Year 1963

Places

Singapore Navy Formed

Friday, 5th May 1967

The Singapore Navy formation ceremony held at Telok Ayer Basin. The White Singapore Naval Volunteer Force Ensign was hoisted for the first time and the Blue Ensign lowered for the last time as the Singapore Navy's white-uniformed men and women paraded under the sun beside Godown TA2. Traditionally, a Blue Ensign is flown by auxiliary ships, while ships of the Navy fly White Ensigns.


Second Singapore Grand Prix

Friday, 17th March 1967

The race was held in Upper Thomson Road Street Circuit and was touted the biggest motoring spectacle of 1967. To usher in the event, the film premiere of the John Frankenheimer movie, Grand Prix, was showed at the Orchard Theatre. The main event was won by Rodney Seow in his new Merlyn F-2 Mark 10. The runner-up was Hong Kong racer, Albert Poon, in his Lotus 23B and Arsenio Laurel of the Philippines came in third in his Lotus 41. Last year winner, Lee Han Seng, had to retire his Brabham with a damaged wheel in lap 19 of the 60 laps race.


National Service Act

Tuesday, 14th March 1967

The National Service Bill (Amendment) 1967 was first read in Parliament on 27 Feb 1967. After a spirited debate in Parliament, the NS Act was passed.


The Civilian War Memorial

Wednesday, 15th February 1967

The Civilian Memorial was officially unveiled by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Singapore. Religious rites were conducted by officials of the Inter-Religious Organisation and a three-minute silence was observed in honour of the dead during the Japanese Occupation (from 15 Feb 1942 to 15 Aug 1945). Those present included the victims' families, members of the diplomatic corps (including the Japanese Ambassador), religious chiefs and representatives from the four races. Costing an estimated $500,000 (Singapore Dollars), one of the characteristics of the Memorial is its height of 61 metres and its four columns. The columns represent the four races joined together at the base - signifying the unity of all races. Construction of the Memorial began in June 1966 and was completed in January 1967.


Malaysia-Singapore Airlines Formed

Saturday, 31st December 1966

Malaysia-Singapore Airlines or MSA. formerly Malaysian Airways was formed.


Ex-British Airman Recover POSB Deposit

Thursday, 15th December 1966

Mr. W.J. Luscombe of Bedfordshire, UK, wrote to Singapore Postmaster asking if his Post Office Savings Bank account could be trace. He was an Airman in the Royal Air Force at Tengah, but when the Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942, he was evacuated and left his belongs behind including his saving book.


Singapore celebrated its first National Day

Tuesday, 9th August 1966

The main event of the first Singapore National Day was a National Day parade involving 23,000 men, women and children which was held at the Padang. , At exactly 9 am was the arrival of the Republic's first President, Yusof bin Ishak and was met by Defence Minister cum Colonel of the Singapore Artillery, Dr Goh Keng Swee. Already seated the steps of the City Hall were Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Cabinet Members, Members of Parliament and invited guests. Then the National Anthem was played with a Presidential salute, and then, escorted by Doctor Goh, the President reviewed the parade Guard of Honor. This was followed by the start of the march past. The finale brought crashing cymbals, gongs, thundering drums and a mass display of 60 lions and dragons dance. The event ended at 10.30 am.


Merdeka Bridge Widen To 7-lane Highway

Friday, 5th August 1966

Work has begun on a $1.5 million project to widen the half-mile long Merdeka Bridge by about 40 feet to ease the growing traffic congestion along the bridge. Three more traffic lanes are to be added to the present four lanes on. The two "Merdeka Lions" were relocated to Stadium Walk near the entrance of Kallang Park.


POSB Transfer To Singapore Control

Friday, 8th July 1966

On 8 July 1966, the Singapore Post Office Savings Bank ceased to be under the control of the Postmaster-General, State of Malaya and transferred to Singapore Postmaster-General.


SAFTI offical opening

Saturday, 18th June 1966

SAFTI, the MI, the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute was officially opened by then Minister of Defence, Dr Goh Keng Swee. SAFTI was established on 14 February 1966. It was the first military training institute to be established by the government to train officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to lead the then embryonic SAF. It is the pioneer training institute of the SAF.


Newer Entries  |  Older Entries