Year 1967

Singapore Indian Education Trust

Sunday, 31st December 1967

The Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) is an Indian community trust fund supporting the education of local Indians, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It was set up by trade unionist Govindasamy Kandasamy. The trust provides bursaries and interest free loans for studies up to tertiary level. Special study awards are also available, mainly for tertiary education in key universities.


First Batch of National Service Men

Monday, 17th July 1967

The first batch of 900 National Service men were enlisted into Third Singapore Infantry Regiment (3SIR) and Fourth Singapore Infantry Regiment 4 SIR at Taman Jurong Camp.


Two RAF Crew Rescued Off Jurong

Thursday, 29th June 1967

The two flying officers, crew of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawker Hunter bomber plane, who ejected before the plane crashed into the sea about a mile off Jurong were rescued and air lifted to RAF Changi Hospital.


Singapore Dollars Issued

Monday, 12th June 1967

The issue of the first Singapore Dollar. The currency note issued today was the orchid series, the Vanda Miss Joaquim being the national flower. Nine denominations were issued from 1967 to 1976. The highest value note was $10,000 which was depicted by the Aranda Majulah and had the Istana in the background. The first series of coins was introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 dollar. Except for the bronze 1 cent, these coins were struck in cupro-nickel.


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.


First National Service Call-Up

Tuesday, 21st February 1967

The first National Service, compulsory military training, call-up of 9,000 youths for the independent nation was initiated on this day the then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew (LKY). The cream of Singapore's youths would have to serve two years in the Armed Forces on leaving school. Eligible for call-up were those whose 18th birthday fell on or after 1 January 1967.


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.