ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.8 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132 |
| Last Crawled | 2026-03-18 22:51:56 (23 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2019-01-01 07:33:12 (7 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Singapore marks 50 years since independence - BBC News |
| Meta Description | Singapore holds nationwide events and a military parade to mark 50 years since it became an independent nation. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Media caption,
Many thousands of people watched the celebrations, as Sharanjit Leyl reports
Singapore has held nationwide events to mark 50 years since it became an independent state.
Tens of thousands of people attended an outdoor parade, watching on as fighter jets whizzed through the sky and a huge convoy rumbled past.
The event culminated with spectators reciting the national pledge and singing the national anthem.
Singapore became independent when it was ejected from the Federation of Malaysia amid social unrest.
In 50 years, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world's wealthiest countries.
But its critics say the rapid development has been accompanied by a strict control on free speech and politics.
Singapore at 50
Image source,
Reuters
The city state celebrates its independence day in style every year, but this year's SG50 events were billed as the country's biggest ever celebration, with months of build-up in shops, schools, work places and in the media.
One student, Yang Jie Ling, told Reuters news agency: "It's only 50 years for a small nation like us, so we have achieved so much. It's a year that Singaporeans will want to remember forever."
Singapore declared a four-day weekend for the anniversary.
There were long queues at the crossing points into Malaysia on Thursday and Friday evenings, as thousands of Singaporeans chose to go away for the weekend.
But some 26,000 people packed the Padang in central Singapore, which has been the main venue for independence day celebrations since the first one back in 1966.
Image source,
Reuters
Image caption,
The Air Force formed the shape of a 50 to mark the event
Image source,
AFP
Image caption,
The mobile column from the Singapore Armed Forces also featured
The parade this year included a special tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore into independence and was its prime minister until 1990.
The much-respected leader died in March this year, prompting public mourning. Some attendees were seen weeping during tributes to him at the anniversary ceremony.
A recording of him reading the Proclamation of Independence was played on radio and TV at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
Speaking on the eve of the celebrations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son, said: "At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen."
Image source,
EPA
Image caption,
The streets were awash with red and white, Singapore's national colours
Image source,
AFP
Image caption,
Singapore has seen rapid economic growth but accompanied by tight political controls
Despite achieving such goals as 90% home ownership and per capita GDP above $56,000 (£36,000), critics continue to point to the strict political controls.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has been in power for more than 50 years and the opposition hopes to make more inroads in elections that could be called in September.
The last election saw the PAP suffer its worst performance, though it still kept 80 of the 87 seats.
It will hope the boost of the anniversary and recognition of the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew will help it at the next election.
Image caption,
Festivities include free outdoor games such as this circular ping-pong table
At the scene: Tessa Wong, BBC News, Singapore
Singapore's city centre is a sea of red and white as hundreds of thousands wearing the national colours converged to take part in day-long festivities, from free concerts and military jet flypasts to a huge parade.
"It hasn't been an easy journey. Given all that we've achieved, it really calls for a celebration," said civil servant Joan Yeap, who like many others is picnicking with her family by Marina Bay to see a huge firework display.
As far as origin stories go, Singapore's independence is hardly a triumphant one - with an unceremonious ejection from Malaysia - and Sunday's jubilee festivities have all been about celebrating its improbable journey to success.
Upbeat patriotic songs about Singapore's achievements played on national television and radio. And in the evening the entire nation was invited to sing the national anthem and recite the country's pledge.
Image source,
National Archives of Singapore
Image caption,
In 1974 when Singapore experienced high inflation, the ruling People's Action Party created a float promoting efficiency and diligence
In its early years, organisers used it to push social messages such as courtesy and diligence.
These days it's a more sophisticated, glitzier affair, held by the shiny skyscrapers of Marina Bay.
Though the propaganda still gets heavy, Singaporeans love it anyway for its pomp and splendour. Tickets for the parade and its rehearsals run out every year.
Around the BBC |
| Markdown | [BBC Homepage](https://www.bbc.com/)
- [Skip to content](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132#main-heading)
- [Accessibility Help](https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/)
- [Sign in](https://session.bbc.com/session?lang=en-GB&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-33815132&sequenceId=61339a3d-1ca2-45cb-9741-363dc39f665c)
- [Home](https://www.bbc.com/)
- [News](https://www.bbc.com/news)
- [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport)
- [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business)
- [Innovation](https://www.bbc.com/innovation)
- [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture)
- [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel)
- [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet)
- [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio)
- [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video)
- [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live)
- [More menu](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132#global-navigation-more-menu)
[More menu](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132#global-navigation-more-menu)
[Search BBC](https://www.bbc.com/search?d=NEWS_PS)
- [Home](https://www.bbc.com/)
- [News](https://www.bbc.com/news)
- [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport)
- [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business)
- [Innovation](https://www.bbc.com/innovation)
- [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture)
- [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel)
- [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet)
- [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio)
- [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video)
- [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live)
Close menu
[BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news)
[Menu](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132#product-navigation-menu)
- [Home](https://www.bbc.com/news)
- [UK](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk)
- [World](https://www.bbc.com/news/world)
- [Business](https://www.bbc.com/news/business)
- [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment_and_arts)
- [Politics](https://www.bbc.com/news/politics)
- [Health](https://www.bbc.com/news/health)
- [Tech](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology)
- [InDepth](https://www.bbc.com/news/bbcindepth)
- [BBC Verify](https://www.bbc.com/news/bbcverify)
- [Climate](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cmj34zmwm1zt)
[More](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815132#product-navigation-more-menu)
- [Science](https://www.bbc.com/news/science_and_environment)
- [Family & Education](https://www.bbc.com/news/education)
- [In Pictures](https://www.bbc.com/news/in_pictures)
- [Disability](https://www.bbc.com/news/disability)
- [Newsbeat](https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat)
- [Asia](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia)
- [China](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia/china)
- [India](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia/india)
# Singapore marks 50 years since independence
Share
close panel
Share page
Copy link
[About sharing](https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/terms/can-i-share-things-from-the-bbc)
## To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
This video can not be played
Media caption,
Many thousands of people watched the celebrations, as Sharanjit Leyl reports
**Singapore has held nationwide events to mark 50 years since it became an independent state.**
Tens of thousands of people attended an outdoor parade, watching on as fighter jets whizzed through the sky and a huge convoy rumbled past.
The event culminated with spectators reciting the national pledge and singing the national anthem.
Singapore became independent when it was ejected from the Federation of Malaysia amid social unrest.
In 50 years, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world's wealthiest countries.
But its critics say the rapid development has been accompanied by a strict control on free speech and politics.
## Singapore at 50
Image source, Reuters
[Could Singapore have been communist?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33621862) - The former detainees who say a crackdown on leftists created a legacy of one-sided politics
[Cashing in on Singapore's jubilee](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-33754962) - Companies rush to be associated with the "feel-good" factor
[The unstoppable rise of Singlish](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33809914) - The unique hybrid language that can leave visitors completely baffled
[Amos Yee: The boy who criticised Lee Kuan Yew](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32604122) - What does a teenager's trial tell us about modern Singapore?
The city state celebrates its independence day in style every year, but this year's SG50 events were billed as the country's biggest ever celebration, with months of build-up in shops, schools, work places and in the media.
One student, Yang Jie Ling, told Reuters news agency: "It's only 50 years for a small nation like us, so we have achieved so much. It's a year that Singaporeans will want to remember forever."
Singapore declared a four-day weekend for the anniversary.
There were long queues at the crossing points into Malaysia on Thursday and Friday evenings, as thousands of Singaporeans chose to go away for the weekend.
But some 26,000 people packed the Padang in central Singapore, which has been the main venue for independence day celebrations since the first one back in 1966.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
The Air Force formed the shape of a 50 to mark the event
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
The mobile column from the Singapore Armed Forces also featured
The parade this year included a special tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore into independence and was its prime minister until 1990.
The much-respected leader died in March this year, prompting public mourning. Some attendees were seen weeping during tributes to him at the anniversary ceremony.
A recording of him reading the Proclamation of Independence was played on radio and TV at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
Speaking on the eve of the celebrations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son, said: "At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen."
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
The streets were awash with red and white, Singapore's national colours
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
Singapore has seen rapid economic growth but accompanied by tight political controls
Despite achieving such goals as 90% home ownership and per capita GDP above \$56,000 (£36,000), critics continue to point to the strict political controls.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has been in power for more than 50 years and the opposition hopes to make more inroads in elections that could be called in September.
The last election saw the PAP suffer its worst performance, though it still kept 80 of the 87 seats.
It will hope the boost of the anniversary and recognition of the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew will help it at the next election.
Image caption,
Festivities include free outdoor games such as this circular ping-pong table
**At the scene: Tessa Wong, BBC News, Singapore**
Singapore's city centre is a sea of red and white as hundreds of thousands wearing the national colours converged to take part in day-long festivities, from free concerts and military jet flypasts to a huge parade.
"It hasn't been an easy journey. Given all that we've achieved, it really calls for a celebration," said civil servant Joan Yeap, who like many others is picnicking with her family by Marina Bay to see a huge firework display.
As far as origin stories go, Singapore's independence is hardly a triumphant one - with an unceremonious ejection from Malaysia - and Sunday's jubilee festivities have all been about celebrating its improbable journey to success.
Upbeat patriotic songs about Singapore's achievements played on national television and radio. And in the evening the entire nation was invited to sing the national anthem and recite the country's pledge.
Image source, National Archives of Singapore
Image caption,
In 1974 when Singapore experienced high inflation, the ruling People's Action Party created a float promoting efficiency and diligence
In its early years, organisers used it to push social messages such as courtesy and diligence.
These days it's a more sophisticated, glitzier affair, held by the shiny skyscrapers of Marina Bay.
Though the propaganda still gets heavy, Singaporeans love it anyway for its pomp and splendour. Tickets for the parade and its rehearsals run out every year.
## More on this story
- [The rise of Singlish](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33809914)
- [Singapore at 50: From swamp to skyscrapers](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31626174)
- [Could Singapore have become communist?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33621862)
- [Branding Singapore's SG50 jubilee](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-33754962)
- [The boy who criticised Lee Kuan Yew](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32604122)
- [Lee Kuan Yew: Life in pictures](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31514860)
- [Singapore country profile](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15961759)
## Around the BBC
- [Witness: When Singapore became independent](http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02ybvcg)
## Top stories
- [Live. 'Extensive damage' at Qatar industrial site as Iran retaliates for strike on gas field](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c24d410m3g4t)
- [Public health alert as Kent meningitis cases rise](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20z08rdd9ro)
- [Why has this meningitis outbreak spread so fast?](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlglkprv0qo)
## More to explore
- [Why has this meningitis outbreak spread so fast?](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlglkprv0qo)
- ['This is the first time I've left my room since the meningitis outbreak'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce949xj7d8jo)
- [UK temperature reaches 21C in warmest day of year so far](https://www.bbc.com/weather/articles/crl4g65wzepo)
- Attribution
[Weather](https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather)
- [Forty years after the last one was poached, rhinos are back in the wild in Uganda](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4g41n9j4lo)
- [Computer says no. Are AI interviews making it harder to get a job?](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyznzrqeggo)
- [Angela Rayner's explosive speech reignites leadership speculation](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd8d10n9x5o)
- [Higgs boson breakthrough was UK triumph, but British physics faces 'catastrophic' cuts](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czr0zmzzp84o)
- [Actress says being cast as Regina George is 'monumental'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8zl4ne44o)
- [Off Air with Laura K: Get Laura Kuenssberg’s weekly newsletter emailed directly to you](https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsletters/z3qtg2p)
## Elsewhere on the BBC
- [Five sisters bound by heartbreak and glorious chaos](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002qk54?at_mid=zx9vtRMgqX&at_campaign=The_Walsh_Sisters&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=m002qk52&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=The_Walsh_Sisters&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
[iPlayer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer)
Watchlist Add The Walsh Sisters to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
The Walsh Sisters has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [How the 2006 US–India nuclear deal was sweetened with mangoes](https://www.bbc.com/sounds/play/w3ct747l?at_mid=zKcLQqhj2W&at_campaign=Witness_History_The_nuclear_mango_deal&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=sounds&at_brand=p004t1hd&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=Witness_History_The_nuclear_mango_deal&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
[Sounds](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds)
Subscribe Add Witness History to My Sounds
Subscribe
Subscribing
Subscribed
Unsubscribe
Removing
close panel
Added to My Sounds
Witness History has been added to your [My Sounds](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/my/subscribed).
- [Catch up on all episodes of Britain's toughest job interview](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002pwgv?at_mid=JCIwCHBWU7&at_campaign=The_Apprentice_S20_EP1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=b0071b63&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=The_Apprentice_S20_EP1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
[iPlayer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer)
Watchlist Add The Apprentice to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
The Apprentice has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [How learning to read reshaped our brains and lives](https://www.bbc.com/sounds/play/m002sdyn?at_mid=xD5v3EfsbK&at_campaign=Understand_How_Reading_Made_Our_Brains_E1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=sounds&at_brand=m001dwr7&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=Understand_How_Reading_Made_Our_Brains_E1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
[Sounds](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds)
Subscribe Add Understand to My Sounds
Subscribe
Subscribing
Subscribed
Unsubscribe
Removing
close panel
Added to My Sounds
Understand has been added to your [My Sounds](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/my/subscribed).
## Most read
1. 1
[Why has this meningitis outbreak spread so fast?](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlglkprv0qo)
2. 2
[King praises 'living bridge' with Nigeria at glitzy banquet](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedzqqp9x2do)
3. 3
[Public health alert as Kent meningitis cases rise](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20z08rdd9ro)
4. 4
[Fly tippers face clearing up own rubbish as punishment](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dn770n1deo)
5. 5
[Two men charged with allegedly spying on London Jewish community for Iran](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwygyvrwq89o)
6. 6
[One killed as ski gondola crashes down mountain at Swiss resort](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq575yp1lw6o)
7. 7
[PC who binned mobile phone before arrest jailed](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgjg54xwj0o)
8. 8
[Cost of online passport application could rise to over £100](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx7x7wy1e2o)
9. 9
[PM swerves questions on whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo)
10. 10
[Body of 16-year-old found after car entered river](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2y634xv3o)
## BBC News Services
- [On your mobile](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10628994)
- [On smart speakers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/help-50068132)
- [Get news alerts](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10628323)
- [Contact BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/20039682)
## Best of the BBC
- [Conspiracy thriller, The Capture, has returned](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002qkqd?at_mid=NLKoCiQ2vK&at_campaign=The_Capture_S3_E1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=m00085sx&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=The_Capture_S3_E1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
iPlayer
Watchlist Add The Capture to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
The Capture has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [More life-changing decluttering with Stacey Solomon](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002shx4?at_mid=aii8cQJCS2&at_campaign=Sort_Your_Life_Out_S6_E1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=m00116n4&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=Sort_Your_Life_Out_S6_E1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
iPlayer
Watchlist Add Sort Your Life Out to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
Sort Your Life Out has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [Jack Thorne's bold retelling of a dystopian classic](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002qk4y?at_mid=9PVrMob19h&at_campaign=Lord_of_the_Flies_S1_E1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=m002qk4w&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=Lord_of_the_Flies_S1_E1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
iPlayer
Watchlist Add Lord of the Flies to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
Lord of the Flies has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [The vital role forensic science plays in delivering justice](https://www.bbc.com/iplayer/episode/m002s6y1?at_mid=6yxPuhfXBG&at_campaign=Forensics_The_Real_CSI_S6_E1&at_medium=display_ad&at_campaign_type=owned&at_nation=NET&at_audience_id=SS&at_product=iplayer&at_brand=m0004p7f&at_ptr_name=bbc&at_ptr_type=media&at_format=image&at_objective=consumption&at_link_title=Forensics_The_Real_CSI_S6_E1&at_bbc_team=BBC)
- Attribution
iPlayer
Watchlist Add Forensics: The Real CSI to your Watchlist in iPlayer
Watchlist
Adding
Watchlist
Remove
Removing
close panel
Added to Watchlist
Forensics: The Real CSI has been added to your [iPlayer Watchlist](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/watchlist).
- [Home](https://www.bbc.com/)
- [News](https://www.bbc.com/news)
- [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport)
- [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business)
- [Innovation](https://www.bbc.com/innovation)
- [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture)
- [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel)
- [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet)
- [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio)
- [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video)
- [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.bbc.com/pages/terms-of-use)
- [About the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.bbc.com/pages/privacy-policy)
- [Cookies](https://www.bbc.com/usingthebbc/cookies)
- [Accessibility Help](https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility)
- [Parental Guidance](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/guidance)
- [Contact the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact)
- [BBC emails for you](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcnewsletter)
- [Advertise with us](https://www.bbc.com/advertisingcontact/)
- Do not share or sell my info
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [Read about our approach to external linking.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/guidance/feeds-and-links) |
| Readable Markdown | Media caption,
Many thousands of people watched the celebrations, as Sharanjit Leyl reports
**Singapore has held nationwide events to mark 50 years since it became an independent state.**
Tens of thousands of people attended an outdoor parade, watching on as fighter jets whizzed through the sky and a huge convoy rumbled past.
The event culminated with spectators reciting the national pledge and singing the national anthem.
Singapore became independent when it was ejected from the Federation of Malaysia amid social unrest.
In 50 years, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world's wealthiest countries.
But its critics say the rapid development has been accompanied by a strict control on free speech and politics.
Singapore at 50
Image source, Reuters
The city state celebrates its independence day in style every year, but this year's SG50 events were billed as the country's biggest ever celebration, with months of build-up in shops, schools, work places and in the media.
One student, Yang Jie Ling, told Reuters news agency: "It's only 50 years for a small nation like us, so we have achieved so much. It's a year that Singaporeans will want to remember forever."
Singapore declared a four-day weekend for the anniversary.
There were long queues at the crossing points into Malaysia on Thursday and Friday evenings, as thousands of Singaporeans chose to go away for the weekend.
But some 26,000 people packed the Padang in central Singapore, which has been the main venue for independence day celebrations since the first one back in 1966.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
The Air Force formed the shape of a 50 to mark the event
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
The mobile column from the Singapore Armed Forces also featured
The parade this year included a special tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore into independence and was its prime minister until 1990.
The much-respected leader died in March this year, prompting public mourning. Some attendees were seen weeping during tributes to him at the anniversary ceremony.
A recording of him reading the Proclamation of Independence was played on radio and TV at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
Speaking on the eve of the celebrations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew's son, said: "At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen."
Image source, EPA
Image caption,
The streets were awash with red and white, Singapore's national colours
Image source, AFP
Image caption,
Singapore has seen rapid economic growth but accompanied by tight political controls
Despite achieving such goals as 90% home ownership and per capita GDP above \$56,000 (£36,000), critics continue to point to the strict political controls.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has been in power for more than 50 years and the opposition hopes to make more inroads in elections that could be called in September.
The last election saw the PAP suffer its worst performance, though it still kept 80 of the 87 seats.
It will hope the boost of the anniversary and recognition of the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew will help it at the next election.
Image caption,
Festivities include free outdoor games such as this circular ping-pong table
**At the scene: Tessa Wong, BBC News, Singapore**
Singapore's city centre is a sea of red and white as hundreds of thousands wearing the national colours converged to take part in day-long festivities, from free concerts and military jet flypasts to a huge parade.
"It hasn't been an easy journey. Given all that we've achieved, it really calls for a celebration," said civil servant Joan Yeap, who like many others is picnicking with her family by Marina Bay to see a huge firework display.
As far as origin stories go, Singapore's independence is hardly a triumphant one - with an unceremonious ejection from Malaysia - and Sunday's jubilee festivities have all been about celebrating its improbable journey to success.
Upbeat patriotic songs about Singapore's achievements played on national television and radio. And in the evening the entire nation was invited to sing the national anthem and recite the country's pledge.
Image source, National Archives of Singapore
Image caption,
In 1974 when Singapore experienced high inflation, the ruling People's Action Party created a float promoting efficiency and diligence
In its early years, organisers used it to push social messages such as courtesy and diligence.
These days it's a more sophisticated, glitzier affair, held by the shiny skyscrapers of Marina Bay.
Though the propaganda still gets heavy, Singaporeans love it anyway for its pomp and splendour. Tickets for the parade and its rehearsals run out every year.
Around the BBC |
| Shard | 16 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 1643509356818581016 |
| Unparsed URL | com,bbc!www,/news/world-asia-33815132 s443 |