National Symbols

Coat of Arms

Also known as the National Coat of arms, the state crest serves as a symbol of Singapore's status as a self-governing and independent state.

The tiger in the symbols stands for Singapore's historical ties with Malaysia while the lion embodies Singapore itself

The State Crest of Singapore is formed by a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five stars against a red background

Singapore Flag

The 5 stars each represent different values, which are democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. The colour red in the flag represents brotherhood and equality of men. The crescent moon symbolises a young nation on the ascendant. Lastly, the white represents everlasting, purity and virtue.

The flag was created in 1959 by Dr Toh Chin Chye after a newly elected cabinet was formed back then. This was seen as Singapore's most visible symbol of statehood, reflects the ideals, beliefs and values of our nation

Singapore Lion 

Its name combines "Mer", meaning the sea, and "lion". The fish body represents Singapore's origins as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "Sea Town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name-Singapura, which means "lion city" or  "Kota Singa"

The symbol was designed by Alec-Fraser-Barner, for the logo of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997 and has been its trademarked symbol since 20 July 1996.

National Flower (Vanda Miss Joaquim)

As the flower is associated with hybrids, the orchird is also a symbol of our multi-cultural heritage. It is representative of the harmony among our ethnic communities, as well as with our many foreign visitors.

Singapore is a garden city, rich in greenery and biodiversity. It is thus fitting that the nation is represented by a unique national flower of it own, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

The orchid is named in memory of Miss Agnes Joaquim, who bred the flower in her garden at Tanjong Pagar in 1893. It was recorded as Singapore's first orchid hybrid and the world's first Vanda Hybrid.

On 15 April 1981, then Minister for Culture Mr S. Dhanabalan announced the launch of Vanda Miss Joaquim as Singapore's National Flower as part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity.