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Singapore

The National Flag of Singapore is a symbol of statehood. Our National Flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. In the upper left canton is a white crescent moon beside five white stars within a circle. The features of the flag were not arbitrarily chosen – each feature has its own distinctive meaning and significance: red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man; white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue; the crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant; and the five stars stand for the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

The National Anthem was written in the wake of nationalism during 1956-57. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it on the basis of two words, "Majulah Singapura" or "Onward Singapore". The patriotic song was first performed by the Singapore Chamber Ensemble on the occasion of the opening of the newly renovated Victoria Theatre. It was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and the State Crest, at the installation of the new Head of State, Yang di-Pertuan Negara, at the City Hall steps. Upon independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's National Anthem.
 

The State Crest consists of a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red is symbolic of universal brotherhood and equality of man, and white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The five stars represent the five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the Republic's motto, Majulah Singapura. The lion represents Singapore itself and the tiger, the island's historical links with Malaysia.

Initially penned by Mr S Rajaratnam in 1966, the Pledge was written against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s. Mr Rajaratnam revealed that the dream was about building "a Singapore we are proud of". He believed that language, race and religion were divisive factors, but the Pledge emphasises that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country. The draft text was handed to the then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who polished the text before submitting it to the Cabinet.

Our Pledge:

We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.

The lion, from which the name Singapore was derived, symbolises courage, strength and excellence. It is in solid red against a white background - the colours of the National Flag. Its mane's five partings, representing the five ideals - democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality - are as embodied in the five stars of the National Flag. The lion's tenacious mien symbolises the nation's single-minded resolve to face any challenges and overcome any obstacles.

The Vanda Miss Joaquim, an orchid variety, is Singapore's national flower. It is an indigenous hybrid between the Vanda teres and the Vanda hookerana and was first discovered in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim in 1893. It was registered within the same year.

Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen as Singapore's national flower from among 40 other contenders, including some 30 orchids. It was selected particularly because of its hardy and resilient qualities and its ability to bloom throughout the year. These are characteristics which reflect Singapore's quest for progress and excellence in all aspects of life.

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