On this page
Every nation's journey is shaped by a series of pivotal events—moments that tested our resolve, united our people, and forged our identity. From the challenges we overcame to the triumphs we celebrated, these are the events that define who we are as a nation, and what it means to be Singaporean.
This is what has defined us for the last 60 years – a Singapore Spirit rooted in trust, solidarity and resilience. And it is this same spirit that will carry us into the future.— Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, delivered during the debate on the President's Address in Parliament on 24 September 2025
1950s to 2000
1957
Enactment of the Singapore Citizenship Ordinance
1959
Singapore achieves self-governance
1960
Singapore's first Olympic medal
1960
Implementation of the bilingualism policy
1962
The Singapore National Referendum
1965
Separation from Malaysia
.jpg)
1965
Singapore becomes an official member of the United Nations (UN)
1966
Introduction of the National Pledge
1967
Introduction of National Service
1967
Issuance of Singapore's first post-Independence currency notes
1973
The first modern Chingay parade
1974
The Laju hijacking incident, the first international terrorist attack on Singapore
1979
Institution of the Cultural Medallion to recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to Singapore's cultural environment
1981
Opening of Changi Airport
1984
Introduction of Total Defence
1986
The collapse of Hotel New World is considered Singapore’s first major civil disaster
1987
Singapore's first MRT station was opened in Toa Payoh, connecting five stations in the North-South Line section to Yio Chu Kang
1991
Hijacking of Singapore Airlines flight SQ117
1998
"Home", arguably one of the most beloved National Day songs, was written during a time of sombre outlook.
2000
The Hello Kitty frenzy presented learning opportunities for us
2000 and beyond
2000
The Hello Kitty frenzy presented learning opportunities for us
2003
Launch of NEWater, Singapore's high-grade recycled water produced from treated used water
2003
Singapore's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
2008
Singapore hosts the first and only race to be held at night in F1’s history, and the first F1 street race in Asia
2008
Yip Pin Xiu wins Singapore's first-ever Paralympics gold medal
2015
The passing of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew
2016
Joseph Schooling wins Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal
2020
Singporeans chose to band together during the Covid-19 crisis
2020
Inscription of the Hawker Culture onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
.jpg)
2024
Maximilian Maeder wins Singapore's first Olympic medal at the inaugural Olympic kitefoiling event at Paris 2024
2024
Inscription of the Kebaya onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity