National Archives of Singapore

Reflect on the speeches of Singapore's former Prime Ministers and find out how these leaders defined the challenges that faced our nation, the goals they set to transform the country, and the strategies and policies that have shaped Singapore and made it what it is today.

In Season 2 of "Stories of Yesteryear: National Day Rally Speeches Throughout The Years", listen to a collection of National Day Rally speeches by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong 👇

Stories Of Yesteryear: National Day Rally Speeches Throughout The Years S2 - mewatch Reflect on the speeches of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Find out how the three leaders defined the challenges that faced our nation, what goals they set to transform the country, and the strategies and polic...

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) is pleased to have receive a deposit comprising a set of 132 records from the Raffles Institution, one of Singapore’s oldest schools. It has a history that stretches back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles first envisioned the establishment of an institution of learning.

One of the records we received is a letter from Stephen Rumbold Lushington (Secretary to the Governor-General) to John Crawfurd (Resident of Singapore) dated 6 November 1823. It expressed the in-principle support for the establishment of the Singapore Institution which was the precursor of Raffles Institution.

At this time, Raffles had already laid the foundation stone for the Institution on 5 June 1823 and had left Singapore for Batavia. A copy of this letter was forwarded to Raffles.

This set of records from Raffles Institution have been digitised and are now available for search on Archives Online: https://go.gov.sg/nlb-ricollection

Dive deep into the life and legacy of one of Singapore's most respected founding fathers at our new interactive showcase, “ChatBook Featuring S. Rajaratnam”.

Experience S. Rajaratnam's story like never before, as you chat with our Generative AI-powered digital archivist, get hands-on with life-sized replicas of key archival documents, and uncover fascinating facts about Mr Rajaratnam.

Step into this literary playground and join us for a unique journey through Singapore’s history.

🗓️ 23 Jul - 21 Oct 2024
📍 National Library Building, Level 1

Step into the Archives Conservation Lab and join our conservators as they showcase some of the technology behind our analytical tools and machines that help us preserve the past for tomorrow.

Register now via https://bit.ly/3VOXfn8

📅 Thu, 15 Aug 2024
⏳ 7 pm – 8 pm
📍 Zoom

Man and Machine: The Scientific Aspect of Conservation Join our conservators as they showcase some of the technology behind our analytical tools and machines that help us preserve the past.

The Boustead Institute, formerly situated at the junction of old Tanjong Pagar Road and Anson Road, was home to many seamen living in Singapore. ⛵ It was named after Sir Edward Boustead who bequeathed a sum of money to finance this hostel upon his death in 1891.

Besides providing lodging to seaman, seafaring men and dock employees, the hostel also served entertainment and recreational purposes.

The Boustead Institute was demolished in the late 1970s to make way for port expansion works.

Image Credit: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

The "Laws of Our Land" exhibition offers a glimpse into how Singapore's legal history shaped the country.

Find out the history behind three landmark laws—the Citizenship Ordinance, the Employment Act, and the Women's Charter—and how a range of documents from government records to personal documents uncover the historical context behind them.

How Three Laws Shaped Today's Singapore | The Library Report #50 The "Laws of Our Land" exhibition offers a glimpse into how Singapore's legal history shaped the country. Find out from the National Archives of Singapore te...

Visit the “Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation” exhibition and delve into the landmark laws that shaped our nation.

🗓️ Daily, from 5 July 2024, Friday
⏰ 10am to 7pm
📍 National Gallery Singapore, former Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office, Supreme Court Wing

Ever heard of the Employment Exchange service? It was the LinkedIn of the 20th century.

With the growing population in Singapore, the then Ministry of Labour and Law provided a free Employment Exchange service in the 1960s to meet the increasing demand for jobs.

This initiative enabled Singaporeans to find jobs that were in line with their aptitudes, skill sets, and work experiences, which propelled Singapore's economic growth. 👷‍♀️💼

Source: Free Employment Exchange Service, circular letter from LC Goh, Permanent Secretary (Labour), Ministry of Labour and Law, 3 February 1960, FREE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE SERVICE, DPM 317/60, CI 208, Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) collection, viewed at National Archives of Singapore

Image Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

What did the life of a prisoner of war look like?

During William Haxworth’s time as an internee at Changi Prison and Sime Road camp, he drew over 300 small paintings and sketches showcasing the harsh and crowded living conditions in the prisoner of war camps.

Although resources were scarce, he made use of the materials available at the campsites, and produced artworks that vividly portrayed the sufferings of the internees and their resilience in the face of war and shortage.

Credits: W R M Haxworth Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Have you heard of the Albert Street traders? They were known as the middleman to internees during the Japanese Occupation. They operated in a neighbourhood frequented by delivery lorries and facilitated the transmission of information and objects.

Amongst these brave civilians was Wee Aik-tek, a shopkeeper on Albert Street who helped to relay information, parcels, and money from internees. He was eventually arrested, and died while serving his sentence.

When his case was brought to light, the former Secretary of Chinese Affairs wrote a letter requesting a pension for Wee’s widow in 1946. Read the full letter in this government record here: https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/government_records/record-details/94b9a28e-1159-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad

Assistance for Those Who Helped Internees and Prisoners of War During Japanese Occupation, Apr 1946 – Feb 1947. CSO 537/46. Pp. 22. MF 004. Ministry of Finance, viewed at National Archives of Singapore.

Did you know that The Majestic once staged Cantonese operas?

It was originally named Tien Yien Moh Toi Theatre (天演舞台), and was built by Eu Tong Sen in 1927 for his wife. Its architectural design incorporated elements from Chinese folklore as well as scenes from Cantonese opera.

After World War II, the film studio, “Majestic Film Company”, rented the building, which gave rise to the building being named “Majestic Theatre”.

The theatre attracted renowned film stars such as Grace Chang, Lin Dai and Ge Lan, as well as film entrepreneur Loke Wan Tho of the Cathay organisation.

The building was eventually renovated as a shopping mall in 2003, assuming its current name — “The Majestic”.

Credits: RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

✨ Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all! 🌙

Hari Raya Haji is a special time for our Muslim community, marked by the act of giving and unity. Did you know that the date of Hari Raya Haji isn't fixed on the Gregorian calendar? It’s determined by astronomical calculations and the sighting of the new moon. 🌙

Wishing everyone a peaceful and reflective day ahead!

🇸🇬🇲🇾 Bridging nations, connecting people! This year marks a century of the Causeway serving as an important transportation link between Singapore and Malaysia. Join archivists Hamizah and Jing Jing as they take us on a journey through time, exploring the pivotal roles and functions of the Causeway over the past 100 years. 🌉✨

Register now via https://bit.ly/44b8CJO

🗓️ Thu, 4 Jul 2024
⏰ 7 pm – 8 pm
📍 Zoom

For more commemorative events to mark the 100th anniversary of the official opening of the Johor-Singapore Causeway, visit https://bit.ly/causeway100-progs

Archives Unlocked: The Causeway: The Line That Ties The Causeway is an important transportation link between Singapore and Malaysia that has deep historical significance.

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Hari Raya Haji, 17 Jun 2024, Monday. Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!

🌉📚 Join us as senior archivist Nurul Azizi bin Sapihee offers a glimpse into the Causeway's deep historical significance and connection between Malaysia and Singapore! 🇲🇾🤝🇸🇬

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of our shared heritage.

Register now via https://bit.ly/3UmuNt6

🗓️ Thu, 27 Jun 2024
⏰ 7 pm – 8 pm
📍 Zoom

Johore Causeway: Archival Materials in the National Archives of Malaysia Join Senior Archivist Nurul Azizi bin Sapihee @ Shafie as he explores these resources in detail.

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Vesak Day, 22 May 2024, Wednesday. Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!

The next time you fly with SIA, tune into “Museum Showcase” and listen to memories of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew (1923–2015) through a selection of personal recollections from the National Archives of Singapore’s oral history collection. ✨ The individuals interviewed all had the privilege of knowing Mr Lee personally. Their firsthand accounts offer an intimate perspective on Mr Lee’s life and values, and recall some of his profound and enduring contributions to Singapore.

“Museum Showcase” is a virtual museum experience presented by Singapore Airlines in partnership with National Archives of Singapore.

🕰️✨ Step into the past with Yit Chin Chuan as we unravel the powerful words of Singapore's pioneer leaders. From Goh Keng Swee, S Rajaratnam, Othman Wok, and Kenneth M Byrne, discover the speeches that shaped our nation and the monumental changes that followed. 🇸🇬✨

➡️ Don't miss this chance to connect with our history and the stories that forged our present! Register now via https://bit.ly/3vIa89K

🗓️ Thu, 23 May 2024 | 7 pm – 8 pm
📍 Oldham Theatre, National Archives Building

Archives Unlocked: Speeches That Changed Singapore Join Yit Chin Chuan as he walks us through four speeches, each by a different pioneer leader of Singapore.

🌇🍜 From bustling streets to vibrant centres, hawkers have been an integral part of Singapore's foodscape since the colonial era. But as the cityscape transformed with modernisation, so did their presence, evolving from itinerant street hawking to licensed hawking in fixed markets or centres.

🌟 Join Dr Bryan Wee as he unravels the fascinating transition of hawkers amidst Singapore's urban growth and national development, offering a taste of our living heritage. 🏙️✨

Register now via https://bit.ly/49GKBvg
Mon, 20 May 2024
7 pm – 8 pm | Zoom

Evolving Foodscapes: A Spatial History of Hawkers in Singapore Join Dr Bryan Wee as he shares unique insights into Singapore’s living heritage.

Born in 1927, Masuri Salikun was a pioneer in the literary scene in Singapore. He wrote over 1,000 poems and was widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Sajak”, a form of Malay poetry.

Find out more about his impact on the literary scene: https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/government_records/record-details/a7d78bdc-19ec-11ec-b32c-005056a7c0ea

Source: Letter from Sng Boh Khim for Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture to Mr Gregory J Meadows, Resident Manager, The Oriental, Bangkok, 29 September 1980, SEA Write Award, MCD 27-80, pp. 182-189, MSA 2750, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Image credits: National Library Board Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Labour Day, 1 May 2024, Wednesday. Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!

Traditional charcoal shops were once a common sight as families and eateries relied on charcoal dregs to fire up the cooking of food 🏠🔥

Some popular dishes today still rely on charcoal to be cooked. Which are your favourite dishes? Tell us in the comments!

Credits: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Selamat Hari Raya!

For many of us, Hari Raya Puasa is a time to bond with relatives and friends. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

May this day bring you peace, happiness, and gratitude. We wish you and your family a wonderful Hari Raya Puasa! 💕

Image Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

In 1973, Singapore hosted the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games (SEAP Games) for the very first time.

One memorable moment was when legendary national athlete, Mr C Kunalan, took centre stage at the newly opened Singapore National Stadium as the Games’ torchbearer in front of a 50,000 strong crowd.

It was reported that a hush fell over the crowd the moment this photo was taken, capturing Mr C Kunalan carrying the flame to its stand.

Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Hari Raya Puasa, 10 April 2024, Wednesday. Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!