The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) wishes to extend its full cooperation in the celebration and commemoration of the Republic of Singapore on its 58th Independence Day this August 9, 2023. May we all embrace the spirit of nationhood so that we can all work together towards the path to economic and social development.

History

On August 9, 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia 20 years after the conclusion of the second World War. It can be noted that sentiments for an independent Singapore began right after the unification of Malaysia - then composed of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo. This unification was met with ethnic tension and racial turmoil. For example, Singaporeans did not have the same financial and economic benefits instated for Malays at the time. With a rise in hate crimes, abuse speeches, and also economic strife between these unified nations, Singapore officially separated to build its own sovereign identity on August 9, 1965.

Prior to this, Singapore was formerly part of the British colonial empire since the 19th century. It attracted attention from the West as a suitable area for trading and economic development by the British in Southeast Asia. Due to the growing economic opportunities in the region, it attracted immigrants from the surrounding countries like China, India, the Malays, and more. The British occupation remained until the invasion of the Japanese forces in 1942 to 1945.

Currently, Singapore remains to be one of the rapidly rising economies of Asia, and the world in particular. It continuously ranks as one of the world’s most business-friendly regulatory environments for local entrepreneurs, and boasts of a competitive economy. The GDP growth rate of the country has been amongst the world’s highest after its rapid industrialization in the 1960s up to the present.

Celebrations

Every year, the Government of Singapore celebrates this monumental day by holding the National Day Parade in the city-state. The parade will consist of a military exhibition and performances from various Singaporean ethnicities and artists and the State Flag Flypast along with the Presidential Gun Salute. The parade ends with a spectacular firework display which is one of the most anticipated activities during this national holiday.

This year, the NDP’s theme will be “Onward as One” which is all about looking ahead with confidence and optimism, and building a shared future together. It shows in the new logo too, which depicts a lion's head gazing towards five starts and the horizon. It's emblematic of the values we should be keeping close to our hearts as we grow and advance. The parade this 2023 will feature performances from artists and performers with special needs signifying the country’s inclusivity and diversity.

Sources

  1. NDP2023: Guide to National Day in Singapore:
    https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/guide-to-national-day
  2. Performers with special news feature at National Day Parade 2023: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-day-parade-ndp-2023-special-needs-performers-3678991
  3. The World Bank in Singapore: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/singapore/overview
  4. The Story Behind Singapore’s National Day: Hari Kebangsaan Singapura
    https://www.contexttravel.com/blog/articles/singapore-national-day

Videos

  1. Exploring the Historic Independence of Singapore in 1965 | Our History
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4qLv7bino&ab_channel=OurHistory