As Singapore celebrates its 61st National Day while Stomp turns 20, we’re taking a trip down memory lane. Check out more stories of nostalgia, rage, madness and the biggest headlines on our microsite.
The past two decades in the Little Red Dot have been anything but quiet.
From landmark elections and billion-dollar developments to national milestones and once-in-a-generation events, these moments sparked conversations, dominated headlines and became part of Singapore’s collective memory.
Here are 20 unforgettable events that defined the nation over the past two decades.
PM Lee Hsien Loong passes first General Election as PM
The People’s Action Party (PAP) secured 66.6 per cent of the popular vote.
ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG
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Held in 2006, the General Election marked the first time then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong led the The People’s Action Party (PAP), after taking over from Goh Chok Tong in 2004.
PAP secured 66.6 per cent of the popular vote and won 83 of 84 seats.
The election also saw the launch of opposition rallies that drew large crowds, and a greater use of the internet in campaigning — setting the stage for a more politically engaged electorate in the years ahead.
Singapore welcomes the inaugural Formula 1 night race
Singapore will continue hosting the F1 race until 2028.
MY PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Singapore became the first country in the world to host a Formula 1 race at night when the Singapore Grand Prix debuted in 2008.
The dazzling Marina Bay Street Circuit quickly became one of the sport’s most iconic venues, boosting tourism and cementing Singapore’s reputation as a global events destination.
The race was also remembered for the infamous “Crashgate” scandal involving Renault.
Navigating the Great Recession
The global financial crisis in 2009 triggered Singapore’s worst recession since independence. Exports plunged, businesses struggled and unemployment rose as economies worldwide slowed.
The Government rolled out a $20.5 billion Resilience Package, including wage support for employers, to protect jobs and help businesses weather the downturn.
Singapore returned to growth in 2010, recording one of its strongest economic rebounds.
Opening of Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands
Resorts World Sentosa hosts Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Singapore’s skyline and tourism landscape changed dramatically in 2010 with the opening of Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands.
The integrated resorts brought casinos, luxury hotels, attractions and convention facilities, drawing millions of visitors each year.
While the projects generated debate over gambling, they also transformed Singapore into one of Asia’s leading tourism and entertainment hubs.
Singapore hosts the Inaugural Youth Olympic Games
The Republic made history by hosting the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in August 2010.
More than 3,500 young athletes from over 200 countries competed across 26 sports.
Beyond the competition, the games promoted cultural exchange and Olympic values, while showcasing Singapore’s ability to host major international sporting events.
GE2011: The ‘watershed’ election
The Workers’ Party made history by winning its first GRC in Aljunied, the first opposition party to do so.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Widely regarded as Singapore’s “watershed election”, the 2011 General Election marked a turning point in the nation’s political landscape.
The PAP recorded its lowest vote share since independence at 60.1 per cent, while the Workers’ Party made history by winning Aljunied GRC – the first GRC captured by an opposition party.
These results reflected voters’ growing desire for more diverse voices in Parliament and signalled a shift in the country’s political climate.
First HDB flat to be sold for $1 million
A 1,615sqft executive apartment at Block 149 Mei Ling Street in Queenstown became Singapore’s first Housing Board flat to sell for $1 million in 2012, fetching exactly $1,000,000 and was located around the 16th to 18th floor.
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