifying session. It was notable for being the fastest Singapore Grand Prix ever held. Additionally, this race marked the final race start for Daniel Ricciardo.

The 2025 Singapore Football League marks the 49th season of the competition. This season features promotion and relegation between clubs in League 1, League 2, and the Island Wide League. The season began with the 2025 SFL Challenge Cup held at Jalan Besar Stadium on 13 April 2025. Singapore Cricket Club eventually lifted the League 1 trophy after a competitive season. The tournament also saw Fariz Faizal from the Singapore Khalsa Association become the top scorer with 11 goals.

The 2026-27 Singapore Football League marks the 50th season of the SFL. This season kicked off on 20 September 2026 and will continue into 2027 to align with the Singapore Premier League. The league features promotion and relegation between clubs in League 1, League 2, and the Island Wide League. While the SFL Challenge Cup was not played, the league remains a key sporting event. Various teams like Bishan Barx FC and South Avenue FC have been promoted to SFL 1 for this season.