Year 1981

Places

Super Puma Crash Near Safti

Friday, 16th August 1991

A Republic of Singapore Air Force Super Puma helicopter crashed into a reservoir near the Safti training area, killing both pilots on board. A third crewman was rescued and flown to Singapore General Hospital.


NIE Opened

Monday, 1st July 1991

The Institute of Education (IE) and the College of Physical Education (CPE) merged to form the National Institute of Education (NIE). NIE as part of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), new 4-year degree courses were offered to matriculated students - Bachelor of Arts with Diploma in Education and Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Education, imparted both knowledge and skills in Arts, Science or Physical Education to trainee teachers as well as pedagogy.


NTI Renamed To NTU

Monday, 1st July 1991

Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) was renamed to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with the absorption of the National Institute of Education (NIE). The alumni rolls of the former Nanyang University (Nantah) were transferred to NTU.


RSAF planes and men return home

Tuesday, 11th June 1991

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter detachment stationed in Clark Air Base, Philippine, has returned to Singapore. This following volcanic activity in Mount Pinatubo.


Weekend Car Scheme

Wednesday, 1st May 1991

The Weekend Car Scheme (also known as "off-peak cars" or OPC) was introduced with Cars sporting red coloured number plates. The scheme allowed the owner of a car to drive it only during specified hours, mainly on weekends. The objective of this system was to allow Singaporeans, especially the lower income groups, to own cars without contributing to traffic congestion. Car buyers who opted for this scheme were given tax rebates and a discount on their road taxes.


SQ 117 Hijacked

Tuesday, 26th March 1991

The Singapore Airlines flight SQ 117 took off from Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur with 129 passengers and crew onboard at 1815 hrs. Four passengers who claimed to be Pakistanis took control of the plane when it was enroute to Singapore. The plane landed and parked at Changi Airport's Runway One at 2215 hrs. The hijackers claimed to be members of the Pakistan People's Party. They wanted the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's husband. The hijackers issued a five-minute deadline at 27 March 0645 hrs after which they threatened to kill one passenger every ten minutes if their demands were not acceded to. SAF Elite Commandos stormed the plane, killing four Pakistani hijackers and freeing all passengers and crew. The rescue of SQ 117 was over in just 30 seconds and ended at 0650 hrs.


The Three-Quarter Rule to Malaysia

Monday, 4th February 1991

The law requiring Singapore vehicles crossing over to Malaysia to have three-quarter (3/4) tank of petrol was enforced - following a grace period. The ability to buy cheaper petrol just across the border would undermine the national policy to curb the vehicle population. The earlier half a tank was, in fact, considered to be insufficient and was changed to three-quarter tank rule (3/4 Tank Rule).


Mobile Library Closed

Monday, 14th January 1991

The remaining six of Mobile Library belonging the Singapore National Library were closed.  These Mobile Library were situated at various community centres around Singapore. They were initiated by the National Library Board in 1960 to ease the overwhelming demands on services at the main library building at Stamford Road.


Premiere of Last Blood Movie

Thursday, 13th December 1990

The Last Blood, the first movie made by a Singapore-based film company and shot almost entirely on location here, had its world premiere at the Prince Cinema on this day. Movie Impact produced it. The movie was completed in 50 Days, with the help of the Economic Development Boards Creative Services Unit. It starred Hongkong stars Eric Tsang, Alan Tam and Andy Lau, and Singapore ex-beauty queen and actress-model Jazreel Low (Trailer). Preview this movie on YouTube.


Kucinta is The Singapore River Cat

Wednesday, 5th December 1990

Madam Ang Lian Tin submitted the winning entry of "Kucinta" for the "Name the Singapore River Cats" competition was held by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). The Singapura Cat (now known officially as Kucinta) is regarded as STPB's mascot. A sculpture depicting Kucinta could be found along Singapore River.


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