» Thursday, August 09, 2012 / -2:49 PM

This year, Singapore celebrate its 47th National Day, having a theme "Loving Singapore, Our Home".

Looking back...

1959 - Singapore gained its self-government. Singapore hold its first General Election and People's Action Party won. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister of Singapore. Yusof Bin Ishak became the first of State of the country. 

1963 - Singapore joined Malaysia as a state. 

1964 - Racial Riots in Singapore

1965 - Due to the unhappiness between Malaysia and Singapore, Tunku Abdual Rahman (First PM of Malaysia) announced that Singapore was no longer part of Malaysia. Singapore announced its independence as a nation. Singapore also known as Republic Of Singapore. Singapore became a member of United Nations in 21 September 1965. 

1966 - Singapore hold its first National Day Parade (NDP)

1967 - Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand formed the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). (Note: These 5 countries formed ASEAN then, today there are 10 of them) Singapore introduced National Service where all 18 year old able-bodied men to serve and defend the country.

1968 - Singapore hold its 3rd NDP and a year where it is raining heavily.

1981 - Singapore Changi Airport is establised

1987 - First MRT was introduced.

1990 - Mr. Lee Kuan Yew stepped down as Senior Minister. Mr. Goh Chok Thong became the second Prime Minister

1997 - Singapore faced the East Asian Financial Crisis

2001 - Singapore embassies became a plan of attack by the JI (terrorist group formed in SEA). It was discovered and many were detained under the Internal Security Act.

2003 - SARS Attack

2004 - Mr. Goh stepped down as Senior Minister. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew stepped down as Minister of Mentor and Mr. Lee Hsien Long became the third Prime Minister. 

2009 - Singapore faced another financial crisis from the US. For the first time, Singapore govt had to ask for 'government saving'. These savings was under the rights of PM and the President. The first time that PM actually asked for the permission from the President Mr. Nathan to open up these savings for the needs of its people. Mr. Nathan granted these permission. 

2011 - A year of history. Singapore hold GE and Presidential Election at the same year. GE for the first time,  a GRC of 6 was being taken away by the Workers' Party. Presidential Election had the fierce competition, two candidates votes are recounted due to very close margin. President Tony Tan won the election. Mr. Nathan worked for two terms which was 12 years stepped down.

Today we are 47, lets hear what PM Lee have to say hear..

National Day Message 2012:

Happy Birthday, Singapore:) <3 p="p">