https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/ Read more on Off The Record here. en Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:59:18 +0800 Isomer (https://www.isomer.gov.sg) https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/defending-sovereigntyurn:isomer:resource:180414Discover how Singapore built its defence forces from scratch after independence in 1965, and how National Service shaped both security and nationhood.Sun, 27 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/friendly-forcesurn:isomer:resource:180424Read how Singapore built key defence ties with ASEAN nations and allies like Australia, the US, and China in the 1970s and 1980s to ensure regional stability.Sat, 03 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/total-defenceurn:isomer:resource:180476Read about the origins of Total Defence, introduced in 1984 to unite all Singaporeans in protecting the nation beyond military efforts alone.Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/fit-to-fighturn:isomer:resource:180420Read how Singapore strengthened its reservist forces in the 1970s and 1980s through tougher training, new fitness tests, and better support for soldiers returning to civilian life.Tue, 25 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/turbocharging-armed-forcesurn:isomer:resource:180478Read about how the SAF grew into a stronger, more modern force in the 1975–1985 decade, through new weapons, better equipment, and efforts to attract top talent.Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/external-threatsurn:isomer:resource:180418Read about the security threats Singapore faced in the late 1970s, from Communist expansion in Indochina to regional instability, and how these shaped the SAF's development during its second decade.Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/memoriesofwarandlegaciesurn:isomer:resource:180448Explore the history of Singapore's Japanese Occupation through oral records, updated exhibitions, and a revised edition of *Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies*.Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/kunnuck-mistreeurn:isomer:resource:180437Uncover the remarkable story of Kunnuck Mistree, an Indian convict whose 40 years in colonial Singapore were pieced together by a Citizen Archivist volunteer from historical Straits Settlements records.Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/transcribing-ssrurn:isomer:resource:180477Use this handy guide to help you transcribe handwritten Straits Settlements Records on the Citizen Archivist Project.Sat, 29 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/david-marshallurn:isomer:resource:180413Discover the life and values of David Marshall, Singapore's first Chief Minister, through his own words in a National Archives oral history interview.Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/s-rajaratnamurn:isomer:resource:180467Read S. Rajaratnam's 1959 speech explaining the meaning behind Singapore's flag, crest, and national anthem — symbols chosen to unite all Singaporeans.Thu, 27 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/dr-goh-keng-sweeurn:isomer:resource:180416Read an excerpt from Dr Goh Keng Swee's witty 1984 speech on why we play golf, and access the full text via the National Archives.Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/1819-survey-planurn:isomer:resource:180400Explore one of Singapore's earliest British maps, drawn in 1819 as Raffles negotiated the founding agreement. It holds several cartographic firsts, including the first use of the spelling "Singapore."Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/majulah-singapuraurn:isomer:resource:180443Discover how *Majulah Singapura* evolved from a City Council song in 1958 into Singapore's national anthem. Explore its history through archival records at NAS.Sun, 23 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/pms-new-year-messageurn:isomer:resource:180458Read PM Lee Kuan Yew's 1982 New Year speech, where he warned of difficult times ahead amid a global recession.Sat, 22 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/foreign-policy-outlineurn:isomer:resource:180423Read S Rajaratnam's landmark 1965 speech to the U.N., which set out the enduring principles of Singapore's foreign policy on the world stage.Fri, 21 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/mapping-singaporeurn:isomer:resource:180446Read about Singapore's mapping history from 1819 to 2014 in this essay by map consultant Mr Mok Ly Yng, first published in the National Library Board's *Visualizing Space* (2015).Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/behind-the-scenesurn:isomer:resource:180403Get a glimpse into the daily work of Abigail Huang, a reference archivist at the National Archives of Singapore, as she shares what it's like helping researchers uncover records that matter.Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0800Our People https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/intern-limhuixiangurn:isomer:resource:180432Read one intern's account of her 10-week stint at the National Archives of Singapore, where she helped create a guidebook on death-related records and contributed to a transcription project.Sat, 10 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0800Our People https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/intern-mandyurn:isomer:resource:180433Read about Mandy's 10-week internship at the National Archives of Singapore, where she explored death records, Straits Settlements documents, and Singapore's cemeteries.Sat, 10 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0800Our People https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/burialregistersonlineurn:isomer:resource:180406Search digitised burial records from Bukit Brown Cemetery (1922–1972) online via the National Archives of Singapore.Sat, 03 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0800Finding Aids https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/burialregistersurn:isomer:resource:180405Search the digitised Bukit Brown Cemetery Burial Registers online to trace your ancestors' burial plots and records spanning from 1922 to 1972.Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0800Finding Aids https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/nationaldayparadeurn:isomer:resource:180453Explore decades of National Day Parade history through archival photos, from Singapore's first parade in 1966 to the vibrant celebrations of 2012.Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/i-rem-orchardurn:isomer:resource:180429Explore how Orchard Road evolved from fruit plantations in the 1800s to Singapore's premier shopping and entertainment hub today.Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/centrepoint-kidsurn:isomer:resource:180410Discover how Orchard Road became a hub for youth culture in the 1980s, from breakdancing at Centrepoint to skateboarders at Dhoby Ghaut.Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/lawofthelandurn:isomer:resource:180439Explore Singapore's constitutional journey from its founding in 1819 to independence in 1965, through rare documents featured in the *Law of the Land* exhibition.Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/survivingthejapaneseoccupationurn:isomer:resource:180473Visit the Former Ford Factory to explore Singapore's World War Two history through oral accounts, records, and archives.Tue, 02 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/ww2comestosingaporeurn:isomer:resource:180479Relive the first days of WWII in Singapore through eyewitness accounts and archival records. Discover how civilians experienced the Japanese air raids and the fall of a supposedly impregnable fortress.Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/little-red-doturn:isomer:resource:180442Explore archival records that inspired 50 designers to create porcelain art for Singapore's 50th National Day, from old maps to everyday items like bus tickets and receipts.Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/time-zone-adjustmenturn:isomer:resource:180475Find out why Singapore moved its clocks forward by 30 minutes in 1982, aligning with Malaysia to avoid confusion for travellers and businesses.Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/singapore-mileagesurn:isomer:resource:180469Explore a 1936 map showing road distances across Singapore, using the Fullerton Building as its zero-point. Discover how colonial-era milestones shaped navigation, addresses, and even language in early Singapore.Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/metricationurn:isomer:resource:180449Explore how Singapore made the switch to the metric system in the 1970s, and the public outreach efforts that helped make it a success.Fri, 04 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/singapore-street-scenesurn:isomer:resource:180470Watch a rare 1960 silent home video of Singapore's streets, filmed before urban renewal transformed the city. See landmarks that still stand today alongside those long gone.Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/supreme-court-buildingurn:isomer:resource:180472Explore the history of the Former Supreme Court building, from its colonial origins to its transformation into the National Gallery Singapore.Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/launch-of-televisionurn:isomer:resource:180438Relive the historic launch of Television Singapura in 1963. Watch archival footage and explore how Singapore's first TV station began broadcasting to the nation.Thu, 12 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/personal-recordsurn:isomer:resource:180457Share your family's records of the Japanese Occupation with NAS. Personal items like passbooks and identity cards help preserve Singapore's wartime history for future generations.Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/sharity-the-elephanturn:isomer:resource:180468Discover the story behind Sharity the Elephant, Singapore's beloved Community Chest mascot since 1984, and her role in teaching children the value of caring and sharing.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/ronnipinslerurn:isomer:resource:180465Explore the Ronni Pinsler Collection at the National Archives of Singapore, featuring over 15,000 photos of Taoist rituals, Chinese opera, vanishing trades, and street scenes from the 1970s to 1990s.Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/mobile-libraryurn:isomer:resource:180450Discover the history of Singapore's Mobile Library Service, which brought books to rural communities from 1960 until its phase-out in 1991.Fri, 09 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/incheyusofishakurn:isomer:resource:180430Explore nearly 9,000 photographs from Singapore's first President, Yusof bin Ishak, now preserved at the National Archives of Singapore.Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/berita-singapuraurn:isomer:resource:180404Discover the history of Singapore's original Grand Prix, held on Upper Thomson Road from 1961 to 1973, long before the modern F1 night race.Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/all-must-voteurn:isomer:resource:180402Explore archival images and history behind Singapore's 1959 general election, the first for a fully elected self-government.Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/greatworldurn:isomer:resource:180426Explore a glimpse of Singapore's vibrant amusement park scene in the 1950s, when Great World, New World, and Happy World drew large crowds with their unique attractions.Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/capitoltheatreurn:isomer:resource:180407Explore the rich history of Capitol Theatre, one of Singapore's first air-conditioned cinemas, from its glamorous 1930 opening to its revival as part of Capitol Singapore.Tue, 25 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/independencedayurn:isomer:resource:180431Discover how 9 August nearly became "Independence Day" instead of National Day, and explore rare photographs from Singapore's first National Day celebrations in 1966.Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/proclamationofsingaporeurn:isomer:resource:180461Explore the story behind Singapore's 1965 Proclamation of Independence, drafted in secrecy by Minister for Law E W Barker. Listen to the original Radio Singapura announcement and view archival records.Fri, 14 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/nasmapcollectionurn:isomer:resource:180452Explore Singapore's cartographic history through the National Archives of Singapore's collection of around 10,000 maps, spanning from the 1600s to modern times.Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/majulahsingapuraurn:isomer:resource:180444Discover the history behind Singapore's national anthem, *Majulah Singapura*, and listen to how it sounded in 1959.Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/itineranthawkerurn:isomer:resource:180435Explore the history of itinerant hawkers in Singapore and how the government regulated street hawking from the 1960s onwards.Fri, 24 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/harirayapuasabotanicgardensurn:isomer:resource:180427Explore rare 1965 archive photos of Singaporeans celebrating Hari Raya Puasa at the Botanic Gardens, when the festival coincided with Chinese New Year.Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/rotijohnurn:isomer:resource:180466Discover the story behind Roti John, a beloved local dish. Listen to an oral history interview tracing its origins to roadside stalls in Singapore.Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/leedaisohurn:isomer:resource:180440Discover the life of Lee Dai Soh, a beloved Cantonese storyteller who entertained Singapore's radio listeners for decades. Listen to his Rediffusion recordings at the NAS Archives Reading Room.Fri, 03 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/islandofstoriesurn:isomer:resource:180434Explore rare historical maps of Singapore, from wartime confusion to forgotten milestones and farming landscapes, through this National Archives exhibition recap.Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/fivestonesurn:isomer:resource:180421Rediscover the classic kampong game of five stones, once played across Singapore. Learn about its history, rules, and how it was traditionally made and played.Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/teethbrushingurn:isomer:resource:180474Explore this 1969 archive image of Singapore's teeth brushing campaign, which taught schoolchildren proper dental hygiene and reached over 367,000 children by year's end.Fri, 19 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/childrensocialcentreurn:isomer:resource:180412Explore the history of Singapore's Children Social Centres, which grew from feeding centres set up in 1947 to combat child malnutrition after the war.Fri, 12 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/roadsafetycampaignurn:isomer:resource:180464Read about Singapore's 1977 National Road Safety Campaign, which tackled both reckless driving and jaywalking to reduce the high number of road accidents at the time.Fri, 05 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/queenelizabethcoronationurn:isomer:resource:180463Explore how Singapore marked Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, from grand street decorations to parades and balls at the Padang and Government House.Fri, 29 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/singaporeminiaturezoourn:isomer:resource:180471Discover the history of Singapore's Miniature Zoo, which opened in 1957 at Pasir Panjang and closed in the early 1960s. Explore the archives to view rare images donated by the Tong family.Fri, 22 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/dollahkassimurn:isomer:resource:180415Relive Singapore's historic 1977 Malaysia Cup victory through an oral history interview with vice-captain Dollah Kassim. Listen to the full recording or read the transcript online.Fri, 15 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/pontianakurn:isomer:resource:180459Discover the story behind *Pontianak* (1957), a landmark Malay film that sparked a whole genre — and whose original reels were lost forever.Fri, 08 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/orchard-theatreurn:isomer:resource:180456Discover the history of Orchard Theatre, Cathay's landmark cinema that brought Singapore its first escalator and commercial bowling alley in 1965.Thu, 07 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/jurongdriveincinemaurn:isomer:resource:180436Explore the history of the Jurong Drive-In Cinema, once the largest in Asia, from its opening in 1971 to its closure in 1985.Fri, 01 May 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/educational-television-seriesurn:isomer:resource:180417Watch a clip from Singapore's 1972 educational TV series and learn how Educational Television transformed classroom learning from 1967.Fri, 24 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/hdb-filmurn:isomer:resource:180428Watch an HDB film from c.1960 and learn how Singapore tackled its housing crisis, building 53,000 flats in just five years.Fri, 17 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/public-standpipeurn:isomer:resource:180462Explore how public standpipes once served Singapore's rural communities before piped water became widespread.Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/cathay-film-services-movieurn:isomer:resource:180408Watch *Happy Homes* (1964), an award-winning HDB film capturing Singapore's transformation from kampongs to high-rise flats in the 1960s.Fri, 03 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/mobile-post-officeurn:isomer:resource:180451Discover the history of Singapore's Mobile Post Office, which brought postal services to rural areas from 1952 to 1980.Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/orchard-road-railway-bridgeurn:isomer:resource:180455Discover the history of Orchard Road's railway bridge, which stood from 1903 to 1932 before being demolished.Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/map-of-tiong-bahruurn:isomer:resource:180445Explore the history of Singapore's first public housing estate at Tiong Bahru, built by SIT in the 1930s and now a conserved pre-war landmark.Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/lim-nan-seng-sculpting-miniature-merlionurn:isomer:resource:180441Discover the story behind Singapore's iconic Merlion, sculpted by Mr Lim Nang Seng in 1972. Explore this archival photograph and related records from the National Archives of Singapore.Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/changi-prison-internment-camp-menuurn:isomer:resource:180411Explore W R M Haxworth's wartime sketches depicting POW life at Changi Prison during the Japanese Occupation. View his works and related records in the National Archives of Singapore.Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/first-chingay-street-paradeurn:isomer:resource:180419Discover the origins of Singapore's Chingay Parade, first held in 1973 to brighten Lunar New Year celebrations after firecrackers were banned.Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/footage-of-peranakan-chinese-brideurn:isomer:resource:180422Watch rare 1940 footage of a Peranakan Chinese bride from the National Archives of Singapore, and explore the rich rituals of a traditional 12-day Peranakan wedding.Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/mass-wedding-at-victoria-memorial-hallurn:isomer:resource:180447Explore the history of mass weddings in Singapore, a popular tradition from the 1940s to 1960s, and learn how the Women's Charter changed marriage customs.Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/aerial-photomap-singapore-townurn:isomer:resource:180401Explore a 1950 aerial photomap of Singapore town, made from RAF photographs to aid post-war planning. View the map and related records at the National Archives of Singapore.Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/oral-history-interview-experiences-of-midwifeurn:isomer:resource:180454Listen to a 1997 oral history interview with midwife Sumitera Mohd Letak, who shares her experiences delivering babies across Singapore and its islands from 1964 to 1988.Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/cattle-disposal-squad-press-stmturn:isomer:resource:180409Discover how Singapore managed stray cattle in the 1960s through the Cattle Ordinance and disposal squads, and how the law continues to shape livestock rules today.Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/girls-sports-club-new-year-eve-danceurn:isomer:resource:180425Discover the history of Singapore's first women's sports club, founded in 1929 to give Eurasian women a place in sport.Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/discover-archives/media/post-office-savings-bank-posterurn:isomer:resource:180460Explore the history of POSB, from its founding in 1877 to its role in building Singapore's early infrastructure and encouraging a culture of saving.Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0800Collections and Research