Flag of Singapore#Elements and symbolism

Singapore was under British rule in the 19th century, having been amalgamated into the Straits Settlements together with Malacca and Penang. The flag that was used to represent the Settlements was a British Blue Ensign defaced with a red diamond containing three gold crowns—one for each settlement—separated by a white inverted pall, which resembles an inverted Y.{{cite journal|title=The Flags of the British Empire|journal=National Geographic Magazine|year=1918|publisher=National Geographic Society|volume=32|pages=383|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQgVAAAAYAAJ&q=Straits+Settlements+Ensign&pg=PA383|access-date=12 January 2009|author1=), National Geographic Society (U.S}}

The Settlement of Singapore had no separate flag, although the city was granted a coat of arms which featured a lion in 1911. During the occupation of Singapore by the Japanese during the Second World War, the Japanese national flag was used on land by the military and during public events.{{cite book | last = Foong | first = Choon Hon | author2 = Xie Song Shan | title = ETERNAL VIGILANCE: The Price of Freedom | publisher = Asiapac Books Pte Ltd | year = 2006 | location = Singapore | pages = 115–16 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6lQ_yzxFMuEC&q=singapore+flag&pg=PT121 | isbn = 981-229-395-7 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Soon after the Second World War, Singapore became an independent Crown colony and adopted its own flag. It was modified from the Straits Settlements flag to reduce the number of crowns from three to one.{{cite encyclopedia|title=Singapore, Flag of|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1355507/Singapore-flag-of|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|year=2008|access-date=14 September 2008|archive-date=1 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201110646/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1355507/Singapore-flag-of|url-status=live}}{{cite book | last = Corfield | first = Justin J. |author2=Robin Corfield | title = Encyclopedia of Singapore | publisher = Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. | date = April 2006 | pages = 68 | isbn = 0-8108-5347-7 }} Upon Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, the crown within the pall was changed to the crown of St. Edward.

Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire on 3 June 1959.{{cite book | last = Wheatley | first = Paul | author2 = Kernial Singh Sandhu, Hussein Alatas, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies | title = Management of Success: The Moulding of Modern Singapore | publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies | year = 1989 | page = 1067 | isbn = 978-981-3035-42-3 }} Six months later, upon the installation of the new Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head of state) on 3 December 1959, the national flag was officially adopted, along with the state coat of arms and the national anthem Majulah Singapura ("Onward Singapore"). Then-deputy prime minister Toh Chin Chye discussed the creation of the national flag in a 1989 interview:

{{quote|Although we were self governing it was necessary right from the beginning that we should rally enough different races together as a Singapore nation... Apart from the anthem we have to produce the flag and the crest, we insisted that it was a Singapore state flag and should be flown side by side with the Union Jack.{{cite interview|last=Toh|first=Chin Chye|author-link=Toh Chin Chye|title=Dr. Toh Chin Chye [oral history interview, accession no. A1063, reel 1]|publisher=National Archives of Singapore|year=1989}}: {{cite web|title=State symbols |url=http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/etc/07_symbol.htm |publisher=Access to Archives Online (a2o), National Archives of Singapore |access-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208140304/http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/etc/07_symbol.htm |archive-date=8 February 2012 }}}}

The design of the flag was completed in two months by a committee headed by Toh. He initially wanted the flag's entire background to be red, but the Cabinet decided against this, as red was regarded as a rallying point for communism.{{cite web|author=Zaubidah Mohamed|title=The national flag of Singapore|url=http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_488_2004-12-18.html|publisher=Singapore Infopedia, National Library Board|date=18 December 2004|access-date=4 November 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506210123/http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_488_2004-12-18.html|archive-date=6 May 2008}} Toh had opposed a red-and-white design as he considered it too similar to the flags of Indonesia and Poland,{{Cite news |last=Yong |first=Yong |date=7 August 2021 |title=The national flag could have been blue: A look at the history of 7 Singapore symbols |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-national-flag-could-have-been-blue-a-look-at-the-history-of-7-singapore-symbols |access-date=8 September 2022}} but the proposals for all-red, all-blue or blue-and-white designs were rejected.{{Cite news |date=9 August 1981 |title=No conflict, clear-cut symbol of unity |pages=13 |work=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19810809.2.46.4 |access-date=8 September 2022}} The flag, according to Toh, originally had only three stars (representing democracy, justice, and equality), but two more stars and a crescent were added later to distance it from the Malayan Communist Party emblem and to assure the Malay-Muslim community that Singapore was "not a Chinese state".{{Cite news |last=Paulo |first=Derrick A |date=7 December 2019 |title=Five things you didn't know about these symbols of Singaporean nationhood |work=CNA |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/5-things-you-didnt-know-national-symbols-singapore-anthem-flag-843406 |access-date=8 September 2022}} According to an account given by Lee Kuan Yew, the Chinese majority wanted stars based on the flag of the People's Republic of China while the Malay minority wanted a crescent moon to represent Islam. Both of these symbols were combined to create the national flag of Singapore.{{cite book|author=Lee Kuan Yew|author-link=Lee Kuan Yew|title=The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew|location=Singapore|publisher=Times Editions|year=1998|pages=[https://archive.org/details/singaporestoryme00leek/page/342 342–343]|isbn=978-981-204-983-4|url=https://archive.org/details/singaporestoryme00leek/page/342}}{{cite web |url=http://www.contactsingapore.sg/Library/1/publications/21/Synergy_Sep,Oct09_Low-Res_(FINAL).pdf |title=National Pride |access-date=15 December 2009 |date=September–October 2009 |work=Synergy |publisher=Contact Singapore |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921191446/http://contactsingapore.sg/Library/1/publications/21/Synergy_Sep,Oct09_Low-Res_(FINAL).pdf |archive-date=21 September 2010 }}

On 30 November 1959, the Singapore State Arms and Flag and National Anthem Ordinance 1959 was passed to regulate the use and display of the State Arms and State Flag and the performance of the National Anthem.Singapore State Arms and Flag and National Anthem Ordinance 1959 (No. 70 of 1959), now the {{Singapore legislation|title=Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act|cap=296|ed=1985}}. When presenting the motion to the Legislative Assembly of Singapore on 11 November 1959, Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, the Minister for Culture, stated: "National flags, crest and anthem express symbolically the hopes and ideals of a people... The possession of a national flag and crest is, for a people, symbolic of self-respect."{{cite web|title=State symbols |url=http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/etc/07_symbol.htm |publisher=Access to Archives Online (a2o), National Archives of Singapore |access-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208140304/http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/etc/07_symbol.htm |archive-date=8 February 2012 }}

In September 1962, the people of Singapore voted for merger with Malaya, Sarawak, and North Borneo to form Malaysia. The process was completed on 16 September 1963, when the Malaysian flag was hoisted on Singapore by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.{{cite web |url=http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/merger/merger.html |title=Road to Independence – Merger With Malaysia |access-date=30 November 2009 |year=1998 |publisher=Singapore Press Holdings |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013002423/http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/merger/merger.html |archive-date=13 October 2013 }} The Singapore flag was reconfirmed as the national flag when Singapore became fully independent from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.{{cite web|title=National Symbols and References: The National Flag|url=http://app.www.sg/who/42/National-Flag.aspx|work=Singapore Infomap|publisher=Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts|year=2004|access-date=16 October 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427073323/http://app.www.sg/who/42/National-Flag.aspx|archive-date=27 April 2009}}

File:Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1874–1904).svg|alt=A British Blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with a white disc containing the badge of the Straits Settlements (red diamond with an inverted white Y; inside that inverted Y is three crowns.|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag for the Straits Settlements from 1874 to 1904

File:Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1904–1925).svg|alt=A British Blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with a white disc containing the badge of the Straits Settlements (red diamond with an inverted white Y; inside that inverted Y is three crowns.|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag for the Straits Settlements from 1904 to 1925

File:Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1925–1946).svg|alt=A British Blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with the badge of the Straits Settlements (red diamond with an inverted white Y; inside that inverted Y is three crowns.|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag for the Straits Settlements from 1925 to 1946

File:Flag of Singapore in the Straits Settlements.svg|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag for Singapore in the Straits Settlements from early 20th century

File:Flag of Singapore (1946–1952).svg|alt=A British Blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with the badge of Singapore.|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag of the Crown colony of Singapore from 1946 to 1952

File:Flag of Singapore (1952–1959).svg|alt=A British Blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with the badge of Singapore.|{{FIAV|historical}} Flag of the Crown colony of Singapore from 1952 to 1959

File:Construction Sheet of the Flag of Singapore.svg

The National Symbols Act defines the flag's composition and the symbolism of its elements: red symbolises "universal fellowship and equality", and white symbolises "pervading and everlasting purity and virtue". The crescent moon represents a "young nation on the ascendant". The five stars stand for the nation's ideals of "democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality".{{cite book|last=Lee|first=Kuan Yew|author-link=Lee Kuan Yew|title=The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew|location=Singapore|publisher=Times Editions|year=1998|isbn=981-204-983-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/singaporestoryme00leek/page/342 342–343]|url=https://archive.org/details/singaporestoryme00leek/page/342}}{{Cite web |title=National Symbols Bill |url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Bills-Supp/21-2022/Published/20220802?DocDate=20220802 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Singapore Statutes Onlines |language=en}} The crescent symbol is also seen by the nation's Muslim activists to represent Islam.{{cite web |url=http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/docs/wps/wps09_120.pdf |title=Sustaining Islamic Activism in Secular Environments: The Muhammadiyah Movement in Singapore |access-date=15 December 2009 |author=Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied |date=August 2009 |work=Asia Research Institute Working Paper Series No. 120 |publisher=National University of Singapore |archive-date=23 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223225935/http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/docs/wps/wps09_120.pdf |url-status=live }}; Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied, 'The Role of Hadramis in Post-Second World War Singapore – A Reinterpretation', Immigrants & Minorities 25, 2, p. 167.

{{multiple image

|image1=Flag of Malaya.svg

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|caption1=Malaya (adopted 1950)

|caption2=China (adopted 1949)

|caption3=Indonesia (adopted 1945)

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|footer=The flag incorporates design elements from the two neighboring states as well as from China.{{cite web | title=S'pore founding fathers: Dr Toh Chin Chye ensured S'pore flag was all-inclusive, Singapore News | website=AsiaOne | date=2015-05-06 | url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/spore-founding-fathers-dr-toh-chin-chye-ensured-spore-flag-was-all-inclusive | access-date=2022-11-30}} ”It was the result of a two-month design process involving Dr Toh and an artist from the then Ministry of Culture. Dr Toh took great care to ensure the flag was as inclusive as possible. In a 1995 interview with The New Paper, he explained that the crescent moon took into account Malay sentiments, since "there are also five stars on the flag of the People's Republic of China".”

}}

The ratio of the flag is two units high by three units wide. For the manufacturing of flags, the Government of Singapore stated that the shade of red used on the flag is Pantone 032.{{cite web|url=http://mystory.sg/content/1564 |title=National Symbols – The National Flag |access-date=17 December 2009 |year=2009 |work=MyStory |publisher=National Heritage Board |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617191613/http://mystory.sg/content/1564 |archive-date=17 June 2010 }} According to guidelines published by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), the flag may be reproduced in any size and displayed at all times, but it must be in its specified proportions and colours. MICA recommends the sizes {{convert|915|by|1370|mm|in|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1220|by|1,830|mm|in|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1830|by|2,740|mm|in|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}.{{cite book |author1=Ministry of Information, Communications |author2=the Arts | title = The National Symbols Kit | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts | year = 2001 | location = Singapore | pages = 5 | oclc = 49823410 }} The material that is recommended for the national flag is bunting wool.

The Singaporean government dictates that no person may treat the national flag with disrespect, such as allowing the flag to touch the ground. The flag must not be displayed below any other flag, emblem or object; dipped in salute to any person or thing; or displayed or carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The use and display of the flag is governed by the National Symbols Act{{Cite web |title=National Symbols Act 2022 |url=https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/NSA2022 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Singapore Statutes Online |language=en}} (until 2023 governed by Part III of the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules{{cite web |url=http://app.www.sg/data/usermedia/documents/Singapore_Arms_And_Flag_And_National_Anthem_Rules.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703004855/http://app.www.sg/data/usermedia/documents/Singapore_Arms_And_Flag_And_National_Anthem_Rules.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2010 |title=Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules (Cap. 296, R 1, 2004 Rev. Ed. |access-date=19 November 2009 |year=2004 |publisher=Government of Singapore |url-status=dead }} as amended by [http://app.www.sg/data/usermedia/documents/Singapore_Arms_and_Flag_and_Nation_Anthem(Amendment)Rules2007.pdf Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem (Amendment) Rules 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703004905/http://app.www.sg/data/usermedia/documents/Singapore_Arms_and_Flag_and_Nation_Anthem(Amendment)Rules2007.pdf |date=3 July 2010 }} (S 377/2007) made under the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act).{{cite web|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-296 |title=Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act (Cap. 296, 1985 Rev. Ed. |access-date=19 November 2009 |year=1985 |publisher=Government of Singapore |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815051951/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-296 |archive-date=15 August 2009 }} It was an offence to knowingly contravene specified provisions of the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules; the penalty was a fine not exceeding S$1,000.Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules, r. 14(2). The rule states: "Any person who knowingly — (a) does any act in relation to the Flag in contravention of the provisions of rule 5, 6, 7, 9(1), (2), (3) or (4) or 10(1); or (b) contravenes rule 8 or 9(6) in relation to the Flag, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000." Treating the Flag with disrespect is a separate offence under r. 14(4), which states: "Any person, who without reasonable excuse, contravenes rule 4... shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000." An authorised officer may compound these offences by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum of money not exceeding S$500: Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem (Composition of Offences) Rules 2007 (S 378/2007).

Within Singapore, the national flag takes precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice. As such, when it is displayed or flown with other flags, it must be in a position of honour; that is, it should be positioned, where practical, either above all other flags or, if displayed side by side with other flags on the same level, to the left of the other flags (as seen by a person facing the flags). When the flag is raised or carried in a procession with other flags, it must be done so in front of the other flags in a single file, or on the right as seen by the standard bearers if the flags are carried side by side (i.e., on the left as seen by the viewer). The standard bearer must carry the flag high on his or her right shoulder.

When the flag is displayed on a platform or stage, it must be above all decorations and be behind and above any person speaking from the platform or stage. If it is displayed from a staff standing on the platform or stage, it must be on the right side of the person speaking from the platform or stage. Finally, when the flag is hung, it must be hung against a vertical wall or other vertical flat surface, with the crescent and stars on the top left position as seen by any spectator facing the flag and the wall or surface.

When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building only from a flagpole. If the flag is flown at night, it should be properly illuminated. Permission must be sought for the flag to be displayed on any motor vehicle except on one in which the President of Singapore or any Government minister is travelling on official business, and for display on any private vessel or aircraft.

Permission must be sought for use or application of the flag or any image of it for any commercial purposes or as part of any furnishing, decoration, covering or receptacle, except in such circumstances as may be approved (by MICA) in which there is no disrespect for the flag. Further, it is not permitted to use the flag as part of any trademark, or to produce or display any flag which bears any graphics or word superimposed on the design of the national flag.

The government may ask for the flag to be lowered to half-mast in the event of the death of an important person or for national mourning. No person is permitted to use the flag at any private funeral ceremony. However, the national flag can be draped on a coffin during a military or state funeral.{{cite book|title=Our Army Customs and Traditions |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/e-books/ebklist.-imindefPars-0022-DownloadFile.tmp/ourArmyCustomsTraditions.pdf |location=Singapore |publisher=Ministry of Defence |year=2006 |pages=127 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003120704/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/e-books/ebklist.-imindefPars-0022-DownloadFile.tmp/ourArmyCustomsTraditions.pdf |archive-date=3 October 2008 }} No person may display any flag that is damaged or dirty. Any worn out or damaged flag should be packed into a sealed black trash bag before being disposed of and not left visible in dustbins.

The flag was originally exclusively used on or in front of buildings owned by the government, ministries, statutory boards and educational institutions on a year-round basis.{{cite web |url=http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_488_2004-12-18.html |title=The national flag of Singapore |access-date=30 November 2009 |last=Mohamed |first=Zaubidah |date=21 December 1999 |work=Infopedia Singapore |publisher=National Library Board Singapore |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506210123/http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_488_2004-12-18.html |archive-date=6 May 2008 }} The flag could only be flown by individuals and non-governmental organisations during the month of August to mark the country's national day on 9 August.{{cite book |author1=Ministry of Information, Communications |author2=the Arts | title = The National Symbols Kit | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts | year = 2001 | location = Singapore | page = 7 }}

These restrictions on individuals and non-governmental organisations were relaxed in 2004 to allow the flag to be flown year-round under certain conditions. No rationale was provided for the changes, although BBC News correspondents noted that the government had recently been trying to rally patriotic sentiment dampened by economic issues.{{cite news|title=Singaporeans urged to fly the flag|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3365631.stm|work=BBC News|date=3 January 2004|access-date=14 October 2009|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301211435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3365631.stm|url-status=live}} See also {{cite news|title=Singapore loosens controls on flag-waving|newspaper=Financial Times|date=3 January 2004}}

Following requests by Singaporeans, guidelines for the use of the flag were further broadened in 2006. MICA permitted the display of the flag on vehicles and on themselves or belongings with minimal restrictions, from the middle of July to the end of August for a trial period.{{cite news|author=Noor Mohd Aziz|title=Rules relaxed for flying national flag|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/218249/1/.html|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=10 July 2006|access-date=16 October 2007|archive-date=6 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306193624/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/218249/1/.html|url-status=live}} The period was extended in 2007 to three months from July to September.{{cite web|title=National Symbols and References: The National Flag— Guidelines |url=http://app.www.sg/who/122/National-Flag-Usage-Guidelines.aspx |work=Singapore Infomap |publisher=Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts |access-date=16 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512232108/http://app.www.sg/who/122/National-Flag-Usage-Guidelines.aspx |archive-date=12 May 2009 }}{{cite web|title=Singapore Government media release: Displaying the national flag during National Day celebrations 2007 |url=http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/mica-nrd/press_release/P-20070717-1.html |publisher=National Resilience Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts |date=17 July 2007 |access-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815081028/http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/mica-nrd/press_release/P-20070717-1.html |archive-date=15 August 2009 }} Rules were further relaxed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow the flag to be flown from April to September, though this was not extended.{{cite news |last1=Yong |first1=Clement |title=Coronavirus: Rules changed to allow people to display Singapore flag from now until Sept 30 |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-rules-changed-to-allow-people-to-display-national-flag-from-now-until-sept-30 |access-date=19 May 2021 |work=The Straits Times |date=25 April 2020}}

In 2022, the National Symbols Bill was passed, which replaces the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act, and defines new national symbols while allowing greater flexibility in the use of the national symbols. Under the new Bill, the President can make regulations on the use of national and presidential symbols while a prescribed person such as the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth can permit or prohibit the use of national symbols in appropriate situations.{{Cite web |title=Singapore to allow national flag to be displayed more often; raises penalty for misuse |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-flag-symbols-misuse-penalty-anthem-pledge-lion-head-vanda-miss-joaquim-2935236 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=CNA |language=en}} The Act took effect 1 August 2023.{{Cite web |title=National Flag |url=https://www.nhb.gov.sg/what-we-do/our-work/community-engagement/education/resources/national-symbols/national-flag |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=National Heritage Board |language=en}}

File:2012 Flag of Singapore Photo.jpg

File:SingaporeFlag-atwindow-20060809.jpg

File:(SGP-Singapore) National Day Parade Rehearsal "Fly Our Flag" 2024-07-13 - 1.jpg]]

File:NationalDayParade-Esplanade-20070809.jpg

Singaporeans are encouraged to display the national flag outside their homes during National Day celebrations, and residents' committees, particularly those of public housing estates, often arrange co-ordinated displays. However, some Singaporeans decline to do so as they associate it with the ruling People's Action Party, rather than with the nation.{{cite journal|last=Leong|first=Laurence Wai-Teng|title=Consuming the Nation: National Day Parades in Singapore|url=http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec01/Leong.pdf|journal=New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies|volume=3|issue=2|date=December 2001|page=5 at 14|publisher=The New Zealand Asian Studies Society|access-date=3 November 2007|archive-date=16 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716205119/http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec01/Leong.pdf|url-status=live}} During the period beginning 1 July and ending on 30 September of each year, any person may, without the need for the approval of the Minister under paragraph (4), "incorporate the Flag or an image thereof as part of any costume or attire except that he shall do so in a manner that does not give rise to any disrespect to the Flag".{{cite web |title=Singapore Statutes Online – 1 – Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules |url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=280a9818-9661-4fed-b6cc-784463ace351;page=0;query=DocId%3A%223100849d-3555-4b06-ba59-bf4998ae34f2%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0#pr10-he- |publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=30 July 2016 |archive-date=15 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615091439/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=280a9818-9661-4fed-b6cc-784463ace351;page=0;query=DocId%3A%223100849d-3555-4b06-ba59-bf4998ae34f2%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0#pr10-he- |url-status=live }}

On National Day in 2007 at the Padang, 8,667 volunteers holding up red and white umbrellas formed the largest-ever representation of Singapore's flag at an event organised by Young NTUC, a youth movement associated with the National Trades Union Congress.{{cite web|title=Mass participation— communities: Largest national flag formed by umbrellas |url=http://www.singaporebookofrecords.com/singapore_records_individual.php?id=NjAwMDAwMTk5Nw |publisher=The Singapore Book of Records |date=9 August 2007 |access-date=3 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512181936/http://www.singaporebookofrecords.com/singapore_records_individual.php?id=NjAwMDAwMTk5Nw |archive-date=12 May 2008 }}

File:Singapore flags and banners in Istana Park - 20080817.jpg]]

Outside the National Day celebrations period, the national flag of Singapore is flown from all buildings housing government and government-related departments, such as armed forces installations, court houses, offices, and educational institutions. A picture of the flag is commonly found in each classroom, and schools conduct ceremonies at the beginning of the school day at which the national flag is raised, the national anthem is sung and the national pledge is taken.See, for instance, the following: para. 22 of {{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hsien Loong|author-link=Lee Hsien Loong|title=National Education: Speech by BG Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister at the launch of National Education on Saturday 17 May 1997 at TCS TV Theatre at 9.30 am|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1997/170597.htm|publisher=Ministry of Education|date=17 May 1997|access-date=4 November 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430070230/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1997/170597.htm|archive-date=30 April 2008}} Paragraph 18 of {{cite web|last=Teo|first=Chee Hean|author-link=Teo Chee Hean|title=Getting the fundamentals right: Speech by RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence at the NIE Teachers Investiture Ceremony at 2.30 pm on 8 Jul 2003 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2003/sp20030708.htm|publisher=Ministry of Education|date=8 July 2003|access-date=4 November 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306012515/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2003/sp20030708.htm|archive-date=6 March 2009}} Paragraph 3 of {{cite web|title=Press release: Submission of proposals for {{Sic|hide=y|privately|-}}funded schools|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2006/pr20060605.htm|publisher=Ministry of Education|date=5 June 2006|access-date=4 November 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507130158/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2006/pr20060605.htm|archive-date=7 May 2008}}

The national flag is sometimes flown by Singapore-registered vessels, although this is considered incorrect, as such vessels are required to hoist proper national colours either when entering or leaving port.Section 37(1) of the {{Singapore legislation|title=Merchant Shipping Act|cap=179|ed=1996}}. A master of a Singapore ship who fails without reasonable cause to comply with this section is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000: s. 37(2). If any distinctive national colours other than the government ensign are hoisted on board any Singapore ship without official consent, the master of the ship or the owner if on board the ship— as well as every other person hoisting the colours— are guilty of an offence, and are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000: s. 36(2). The ensign is red and charged with a circle enclosing a crescent surmounted by five stars in a circle, all in white.{{cite web|author=Lee Seng Kong (Director of Marine) |title=National colours for Singapore ships (MC No. 13 of 1999) |url=http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/port_and_shipping/circulars_and_notices/shipping_circulars_detail.page?filename=mc99-13.xml |publisher=Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore |date=20 July 1999 |access-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525095447/http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/port_and_shipping/circulars_and_notices/shipping_circulars_detail.page?filename=mc99-13.xml |archive-date=25 May 2011 }}

The Singapore Government makes announcements regarding the lowering of the flag to half-mast in the event of a death of an important personage or mourning affecting the nation.{{cite book|title=Our Army Customs and Traditions |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/e-books/ebklist.-imindefPars-0022-DownloadFile.tmp/ourArmyCustomsTraditions.pdf |location=Singapore |publisher=Ministry of Defence |year=2006 |pages=130–131 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003120704/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/e-books/ebklist.-imindefPars-0022-DownloadFile.tmp/ourArmyCustomsTraditions.pdf |archive-date=3 October 2008 }} The flag has been flown at half-mast during the funerals of former presidents and senior politicians,{{Cite web |last= |date=22 August 2016 |title=Details of funeral arrangements for Mr S R Nathan |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/details-funeral-arrangements-mr-s-r-nathan |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Prime Minister's Office, Singapore |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=11 February 2002 |title=Singapore flag flying at half-mast in respect of the late former president Ong Teng Cheong |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/1fc092aa-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=National Archives of Singapore}}{{Cite web |title=Demise of former Senior Minister Mr S Rajaratnam |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2006022201.htm |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=National Archives of Singapore}} on 9 January 2005 as a mark of respect for those who perished in the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster,{{cite web|title=One minute of silence to be observed throughout Singapore; SCDF will sound alert |url=http://getformesingapore.com/previous2005/090105_singaporeobservesoneminuteofsilencetoday.htm |publisher=Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (republished on Getforme Singapore Online) |date=7 January 2005 |access-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023184851/http://www.getformesingapore.com/previous2005/090105_singaporeobservesoneminuteofsilencetoday.htm |archive-date=23 October 2007 }} and 19 September 2022 on the day of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.{{Cite news |title=State flags at govt buildings at half-mast on Monday as mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth: PM Lee |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/state-flags-at-govt-buildings-at-half-mast-on-monday-as-mark-of-respect-for-queen-pm-lee |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221130013219/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/state-flags-at-govt-buildings-at-half-mast-on-monday-as-mark-of-respect-for-queen-pm-lee |archive-date=2022-11-30 |access-date=2024-12-29 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}}

Singaporean composer Lim Su Chong composed a song in 1969 entitled "Five Stars Arising" which took the elements of the national flag as its theme. The lyrics of the song speak of a new moon, five stars and a new flag "arising out of the stormy sea". The moon is "youthful and bright and bearing hope, and tranquil as can be", each of the stars is "a lamp to guide our way; a lamp for all to see" and the flag is "crimson as the blood of all mankind, yet white and pure and free". The song is one of Singapore's patriotic songs and often sung during National Day celebrations.{{cite web|title=Five Stars Arising |url=http://www.singsingapore.org.sg/songs-lyric.asp?sid=27 |publisher=Sing Singapore |year=2005 |access-date=16 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927232449/http://www.singsingapore.org.sg/songs-lyric.asp?sid=27 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}

There have been several notable cases on the misuse of the flag. In January 2003, Singaporean artist Justin Lee Chee Kong was prevented by the Media Development Authority (MDA) from exhibiting a painting entitled Double Happiness— A Fantasy in Red, which consisted of the flag with red Chinese characters for double happiness on it. The MDA cited the move on the grounds that "the National Flag is a national symbol and no words or graphics should be superimposed on it". Lee reported that the work was simply a display of one's love for their country and an expression of joy at Singapore's success, and in a press statement, he asked that the piece be "treated as an artistic and complimentary interpretation of a national icon". When interviewed by The New Paper, he said "I know as a citizen that we are not allowed to do it, but this is art and I am an artist." He also complained about double standards as a Chinese artist, Gu Wen Da, had recently exhibited a national flag made of hair at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. Lee felt the use of hair to create the nation's flag meant that the flag was in the wrong colours, and was distasteful.{{cite news|last=Teo |first=Faith |title=Art on the flag: A publicity stunt? |url=http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,14410,00.html |newspaper=The New Paper |date=25 January 2003 |access-date=4 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112123219/http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0%2C4139%2C14410%2C00.html |archive-date=12 November 2007 |url-status=dead }}

The Rolling Stones performed in Singapore as part of their 2002/2003 Licks World Tour. At the first performance, there were two inflatable dolls on stage. Both of the dolls had flags placed in their crotch area; one had the Rolling Stones logo and the other had a Singapore flag.{{cite book | last = Millard | first = Mike |author2=Ivan Hall | title = Jihad in Paradise: Islam and Politics in Southeast Asia | publisher = M. E. Sharpe | year = 2004 | pages = 125 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=JTmqmSkqIFcC&q=The%20Rolling%20Stones%20Singapore%20flag&pg=PA125 | isbn = 978-0-7656-1336-3 }} The dolls and the flags were removed from the second concert by the organiser.{{cite book | last = Boehme | first = Olaf |author2=Gerd Coordes |author3=Chris Jagger | title = The Rolling Stones: Fruit of the Loom Tour; Licks World Tour 2002/2003 | publisher = Books on Demand GmbH| date = June 2005 | location = Norderstedt| pages = 120 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5cKWx5_TNqIC&q=The+Rolling+Stones+Singapore+flag&pg=PA120 | isbn = 3-8334-2857-0 }}

In August 2007, a Singaporean pub, Loof, sent an email{{cite news | first=Alexis | last=Ong | title=The Insider – the national flag | date=18 August 2008 | publisher=Time Out Group Ltd | url=http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/aroundtown/feature/the-insider-the-national-flag | work=Time Out Singapore | access-date=30 November 2009 | archive-date=16 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716220118/http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/aroundtown/feature/the-insider-the-national-flag | url-status=live }} to at least 1,500 members on its mailing list featuring a close-up shot of the crotch of a female model wearing a red swimsuit or pair of underpants bearing the crescent and five stars. This was done as part of the pub's publicity campaign for its National Day events. According to Loof's marketing manager, "[T]he ad was definitely not meant as an insult to the country or anyone. I hope that the ad will be taken in the spirit of humour and fun." A majority of people polled by The New Paper felt the advertisement was disrespectful and in bad taste. MICA eventually stated that the advertisement did not breach the law as it did not fully incorporate the flag's design, with the red and white background being left out. However, director of MICA's National Resilience Division K.U. Menon said: "MICA does not encourage such ads which treat the national flag with disrespect. [...] Symbols should be treated with some measure of dignity and we hope Loof will withdraw the ad on its own initiative."{{cite news|last=Au Yong |first=Esther |title=Popular bar slammed for cheeky use of stars & crescent of S'pore flag |url=http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,138442,00.html |newspaper=The New Paper |date=12 August 2007 |access-date=4 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112123213/http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0%2C4139%2C138442%2C00.html |archive-date=12 November 2007 |url-status=dead }}

During the 2010 Asian Games held in China, the Singaporean men's water polo team's swim trunks came under controversy for inappropriately displaying the crescent moon positioned in the centre of the brief, directly over the crotch area. Critics deemed the garment insulting and an embarrassment to the country. The team was unable to modify the design further as competition rules did not permit the changing of a uniform midway through the Games. The team was apologetic over the blunder and promised to tweak the design after the competition.{{cite news | first=Ian | last=Ransom | title=Games-Skimpy trunks' design causes Singapore blushes | date=25 November 2010 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-games-asian-water-polo-shorts-idUSLNE6AO02I20101125 | work=Reuters | access-date=25 February 2012 | archive-date=11 May 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511023949/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/11/25/uk-games-asian-water-polo-shorts-idUSLNE6AO02I20101125 | url-status=live }} The garment had been designed by the team without prior approval from the authorities.{{cite news | title=Singapore Polo Team's Trunks "Inappropriate" | date=26 November 2010 | publisher=CBS News | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/singapore-polo-teams-trunks-inappropriate/ | work=AP | access-date=25 February 2012 | archive-date=27 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027185320/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/26/ap/strange/main7091371.shtml | url-status=live }}

{{see also|List of Singaporean flags}}

In addition to the national flag and ensigns, there are other flags used for official purposes.

• List of Singaporean flags
• Armorial of Singapore

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• {{cite journal|last=Smith|first=Whitney|author-link=Whitney Smith|title=A History of the Symbols of Singapore|journal=Flag Bulletin|volume=5|issue=2|location=Winchester, Mass.|publisher=Flag Research Center|year=1966|pages=60–67|issn=0015-3370}}.
• {{cite news|title=No conflict, clear-cut symbol of unity|newspaper=The Sunday Times|date=9 August 1981|page=13}}
• {{cite web|last=Aslaksen|first=Helmer|title=The mathematics and astronomy of the Singapore flag|url=http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/teaching/flag.shtml|publisher=Department of Mathematics, National University of Singapore|date=11 March 2007|access-date=3 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013004939/http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/teaching/flag.shtml|archive-date=13 October 2007|url-status=dead}}

• {{cite book|author=Singapore Legislative Assembly|author-link=Legislative Assembly of Singapore|title=State Arms and Flag and National Anthem of Singapore (Legislative Assembly (New Series) Misc. 2 of 1959)|location=Singapore|publisher=Printed at the Government Printing Office|year=1959}}
• {{cite book|title=State Arms & Flag of Singapore|location=Singapore|publisher=Publicity Division, Ministry of Culture|year=1977}}
• {{cite book|last=Crampton|first=William|title=The World of Flags : A Pictorial History|edition=Rev.|location=London|publisher=Studio Editions|year=1992|page=88}}
• {{cite book|title=The National Symbols Kit|location=Singapore|publisher=Prepared by Programmes Section, Ministry of Information and the Arts|year=1999}} A kit on the key symbols of Singapore consisting of eight fact sheets, one booklet, one CD and one national flag.

• {{cite book|author=Singapore Broadcasting Corporation|author-link=Singapore Broadcasting Corporation|title=Flag and Anthem, 3 December 1959 [videorecording]|location=Singapore|publisher=Television Corporation of Singapore|year=1988}} A documentary on the national flag and anthem of Singapore. Gives an account on how the present design of the flag was arrived at, and includes an interview with the national anthem's composer, Zubir Said.

{{Commons category|National flag of Singapore}}

• {{FOTW|id=sg|title=Singapore}}
• [http://www.flags.net/SING.htm The flag of Singapore] at the World Flag Database
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120110122759/http://hfmy.webs.com/sgcolonyflags.html Colours, Standards & Banners of Colonial Singapore]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091107073440/http://hfmy.webs.com/FlagsMilitary.html Military and Paramilitary Flags of Singapore]}}

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{{Asia topic|Flag of|title=Flags of Asia}}

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Category:Flags introduced in 1959

Category:National symbols of Singapore

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