20th century Year Date Event 1901 1 January Singapore-Kranji Railway officially opened to the public. 5 November Sir Frank Swettenham was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1904 16 April Sir John Anderson was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1905 1 June Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:00 from the original GMT+6hr 55m 25s. 1906 18 November Tao Nan School was established. The Nanyang branch of Tongmenghui was set up in Singapore. 1910 12 March Anderson Bridge was official opened by Governor Sir John Anderson. 1911 2 September Sir Arthur Young was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1913 1 July The Singapore Harbour board was set up. 1915 15 – 25 February The Singapore Mutiny occurred as British Muslim Indian sepoys rose up against the British. 1917 15 August Nanyang Girls' High School was established by Tan Chor Nam and Teo Eng Hock, partially due to Dr Sun Yat Sen's belief in education for girls, in Dhoby Ghaut. 14 June Nan Hua High School [as Nam Wah Girls' School] established by Mr Xiong Shangfu, its campus in Coleman Street, and it was once a base for the Japanese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. 1919 21 March The Chinese High School established by Tan Kah Kee at 15 Niven Road. 1920 17 February Sir Laurence Guillemard was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1923 Singapore starts constructing the main British naval base in East Asia. 1924 28 June Singapore-Johor Causeway officially opens. 1927 3 June Sir Hugh Clifford was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1929 Singapore Police Academy was established at Mount Pleasant Road. 1930 5 February Sir Cecil Clementi was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1932 15 January Tanjong Pagar Railway Station commenced operation. Jalan Besar Stadium open to the public. 1933 1 January Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:20. 16 January CHIJ Saint Nicholas Girls' School, Singapore's only bilingual and bicultural IJ school, was founded. 1934 9 November Sir Shenton Thomas was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1935 Catholic High School was established. 1937 12 June Kallang Airport was opened. 1938 British Military Hospital, predecessor of Alexandra Hospital was established. Singapore completes the main British naval base, which is the largest drydock and third largest floating dock in the world. 1939 24 January Chung Cheng High School (Main) was established in Kim Yam Road. 1940 July British Military Hospital at Alexandra Road was officially open. 1941 1 September Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:30. 7 – 8 December In an extensive three-pronged attack, Japan opens hostilities with the countries that opposed the Axis powers and their colonies. First air raid on Singapore at 4:15 am. The Imperial Japanese Army invades Malaya. 10 December The British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse are sunk by Japanese bombers. 16 December Second air raid on Singapore, at night. Only RAF Tengah is attacked. 25 December A lone Japanese aircraft drops propaganda pamphlets on Singapore Island. 29 December Second Japanese air raid on Singapore City (and third on the island), at night. Nightly raids commence. 30 December The Overseas Chinese Mobilization Council is set up in Singapore, led by Tan Kah Kee. 1942 12 January First major daylight air raid on Singapore. Henceforth, the island is bombed everyday up to the British surrender (with the exception of 19 January). 31 January Malaya falls to the Japanese and the Causeway is blown up to delay Japan's advancement to Singapore. 1 February The siege of Singapore begins. The Japanese in Johor Bahru begin shelling the island daily in addition to daily aerial bombing. 8 February The Japanese cross the Strait of Johor by inflatable boats and landed in Singapore during the Battle of Singapore. 11 February The Japanese and Allied soldiers fight fiercely at Bukit Timah. 13 February The Malay regiment, led by Lt. Adnan bin Saidi, fight bravely against the Japanese at Pasir Panjang Ridge in the Battle of Pasir Panjang. 14 February The Japanese have captured most of Singapore, and most of the population is crammed into the city centre. 15 February The British surrenders and the Japanese Occupation of Singapore starts. Singapore is renamed Syonan-to (Light of the South Island). Singapore change its time zone to GMT+09:00 to be the same as Japan. 18 February – 4 March The Japanese military police, the Kempei Tai kills an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people during Sook Ching Massacre. 1943 27 September Operation Jaywick occurred. Seven Japanese ships are bombed at Clifford Pier. 10 October The Japanese initiate the Double Tenth Incident in response to Operation Jaywick, by launching a fierce crackdown on anti-Japanese elements and Allied prisoners-of-war in Singapore. 1944 27 March Lim Bo Seng is captured by the Japanese, and dies after 3 months of torture. 1945 14 August Japan surrenders, and there is anomie and looting for nearly a month when the British do not return immediately. 5 September The British return to Singapore after the end of World War II and begin the British Military Administration of the Straits Settlements under the command of Lord Louis Mountbatten. 12 September Singapore revert its time zone back to the pre-war time of GMT+07:30. 1946 1 April The Straits Settlements is dissolved and Singapore becomes a separate crown colony. The Legislative Council of the Colony of Singapore was formed. Sir Franklin Charles Gimson was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1947 A large number of strikes occur causing stoppages in public transport, public services and the harbour. May Severe food shortage leads to record-low rice ration, causing malnutrition, disease and outbreak of crime and violence. 1948 20 March Singapore's first "limited elections" held (representation with no specific areas of responsibility); 6 seats in Legislative Council, with Singapore Progressive Party winning 3 seats. 24 June Rubber plantations and tin mines in Malaya are destroyed by communists, and the British declares the state of Emergency over Singapore and Malaya. The emergency was officially lifted on 31 July 1960 by the Malayan government. 1949 The University of Malaya is formed following the merger of Raffles College and King Edward Medical College. 1950 11 – 13 December 18 people are killed during the Maria Hertogh riots. 1951 10 April The number of elected seats is increased to 9 in the second election. 1952 20 March Wilfred Lawson Blythe was appointed as the Acting Governor of the Singapore. 21 April Sir John Fearns Nicoll was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1953 Rendel Commission is appointed to make recommendations for Singapore's self-government. 1954 13 May Chinese school students demonstrate against the British due to the National Service proposal. See Anti-National Service Riots 1955 2 April Second general elections (limited self-government) held. The Labour Front wins the most seats and David Saul Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore. 12 May Four people are killed during the Hock Lee bus riots. 2 June William Goode was appointed as the Acting Governor of the Singapore. 30 June Sir Robert Black was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 20 August Kallang Airport ceased operation. Paya Lebar Airport started operation. 1956 7 June David Marshall appeals to the United Kingdom for full self-government, but resigns when he fails. Lim Yew Hock takes over as Chief Minister. 10 October Riots by pro-communist Chinese school students occur when government closes down a student union on 24 September 1956. 14 October Dunman High School (formally known as Singapore Government Chinese Middle School), became the first Chinese secondary school established by the government. 1957 Cedar Girls' Secondary School was founded. 9 December Sir William Goode was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1959 March Lim Yew Hock successfully gains full self-government for Singapore. 30 May 3rd general elections (limited self-government) held. People's Action Party wins 43 of 51 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister. 3 June A celebration is held at the Padang for Singapore gaining full self-government. Sir William Goode becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore. 3 December The national anthem Majulah Singapura, written by Zubir Said, is presented. Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore. 1960 1 February The Housing and Development Board is set up. 8 September Tan Howe Liang became Singapore's first Olympic medalist. He finished second among 35 competitors in the lightweight category in weightlifting at the 1960 games held in Rome, Italy. 1961 25 May The Bukit Ho Swee Fire kills four people and destroys 2,200 attap houses. 27 May Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of Malaya, proposes a merger between Singapore, Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. 1962 1 September A referendum is held in Singapore to vote on merger with Malaysia. 1963 2 February During Operation Coldstore, 107 left-wing politicians and trade unionists are arrested by Internal Security Department 9 July The Malaysia Agreement is signed between leaders of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. 31 August In this Malaysia Solidarity Day, Lee Kuan Yew declares de facto Independence for Singapore. 16 September Malaysia is formed. Indonesia carries out its konfrontasi campaign. Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapura. 21 September The PAP wins the 1963 State Elections, defeating the Barisan Sosialis and UMNO. 1964 25 April The PAP wins one seat in the Malaysian Federal Election. UMNO is outraged. 21 July There is an ethnic riot between various Malays and Chinese, on Prophet Muhammad's birthday, 23 people are killed. 1965 10 March Indonesian saboteurs carry out the MacDonald House bombing, killing three people. May Lee Kuan Yew begins campaigning for a Malaysian Malaysia 7 August Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement. 9 August The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia. 21 September Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member. 15 October Singapore becomes the 23rd member of the Commonwealth. 22 December Constitutional Amendment Act is passed and Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the first President of Singapore. 1966 3 August Singapore became the 104th member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. 24 August The first daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance before the national flag was taken by 500,000 students at all 529 government and aided schools. 1967 The Civilian Memorial is unveiled at the Kranji War Cemetery 14 March The National Service bill is passed in the parliament. 28 March – 18 April Registrations for national service begins at the Central Manpower Base. 12 June The issue of the first Singapore Dollar. 8 August Singapore joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one of the founding members. 17 August The first batch of the army is drafted for national service. 1968 January Britain announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore. 19 April The PAP wins all seats in the 1968 General Election, which is boycotted by Barisan Sosialis. National Archives was established. 1969 20 January The National Junior College, Singapore's first junior college was established. 31 May The 1969 Race Riots of Singapore broke out after growing tension of the 13 May Incident in Malaysia spilled over to Singapore. 1970 23 November Encik Yusof bin Ishak, first President of Singapore died while in office. 1971 2 January Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares becomes the second President of Singapore. 31 October The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore. 1972 2 September The PAP wins the 1972 General Election. 1 October The Singapore Airlines is formed. 1973 4 February The first Chingay Parade is held in Singapore. 14 July The Presidential Council for Minority Rights is set up to ensure minority would not be discriminated. 21 July The construction of the National Stadium is completed and open in Kallang. The construction of Jurong Town Hall is completed. 1974 15 January Hwa Chong Junior College, Singapore's first government-aided junior college was established. 31 January Laju incident: Japanese Red Army bombs petroleum tanks at Pulau Bukom and hijacks a ferry boat. 1976 23 December The PAP wins all 69 seats in the 1976 General Election. 1978 12 October Spyros disaster, was a major industrial disaster which claimed 76 lives. 1979 1 June First National Courtesy Campaign was launched. Singapore becomes the world's second busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage. 1980 23 December The PAP wins all 75 seats in the 1980 General Election. 1981 12 May Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares (second President of Singapore) died while in office. 1 July Paya Lebar Airport ceased operation and Singapore Changi Airport starts operation. 23 October C V Devan Nair becomes the third President of Singapore. 31 October Workers' Party of Singapore's Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam elected into Parliament, breaking a 16 years PAP monopoly of the House. 1982 1 January Singapore change its time zone to UTC+08:00. The Civil Defence Programme are launched. 1983 29 January (Singapore Cable Car disaster) Eniwetok, a Panamanian-registered oil rig, hits the Singapore Cable Car system, sending two cabins plunging into the sea and killing seven people. 1984 22 August Non-Constituency Member of Parliament was introduced. 22 December The PAP wins the 1984 General Election while two members of the opposition parties are elected as members of parliament. Three PAP women MPs are also elected, ending a 16 years absence of women representation in Parliament. 1985 28 March C V Devan Nair stepped down as the third President of Singapore. 2 September Wee Kim Wee becomes the fourth President of Singapore. Singapore went into its first ever recession which was induced by government policies. 1986 15 March Hotel New World collapses, killing 33 people and injuring 17 others. 1987 21 May 16 people were arrested during Operation Spectrum and detained under the Internal Security Act. Another six were arrested on 20 June. 1988 3 September The PAP wins the 1988 General Election and group representation constituencies (GRC)s are introduced. 1990 6 July The East West Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is completed. 22 November Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 begins operation. 28 November Goh Chok Tong becomes the second Prime Minister of Singapore. 1991 26 March Four Pakistanis hijack Singapore Airlines Flight 117 and demand the release of Pakistan Peoples Party members from Pakistani jails. 27 March Members of the Singapore Special Operations Force storm into Singapore Airlines Flight 117, killing all hijackers and freeing all passengers and crew members. 31 August General elections are held. The result is a victory for the PAP, which wins 77 out of 81 seats.1993 August National Archives of Singapore was formed. 1 September Ong Teng Cheong becomes the first elected President and fifth President of Singapore. 1994 5 May American teenager Michael P. Fay is convicted and caned for vandalism. 1996 The parliament passes the Maintenance of Parents law, a private member's bill introduced by Nominated Member of Parliament Woon Cheong Ming Walter. 1997 2 January PAP led by Goh Chok Tong wins a total of 81 out of 83 seats in the 1997 general election. 19 December Silkair Flight 185 crashes into Musi River near Palembang, Sumatra, killing all 104 people on board. 1998 15 January Singapore and United States announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000. September "The Singapore Story", the first volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 1999 1 September S.R. Nathan becomes the sixth President of Singapore. Singapore slips into recession during the Asian financial crisis. 2000 1 September Speaker's Corner is launched at Hong Lim Park. 31 October Singapore Airlines Flight 006 crashes during take-off in Chiang Kai Shek International Airport, killing 83 people. "From Third World to First, The Singapore Story 1965-2000" the second volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 21st century Year Date Event 2001 Economic recession in Singapore. (to 2003) January A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens. 3 November The PAP wins 82 of 84 seats in the 2001 General Election. 9 December 15 suspected militants of Jemaah Islamiah are arrested for alleged bomb plot. 27 December Tropical Storm Vamei, a rare tropic storm that occurs only once in 100 to 400 years, hits Singapore. 2002 13 January Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement. 12 October The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay officially opened as Singapore's major performing arts centre. 2003 1 March - 16 July SARS virus outbreak in Singapore. 6 May Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA). 29 October A major research center Biopolis opens. 2004 20 April A section of Nicoll Highway collapses, killing 4 people. 12 August Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son becomes the third Prime Minister. December National Service was reduced from two and half years to two years. 2005 15 January Singapore and Malaysia settle dispute over land reclamation work. 18 April The government approves the plan to legalise casino-gambling and build two Integrated Resorts. 8 July In the aftermath of 7 July 2005 – London bombings, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announces plan to set up a new Police MRT Unit to enhance the security of Singapore's public transport. (CNA) 17 August S R Nathan returns for his second term as President, following a walkover in the 2005 Singapore presidential election. 27 August White Elephant Incident at Buangkok MRT station. 31 December Singapore Police Academy ceased operational. Home Team Academy replaces the Police Academy and went operational on the following day at Old Choa Chu Kang Road.2006 6 May The PAP, led by Lee Hsien Loong, wins 82 of 84 seats in the General Election. 26 March Singapore Changi Airport opens the Budget Terminal.2007 20 May The Marina Bay Floating Platform was opened.30 June The Former National Stadium was closed for re-construction. 2008 9 January Singapore Changi Airport opens its third passenger terminal. 21 February The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Youth Olympic Games hosting rights to Singapore ahead of Moscow by a vote of 53 to 44. 27 February Jemiah Islamiah terrorist head Mas Selamat bin Kastari escapes from prison. September Singapore slips into recession due to the global financial crisis. World economies hit badly; banks around the world collapse. 16 October Singapore government guarantees all local and foreign currency fixed deposits with a $ 150 billion pool for that in view of the financial crisis, joining governments around the world in doing so.  2011  7 May  PAP loses its grip on Aljunied Group Representation Constituency to the Workers' Party in the General Election. This is the first time an opposition party has captured a GRC since the inception of this scheme in 1988.  1 July  Tanjong Pagar Railway Station ceased operation and to be reserved as the Singapore Railway Museum.  27 August  Singaporeans, for the first time since the establishment of Presidential Election, will be voting for the next President after the 6th President of Singapore – SR Nathan stepped down on 31 August 2011. The candidates involves in this election includes – Dr Tan Keng Yam Tony, Mr Tan Jee Say, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Dr. Tan Cheng Bock.  1 September  Dr Tan Keng Yam Tony is sworn as the seventh President of Singapore.  2012  25 September  Singapore Changi Airport closes The Budget Terminal to make way for the construction of future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4.  2013  16 February  More than 3000 Singaporeans gathered at the Speakers' Corner, Singapore at Hong Lim Park for a non-partisan protest against the government's Population White Paper which projected a possible 6.9 million people in Singapore by 2030.  24 June  Haze in Singapore reaches 401 PSI, the worst in Singapore history.  8 December  The 2013 Little India riot took place after a fatal accident occurred at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road in Little India, Singapore.  2014  12 January  Beginning construction of the new Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (Thomson stretch) consisting of 31 new stations (including 7 interchanges).  30 June  The new National Stadium re-opened to the public after re-construction.  2015  23 March  Lee Kuan Yew passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period.  30 June  Ng Teng Fong General Hospital commences operation.  22 July  Jurong Community Hospital commences operation.  9 August  Singapore turns 50.  2016  21 July  Beginning construction of the new Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (East Coast stretch).  22 August  S R Nathan passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period.  2017  11 February  Nearly 300 year old Tembusu tree at Singapore Botanic Gardens falls, killing one and injured 4 others.  17 April  Othman Wok passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period.  13–14 September  Halimah Yacob is elected as the first female president and eighth President of Singapore.  31 October  Singapore Changi Airport opens its fourth passenger terminal .2018 12 June  Singapore hosted the Singapore Summit, a summit meeting between North Korea and United States leaders.  18 August  Sengkang General Hospital opened to public.  19 November  A new passenger terminal in Seletar Airport opened, replacing the old building .2019 28 January  Singapore celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the foundation of modern Singapore by Stamford Raffles .17 April Jewel Changi Airport opens after a week-long preview .2020 23 January  The first COVID-19 case in Singapore was confirmed involving a 66-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan. 
20th century Year Date Event 1901 1 January Singapore-Kranji Railway officially opened to the public. 5 November Sir Frank Swettenham was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1904 16 April Sir John Anderson was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1905 1 June Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:00 from the original GMT+6hr 55m 25s. 1906 18 November Tao Nan School was established. The Nanyang branch of Tongmenghui was set up in Singapore. 1910 12 March Anderson Bridge was official opened by Governor Sir John Anderson. 1911 2 September Sir Arthur Young was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1913 1 July The Singapore Harbour board was set up. 1915 15 – 25 February The Singapore Mutiny occurred as British Muslim Indian sepoys rose up against the British. 1917 15 August Nanyang Girls' High School was established by Tan Chor Nam and Teo Eng Hock, partially due to Dr Sun Yat Sen's belief in education for girls, in Dhoby Ghaut. 14 June Nan Hua High School [as Nam Wah Girls' School] established by Mr Xiong Shangfu, its campus in Coleman Street, and it was once a base for the Japanese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. 1919 21 March The Chinese High School established by Tan Kah Kee at 15 Niven Road. 1920 17 February Sir Laurence Guillemard was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1923 Singapore starts constructing the main British naval base in East Asia. 1924 28 June Singapore-Johor Causeway officially opens. 1927 3 June Sir Hugh Clifford was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1929 Singapore Police Academy was established at Mount Pleasant Road. 1930 5 February Sir Cecil Clementi was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1932 15 January Tanjong Pagar Railway Station commenced operation. Jalan Besar Stadium open to the public. 1933 1 January Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:20. 16 January CHIJ Saint Nicholas Girls' School, Singapore's only bilingual and bicultural IJ school, was founded. 1934 9 November Sir Shenton Thomas was appointed as the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 1935 Catholic High School was established. 1937 12 June Kallang Airport was opened. 1938 British Military Hospital, predecessor of Alexandra Hospital was established. Singapore completes the main British naval base, which is the largest drydock and third largest floating dock in the world. 1939 24 January Chung Cheng High School (Main) was established in Kim Yam Road. 1940 July British Military Hospital at Alexandra Road was officially open. 1941 1 September Singapore change its time zone to GMT+07:30. 7 – 8 December In an extensive three-pronged attack, Japan opens hostilities with the countries that opposed the Axis powers and their colonies. First air raid on Singapore at 4:15 am. The Imperial Japanese Army invades Malaya. 10 December The British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse are sunk by Japanese bombers. 16 December Second air raid on Singapore, at night. Only RAF Tengah is attacked. 25 December A lone Japanese aircraft drops propaganda pamphlets on Singapore Island. 29 December Second Japanese air raid on Singapore City (and third on the island), at night. Nightly raids commence. 30 December The Overseas Chinese Mobilization Council is set up in Singapore, led by Tan Kah Kee. 1942 12 January First major daylight air raid on Singapore. Henceforth, the island is bombed everyday up to the British surrender (with the exception of 19 January). 31 January Malaya falls to the Japanese and the Causeway is blown up to delay Japan's advancement to Singapore. 1 February The siege of Singapore begins. The Japanese in Johor Bahru begin shelling the island daily in addition to daily aerial bombing. 8 February The Japanese cross the Strait of Johor by inflatable boats and landed in Singapore during the Battle of Singapore. 11 February The Japanese and Allied soldiers fight fiercely at Bukit Timah. 13 February The Malay regiment, led by Lt. Adnan bin Saidi, fight bravely against the Japanese at Pasir Panjang Ridge in the Battle of Pasir Panjang. 14 February The Japanese have captured most of Singapore, and most of the population is crammed into the city centre. 15 February The British surrenders and the Japanese Occupation of Singapore starts. Singapore is renamed Syonan-to (Light of the South Island). Singapore change its time zone to GMT+09:00 to be the same as Japan. 18 February – 4 March The Japanese military police, the Kempei Tai kills an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people during Sook Ching Massacre. 1943 27 September Operation Jaywick occurred. Seven Japanese ships are bombed at Clifford Pier. 10 October The Japanese initiate the Double Tenth Incident in response to Operation Jaywick, by launching a fierce crackdown on anti-Japanese elements and Allied prisoners-of-war in Singapore. 1944 27 March Lim Bo Seng is captured by the Japanese, and dies after 3 months of torture. 1945 14 August Japan surrenders, and there is anomie and looting for nearly a month when the British do not return immediately. 5 September The British return to Singapore after the end of World War II and begin the British Military Administration of the Straits Settlements under the command of Lord Louis Mountbatten. 12 September Singapore revert its time zone back to the pre-war time of GMT+07:30. 1946 1 April The Straits Settlements is dissolved and Singapore becomes a separate crown colony. The Legislative Council of the Colony of Singapore was formed. Sir Franklin Charles Gimson was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1947 A large number of strikes occur causing stoppages in public transport, public services and the harbour. May Severe food shortage leads to record-low rice ration, causing malnutrition, disease and outbreak of crime and violence. 1948 20 March Singapore's first "limited elections" held (representation with no specific areas of responsibility); 6 seats in Legislative Council, with Singapore Progressive Party winning 3 seats. 24 June Rubber plantations and tin mines in Malaya are destroyed by communists, and the British declares the state of Emergency over Singapore and Malaya. The emergency was officially lifted on 31 July 1960 by the Malayan government. 1949 The University of Malaya is formed following the merger of Raffles College and King Edward Medical College. 1950 11 – 13 December 18 people are killed during the Maria Hertogh riots. 1951 10 April The number of elected seats is increased to 9 in the second election. 1952 20 March Wilfred Lawson Blythe was appointed as the Acting Governor of the Singapore. 21 April Sir John Fearns Nicoll was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1953 Rendel Commission is appointed to make recommendations for Singapore's self-government. 1954 13 May Chinese school students demonstrate against the British due to the National Service proposal. See Anti-National Service Riots 1955 2 April Second general elections (limited self-government) held. The Labour Front wins the most seats and David Saul Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore. 12 May Four people are killed during the Hock Lee bus riots. 2 June William Goode was appointed as the Acting Governor of the Singapore. 30 June Sir Robert Black was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 20 August Kallang Airport ceased operation. Paya Lebar Airport started operation. 1956 7 June David Marshall appeals to the United Kingdom for full self-government, but resigns when he fails. Lim Yew Hock takes over as Chief Minister. 10 October Riots by pro-communist Chinese school students occur when government closes down a student union on 24 September 1956. 14 October Dunman High School (formally known as Singapore Government Chinese Middle School), became the first Chinese secondary school established by the government. 1957 Cedar Girls' Secondary School was founded. 9 December Sir William Goode was appointed as the Governor of the Singapore. 1959 March Lim Yew Hock successfully gains full self-government for Singapore. 30 May 3rd general elections (limited self-government) held. People's Action Party wins 43 of 51 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister. 3 June A celebration is held at the Padang for Singapore gaining full self-government. Sir William Goode becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore. 3 December The national anthem Majulah Singapura, written by Zubir Said, is presented. Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore. 1960 1 February The Housing and Development Board is set up. 8 September Tan Howe Liang became Singapore's first Olympic medalist. He finished second among 35 competitors in the lightweight category in weightlifting at the 1960 games held in Rome, Italy. 1961 25 May The Bukit Ho Swee Fire kills four people and destroys 2,200 attap houses. 27 May Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of Malaya, proposes a merger between Singapore, Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. 1962 1 September A referendum is held in Singapore to vote on merger with Malaysia. 1963 2 February During Operation Coldstore, 107 left-wing politicians and trade unionists are arrested by Internal Security Department 9 July The Malaysia Agreement is signed between leaders of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. 31 August In this Malaysia Solidarity Day, Lee Kuan Yew declares de facto Independence for Singapore. 16 September Malaysia is formed. Indonesia carries out its konfrontasi campaign. Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapura. 21 September The PAP wins the 1963 State Elections, defeating the Barisan Sosialis and UMNO. 1964 25 April The PAP wins one seat in the Malaysian Federal Election. UMNO is outraged. 21 July There is an ethnic riot between various Malays and Chinese, on Prophet Muhammad's birthday, 23 people are killed. 1965 10 March Indonesian saboteurs carry out the MacDonald House bombing, killing three people. May Lee Kuan Yew begins campaigning for a Malaysian Malaysia 7 August Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement. 9 August The Malaysian Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia. 21 September Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member. 15 October Singapore becomes the 23rd member of the Commonwealth. 22 December Constitutional Amendment Act is passed and Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes the first President of Singapore. 1966 3 August Singapore became the 104th member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. 24 August The first daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance before the national flag was taken by 500,000 students at all 529 government and aided schools. 1967 The Civilian Memorial is unveiled at the Kranji War Cemetery 14 March The National Service bill is passed in the parliament. 28 March – 18 April Registrations for national service begins at the Central Manpower Base. 12 June The issue of the first Singapore Dollar. 8 August Singapore joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one of the founding members. 17 August The first batch of the army is drafted for national service. 1968 January Britain announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore. 19 April The PAP wins all seats in the 1968 General Election, which is boycotted by Barisan Sosialis. National Archives was established. 1969 20 January The National Junior College, Singapore's first junior college was established. 31 May The 1969 Race Riots of Singapore broke out after growing tension of the 13 May Incident in Malaysia spilled over to Singapore. 1970 23 November Encik Yusof bin Ishak, first President of Singapore died while in office. 1971 2 January Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares becomes the second President of Singapore. 31 October The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore. 1972 2 September The PAP wins the 1972 General Election. 1 October The Singapore Airlines is formed. 1973 4 February The first Chingay Parade is held in Singapore. 14 July The Presidential Council for Minority Rights is set up to ensure minority would not be discriminated. 21 July The construction of the National Stadium is completed and open in Kallang. The construction of Jurong Town Hall is completed. 1974 15 January Hwa Chong Junior College, Singapore's first government-aided junior college was established. 31 January Laju incident: Japanese Red Army bombs petroleum tanks at Pulau Bukom and hijacks a ferry boat. 1976 23 December The PAP wins all 69 seats in the 1976 General Election. 1978 12 October Spyros disaster, was a major industrial disaster which claimed 76 lives. 1979 1 June First National Courtesy Campaign was launched. Singapore becomes the world's second busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage. 1980 23 December The PAP wins all 75 seats in the 1980 General Election. 1981 12 May Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares (second President of Singapore) died while in office. 1 July Paya Lebar Airport ceased operation and Singapore Changi Airport starts operation. 23 October C V Devan Nair becomes the third President of Singapore. 31 October Workers' Party of Singapore's Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam elected into Parliament, breaking a 16 years PAP monopoly of the House. 1982 1 January Singapore change its time zone to UTC+08:00. The Civil Defence Programme are launched. 1983 29 January (Singapore Cable Car disaster) Eniwetok, a Panamanian-registered oil rig, hits the Singapore Cable Car system, sending two cabins plunging into the sea and killing seven people. 1984 22 August Non-Constituency Member of Parliament was introduced. 22 December The PAP wins the 1984 General Election while two members of the opposition parties are elected as members of parliament. Three PAP women MPs are also elected, ending a 16 years absence of women representation in Parliament. 1985 28 March C V Devan Nair stepped down as the third President of Singapore. 2 September Wee Kim Wee becomes the fourth President of Singapore. Singapore went into its first ever recession which was induced by government policies. 1986 15 March Hotel New World collapses, killing 33 people and injuring 17 others. 1987 21 May 16 people were arrested during Operation Spectrum and detained under the Internal Security Act. Another six were arrested on 20 June. 1988 3 September The PAP wins the 1988 General Election and group representation constituencies (GRC)s are introduced. 1990 6 July The East West Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is completed. 22 November Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 begins operation. 28 November Goh Chok Tong becomes the second Prime Minister of Singapore. 1991 26 March Four Pakistanis hijack Singapore Airlines Flight 117 and demand the release of Pakistan Peoples Party members from Pakistani jails. 27 March Members of the Singapore Special Operations Force storm into Singapore Airlines Flight 117, killing all hijackers and freeing all passengers and crew members. 31 August General elections are held. The result is a victory for the PAP, which wins 77 out of 81 seats.1993 August National Archives of Singapore was formed. 1 September Ong Teng Cheong becomes the first elected President and fifth President of Singapore. 1994 5 May American teenager Michael P. Fay is convicted and caned for vandalism. 1996 The parliament passes the Maintenance of Parents law, a private member's bill introduced by Nominated Member of Parliament Woon Cheong Ming Walter. 1997 2 January PAP led by Goh Chok Tong wins a total of 81 out of 83 seats in the 1997 general election. 19 December Silkair Flight 185 crashes into Musi River near Palembang, Sumatra, killing all 104 people on board. 1998 15 January Singapore and United States announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000. September "The Singapore Story", the first volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 1999 1 September S.R. Nathan becomes the sixth President of Singapore. Singapore slips into recession during the Asian financial crisis. 2000 1 September Speaker's Corner is launched at Hong Lim Park. 31 October Singapore Airlines Flight 006 crashes during take-off in Chiang Kai Shek International Airport, killing 83 people. "From Third World to First, The Singapore Story 1965-2000" the second volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 21st century {| class=wikitable style=width:100\% |- ! style="width:6\%" | Year || style="width:10\%" | Date || Event |- | rowspan=5 style=vertical-align:top| 2001 || || Economic recession in Singapore. (to 2003) |- | January || A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens. |- | 3 November || The PAP wins 82 of 84 seats in the 2001 General Election. |- | 9 December || 15 suspected militants of Jemaah Islamiah are arrested for alleged bomb plot. |- | 27 December || Tropical Storm Vamei, a rare tropic storm that occurs only once in 100 to 400 years, hits Singapore. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| 2002 || 13 January || Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement. |- | 12 October || The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay officially opened as Singapore's major performing arts centre. |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top| 2003 || 1 March - 16 July || SARS virus outbreak in Singapore. |- | 6 May || Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA). |- | 29 October || A major research center Biopolis opens. |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top| 2004 || 20 April || A section of Nicoll Highway collapses, killing 4 people. |- | 12 August || Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son becomes the third Prime Minister. |- | December || National Service was reduced from two and half years to two years. |- | rowspan=6 style=vertical-align:top| 2005 || 15 January || Singapore and Malaysia settle dispute over land reclamation work. |- | 18 April || The government approves the plan to legalise casino-gambling and build two Integrated Resorts. |- | 8 July || In the aftermath of 7 July 2005 – London bombings, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announces plan to set up a new Police MRT Unit to enhance the security of Singapore's public transport. (CNA) |- | 17 August || S R Nathan returns for his second term as President, following a walkover in the 2005 Singapore presidential election. |- | 27 August || White Elephant Incident at Buangkok MRT station. |- | 31 December || Singapore Police Academy ceased operational. Home Team Academy replaces the Police Academy and went operational on the following day at Old Choa Chu Kang Road. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top|2006 || 6 May || The PAP, led by Lee Hsien Loong, wins 82 of 84 seats in the General Election. |- | 26 March || Singapore Changi Airport opens the Budget Terminal. |- | rowspan=2 style="vertical-align:top;"|2007 || 20 May || The Marina Bay Floating Platform was opened. |- |30 June || The Former National Stadium was closed for re-construction. |- | rowspan=5 style=vertical-align:top| 2008 || 9 January || Singapore Changi Airport opens its third passenger terminal. |- | 21 February || The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Youth Olympic Games hosting rights to Singapore ahead of Moscow by a vote of 53 to 44. |- | 27 February || Jemiah Islamiah terrorist head Mas Selamat bin Kastari escapes from prison. |- | September || Singapore slips into recession due to the global financial crisis. World economies hit badly; banks around the world collapse. |- | 16 October || Singapore government guarantees all local and foreign currency fixed deposits with a $ 150 billion pool for that in view of the financial crisis, joining governments around the world in doing so. |- | rowspan=4 style=vertical-align:top| 2011 || 7 May || PAP loses its grip on Aljunied Group Representation Constituency to the Workers' Party in the General Election. This is the first time an opposition party has captured a GRC since the inception of this scheme in 1988. |- | 1 July || Tanjong Pagar Railway Station ceased operation and to be reserved as the Singapore Railway Museum. |- | 27 August || Singaporeans, for the first time since the establishment of Presidential Election, will be voting for the next President after the 6th President of Singapore – SR Nathan stepped down on 31 August 2011. The candidates involves in this election includes – Dr Tan Keng Yam Tony, Mr Tan Jee Say, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Dr. Tan Cheng Bock. |- | 1 September || Dr Tan Keng Yam Tony is sworn as the seventh President of Singapore. |- | 2012 || 25 September || Singapore Changi Airport closes The Budget Terminal to make way for the construction of future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4. |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top| 2013 || 16 February || More than 3000 Singaporeans gathered at the Speakers' Corner, Singapore at Hong Lim Park for a non-partisan protest against the government's Population White Paper which projected a possible 6.9 million people in Singapore by 2030. |- | 24 June || Haze in Singapore reaches 401 PSI, the worst in Singapore history. |- | 8 December || The 2013 Little India riot took place after a fatal accident occurred at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road in Little India, Singapore. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| 2014 || 12 January || Beginning construction of the new Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (Thomson stretch) consisting of 31 new stations (including 7 interchanges). |- | 30 June || The new National Stadium re-opened to the public after re-construction. |- | rowspan=4 style=vertical-align:top| 2015 || 23 March || Lee Kuan Yew passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period. |- | 30 June || Ng Teng Fong General Hospital commences operation. |- | 22 July || Jurong Community Hospital commences operation. |- | 9 August || Singapore turns 50. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| 2016 || 21 July || Beginning construction of the new Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (East Coast stretch). |- | 22 August || S R Nathan passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period. |- | rowspan=4 style=vertical-align:top| 2017 || 11 February | Nearly 300 year old Tembusu tree at Singapore Botanic Gardens falls, killing one and injured 4 others. |- | 17 April || Othman Wok passes away. Singapore enters a one-week mourning period. |- | 13–14 September || Halimah Yacob is elected as the first female president and eighth President of Singapore. |- | 31 October || Singapore Changi Airport opens its fourth passenger terminal . |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top|2018 || 12 June || Singapore hosted the Singapore Summit, a summit meeting between North Korea and United States leaders. |- | 18 August || Sengkang General Hospital opened to public. |- | 19 November || A new passenger terminal in Seletar Airport opened, replacing the old building . |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top|2019 || 28 January || Singapore celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the foundation of modern Singapore by Stamford Raffles . |- |17 April || Jewel Changi Airport opens after a week-long preview . |- | style=vertical-align:top|2020 || 23 January || The first COVID-19 case in Singapore was confirmed involving a 66-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan. |- | style=vertical-align:top|2020 || ||Election!!||
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$35 million naval base from 2000. September "The Singapore Story", the first volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 1999 1 September S.R. Nathan becomes the sixth President of Singapore. Singapore slips into recession during the Asian financial crisis. 2000 1 September Speaker's Corner is launched at Hong Lim Park. 31 October Singapore Airlines Flight 006 crashes during take-off in Chiang Kai Shek International Airport, killing 83 people. "From Third World to First, The Singapore Story 1965-2000" the second volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 21st century Year Date Event 2001 Economic recession in Singapore. (to 2003) January A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens. 3 November The PAP wins 82 of 84 seats in the 2001 General Election. 9 December 15 suspected militants of Jemaah Islamiah are arrested for alleged bomb plot. 27 December Tropical Storm Vamei, a rare tropic storm that occurs only once in 100 to 400 years, hits Singapore. 2002 13 January Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement. 12 October The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay officially opened as Singapore's major performing arts centre. 2003 1 March - 16 July SARS virus outbreak in Singapore. 6 May Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA). 29 October A major research center Biopolis opens. 2004 20 April A section of Nicoll Highway collapses, killing 4 people. 12 August Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son becomes the third Prime Minister. December National Service was reduced from two and half years to two years. 2005 15 January Singapore and Malaysia settle dispute over land reclamation work. 18 April The government approves the plan to legalise casino-gambling and build two Integrated Resorts. 8 July In the aftermath of 7 July 2005 – London bombings, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announces plan to set up a new Police MRT Unit to enhance the security of Singapore's public transport. (CNA) 17 August S R Nathan returns for his second term as President, following a walkover in the 2005 Singapore presidential election. 27 August White Elephant Incident at Buangkok MRT station. 31 December Singapore Police Academy ceased operational. Home Team Academy replaces the Police Academy and went operational on the following day at Old Choa Chu Kang Road.2006 6 May The PAP, led by Lee Hsien Loong, wins 82 of 84 seats in the General Election. 26 March Singapore Changi Airport opens the Budget Terminal.2007 20 May The Marina Bay Floating Platform was opened.30 June The Former National Stadium was closed for re-construction. 2008 9 January Singapore Changi Airport opens its third passenger terminal. 21 February The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Youth Olympic Games hosting rights to Singapore ahead of Moscow by a vote of 53 to 44. 27 February Jemiah Islamiah terrorist head Mas Selamat bin Kastari escapes from prison. September Singapore slips into recession due to the global financial crisis. World economies hit badly; banks around the world collapse. 16 October Singapore government guarantees all local and foreign currency fixed deposits with a $
$35 million naval base from 2000. September "The Singapore Story", the first volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 1999 1 September S.R. Nathan becomes the sixth President of Singapore. Singapore slips into recession during the Asian financial crisis. 2000 1 September Speaker's Corner is launched at Hong Lim Park. 31 October Singapore Airlines Flight 006 crashes during take-off in Chiang Kai Shek International Airport, killing 83 people. "From Third World to First, The Singapore Story 1965-2000" the second volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is published. () 21st century {| class=wikitable style=width:100\% |- ! style="width:6\%" | Year || style="width:10\%" | Date || Event |- | rowspan=5 style=vertical-align:top| 2001 || || Economic recession in Singapore. (to 2003) |- | January || A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from Indonesia's Natuna field in South China Sea opens. |- | 3 November || The PAP wins 82 of 84 seats in the 2001 General Election. |- | 9 December || 15 suspected militants of Jemaah Islamiah are arrested for alleged bomb plot. |- | 27 December || Tropical Storm Vamei, a rare tropic storm that occurs only once in 100 to 400 years, hits Singapore. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| 2002 || 13 January || Singapore and Japan sign the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement. |- | 12 October || The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay officially opened as Singapore's major performing arts centre. |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top| 2003 || 1 March - 16 July || SARS virus outbreak in Singapore. |- | 6 May || Singapore and United States sign the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USS-FTA). |- | 29 October || A major research center Biopolis opens. |- | rowspan=3 style=vertical-align:top| 2004 || 20 April || A section of Nicoll Highway collapses, killing 4 people. |- | 12 August || Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son becomes the third Prime Minister. |- | December || National Service was reduced from two and half years to two years. |- | rowspan=6 style=vertical-align:top| 2005 || 15 January || Singapore and Malaysia settle dispute over land reclamation work. |- | 18 April || The government approves the plan to legalise casino-gambling and build two Integrated Resorts. |- | 8 July || In the aftermath of 7 July 2005 – London bombings, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announces plan to set up a new Police MRT Unit to enhance the security of Singapore's public transport. (CNA) |- | 17 August || S R Nathan returns for his second term as President, following a walkover in the 2005 Singapore presidential election. |- | 27 August || White Elephant Incident at Buangkok MRT station. |- | 31 December || Singapore Police Academy ceased operational. Home Team Academy replaces the Police Academy and went operational on the following day at Old Choa Chu Kang Road. |- | rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top|2006 || 6 May || The PAP, led by Lee Hsien Loong, wins 82 of 84 seats in the General Election. |- | 26 March || Singapore Changi Airport opens the Budget Terminal. |- | rowspan=2 style="vertical-align:top;"|2007 || 20 May || The Marina Bay Floating Platform was opened. |- |30 June || The Former National Stadium was closed for re-construction. |- | rowspan=5 style=vertical-align:top| 2008 || 9 January || Singapore Changi Airport opens its third passenger terminal. |- | 21 February || The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Youth Olympic Games hosting rights to Singapore ahead of Moscow by a vote of 53 to 44. |- | 27 February || Jemiah Islamiah terrorist head Mas Selamat bin Kastari escapes from prison. |- | September || Singapore slips into recession due to the global financial crisis. World economies hit badly; banks around the world collapse. |- | 16 October || Singapore government guarantees all local and foreign currency fixed deposits with a $
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