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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 1999
1957
Enactment of the Singapore Citizenship Ordinance
1959
Singapore achieves self-governance
1960
Singapore's first Olympic medal
1960
The bilingualism policy is implemented, and learning English was made mandatory in primary schools
1962
The Singapore National Referendum is held
1965
Singapore separates from Malaysia
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1965
Singapore becomes an official member of the United Nations (UN)
1966
The National Pledge is introduced
1967
National Service is introduced
1967
Singapore's first post-Independence currency notes are issued
1973
The first modern Chingay parade is held
1974
Singapore experiences its first international terrorist attack — the Laju hijacking incident
1979
The Cultural Medallion is instituted to recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to Singapore's cultural environment
1981
Changi Airport is officially opened
1984
Total Defence is introduced to ensure our collective well-being
1986
Hotel New World collapses, and is considered Singapore’s first major civil disaster
1987
Singapore's first MRT station is opened in Toa Payoh, connecting five stations in the North-South Line section to Yio Chu Kang
1991
Singapore Airlines flight SQ117 is hijacked
1998
"Home", arguably one of the most beloved National Day songs, is delivered at the 1998 National Day Parade
2000 and beyond
2000
The Hello Kitty frenzy presented learning opportunities for Singaporeans and businesses
2003
NEWater, Singapore's high-grade recycled water produced from treated used water, is launched
2003
Singapore fights 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
Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew passes on, uniting Singaporeans in solidarity
2016
Joseph Schooling wins Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal
2020
Singporeans chose to band together during the Covid-19 crisis
2020
Hawker Culture is inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
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2024
Maximilian Maeder wins Singapore's first Olympic medal at the inaugural Olympic kitefoiling event at Paris 2024
2024
The Kebaya is inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity