Defining moments

The moments that made us who we are

Last updated 11 August 2026

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

2000 and beyond

A group of Singaporeans reciting the pledge. The text says, "WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL PLEDGE MEAN FOR US TODAY?"

60th anniversary of the National Pledge

This year, Singapore marks 60 years since the National Pledge was first recited in schools on 24 Aug 1966.

2025

Singapore celebrates SG60, marking the start of a new chapter in our Singapore Story.

2024

The Kebaya is inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

2024

Maximilian Maeder wins Singapore's first Olympic medal at the inaugural Olympic kitefoiling event at Paris 2024

2020

Hawker Culture is inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

MINDEF and SAF personnel packing masks for distribution to residents islandwide

2020

Singporeans chose to band together during the Covid-19 crisis

2016

Joseph Schooling wins Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal

2015

Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew passes on, uniting Singaporeans in solidarity

2008

Yip Pin Xiu wins Singapore's first-ever Paralympics gold medal

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

Tributes to healthcare workers on the SARS frontline

2003

Singapore fights against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

2003

NEWater, Singapore's high-grade recycled water produced from treated used water, is launched

Photograph of a pair of Hello Kitty soft toys

2000

The Hello Kitty frenzy presented learning opportunities for Singaporeans and businesses

1950s to 1999

1998

"Home", arguably one of the most beloved National Day songs, is delivered at the 1998 National Day Parade

A newspaper clipping reporting of the swift rescue

1991

Singapore Airlines flight SQ117 is hijacked

Commuters taking the train during official opening of the Yio Chu Kang-Toa Payoh line of the Mass Rapid Transit system

1987

Singapore's first MRT station is opened in Toa Payoh, connecting five stations in the North-South Line section to Yio Chu Kang

An image of rescue personnel inspecting the rubble from the collapse.

1986

Hotel New World collapses, and is considered Singapore’s first major civil disaster

1984

Total Defence is introduced to ensure our collective well-being

The Changi Airport control tower, circa 1980s

1981

Changi Airport is officially opened

1979

The Cultural Medallion is instituted to recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to Singapore's cultural environment

An image of the Laju ferry with Ulot bin Idris in the foreground.

1974

Singapore experiences its first international terrorist attack — the Laju hijacking incident

1973

The first modern Chingay parade is held

1967

Singapore's first post-Independence currency notes are issued

A group of army personnel marching in the first-ever batch of uniforms made from “Temasek Green cotton drill.”

1967

National Service is introduced

Students at a pledge-taking ceremony at Beng Wan Primary School in 1978

1966

The National Pledge is introduced

Telegram showing Singapore’s application to the UN from then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr S. Rajaratnam

1965

Singapore becomes an official member of the United Nations (UN)

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in tears as he announced separation from Malaysia.

1965

Singapore separates from Malaysia

A lady voting to express her preference on the mode and manner of the merger.

1962

The Singapore National Referendum is held

1960

Singapore's first Olympic medal

A newspaper clipping from The Straits Times

1960

The bilingualism policy is implemented, and learning English was made mandatory in primary schools

An image of the People's Action Party (PAP) and PAP's party leader, Lee Kuan Yew.

1959

Singapore achieves self-governance

Queues forming for the registration of Singapore citizenship

1957

Enactment of the Singapore Citizenship Ordinance