Theme: National Campaigns

Playlist: Tree Planting Day

Tree Planting Day first began as part of a wider Tree Planting Campaign that launched on 16 June 1963 to support Singapore’s drive to become a tropical garden city. In 1971, it officially became an annual event that is usually held on the first Sunday of November. Over the years, Tree Planting Day and other tree planting initiatives continue to be organised to support Singapore’s enduring greening efforts.

Check out these resources to learn more about how Tree Planting Day has evolved in Singapore.

Leaning Package: Tree Planting Day

Once a year in November, Singapore’s government leaders plant a tree in observation of Tree Planting Day, a national event with a history that goes back to more than 50 years ago. Tree Planting Day has its origins in the Tree Planting Campaign, which first launched in 1963 to improve the image of a quickly urbanising Singapore. The campaign kick-started Singapore’s greening programme and soon after, the Garden City campaign was launched in 1967.

On 7 November 1971, Singapore’s first official Tree Planting Day was launched to emphasise the importance of the Garden City initiative. On that day, more than 30,000 trees, shrubs and creepers were planted all over the island by Ministers and Members of Parliament leading their own tree-planting events. Since then, Tree Planting Day and new tree planting initiatives continue to be a part of the nation’s sustained greening and sustainability goals.

Did you know...

The day for Tree Planting Day was set as the first Sunday of every November as it usually marks the beginning of Singapore’s rainy season. With natural rainfall, manual watering is minimized.

This curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about Singapore’s tree planting and greening efforts.

Articles

The Blossoming of Tree Planting Day by Lim Tin Seng

This article traces the beginnings and evolution of Tree Planting Day in Singapore as well as its role in the nation’s broader greening and sustainability plans.

Source: Lim, Tin Seng. (2022). “The Blossoming of Tree Planting Day."BiblioAsia7(4) (Jan-Mar 2022). Retrieved 2024, February 6.

Tree Planting Day by Timothy Pwee

This article provides a summary of the origins and subsequent developments of Tree Planting Day.

Source: Pwee, Timothy. (2015). “Tree Planting Day."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, February 6.

Tree Planting Campaign by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article provides a brief overview of large-scale tree planting in Singapore, including the Tree Planting Campaign launched by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1963.

Source: Naidu Ratnala Thulaja. (2016). “Tree Planting Campaign"Singapore Infopedia.Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, February 6.

Books

Living in a Garden: The Greening of Singapore

Auger, Timothy. (2013). Living in a Garden: The Greening of Singapore. Singapore: Published for National Parks Board by Editions Didier Millet. (Call no.: RSING 363.68095957 AUG)

This book chronicles independent Singapore’s efforts to become a green Garden City, starting with the Tree Planting Campaign in 1963. It explores other environmental campaigns that have supported Singapore’s greening efforts, the types of plants that were planted, and the many parks, nature reserves, and green networks that are now transforming Singapore into a “City in a Garden”.

Garden City Singapore: The legacy of Lee Kuan Yew

Wong, Yew Kwan. (2014). Garden City Singapore: The legacy of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Suntree Media Pte Ltd. (Call no.: RSING 307.76095957 WON)

This book contains chapters written by civil servants who played key roles in Singapore’s greening journey from the 1970s to 1990s. Each chapter shares their first-hand experiences of the projects they embarked on, including large-scale tree planting in housing estates, reclaimed land, roadsides, and pathways; selection of different plant species for targeted purposes; approaches to park planning; and Garden City tourism initiatives. The chapters also include anecdotal encounters that the authors had with Lee Kuan Yew, the man who spearheaded Singapore’s Garden City vision.

More than a Garden City

Lee, Sing-Kong. (1992). More than a Garden City. Singapore: Parks & Recreation Dept., Ministry of National Development. (Call no.: RSING 333.783095957 LEE)

The tree planting campaign and its annual Tree Planting Day kick-started Singapore’s greening programme. This book explores how the momentum of greening efforts was kept up by the city’s park development programme and charts the development of recreational parks in Singapore. It includes photographs, descriptions, and information about the design and planning aspects of more than 30 parks.

Playlist: National Productivity Movement

Launched in September 1981, the National Productivity Movement provided the platform for a coordinated, united approach to addressing all aspects of productivity in Singapore. It aimed to make every Singaporean realise that higher productivity is crucial for good labour-management relations, good work attitudes and improving the country’s competitive edge.

Check out these resources to learn more about the National Productivity Movement.

Learning Package: National Productivity Movement 

Amidst the growing complexity of the global economy since the 1970s, Mr Lee Kuan Yew distilled the key to success in his election rally speech on 19 December 1980 into one word: ‘productivity’. This focus on productivity led to the formation of the Committee on Productivity (COP) in April 1981.

One of the COP’s major recommendations was the launch of the National Productivity Movement, which aimed to create an environment conducive to productivity improvement at various levels. The National Productivity Council spearheaded the Movement, while the National Productivity Board directed the implementation of specific programmes based on the Council’s recommendations.

The first phase of the Movement focused on raising productivity awareness among companies and the workforce, and the second phase emphasised turning that awareness into concrete actions at the workplace to boost productivity. From 1989 onwards, the focus shifted to fostering a self-sustaining Productivity Movement, and the Productivity 2000 Action Plan was unveiled to guide Singapore’s productivity initiatives throughout the 1990s.

The productivity mascot, Teamy the Bee, was introduced in 1982 to front various productivity events. It retired in 1999 after a bee-sy and productive career.

Did you know...

Teamy was a crowd-pleaser and had its fair share of young fans.

The Teamy Club was launched in 1985 and conducted activities that highlight the value of teamwork and good work attitude for school-going children. The Teamy Club ceased operation after three years and was transferred to the Sharity Club. To bid goodbye to its young followers, Teamy penned a heartfelt parting message in the last issue of the Singapore Productivity News (Home Edition).

This curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about the National Productivity Movement.

Articles

Productivity Campaign (1970s–1990s) by Faridah Ibrahim

This article chronicles Singapore’s pursuit of productivity since the 1960s, detailing key initiatives such as the National Productivity Movement and Productivity 2000.

Source: Faridah Ibrahim. (2019). "Productivity Campaign (1970s–1990s)."Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, May 10.

National Productivity Board Is Established

This article explores the origins of the National Productivity Board, which was established to promote productivity in Singapore.

Source: "National Productivity Board Is Established." Singapore Infopedia. Retrieved 2024, May 10.

SPRING Singapore

The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board, later renamed SPRING Singapore, was formed in 1996 with the merger of the National Productivity Board, the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research and the Economic Development Board’s function for developing small and medium enterprises. This article summarises SPRING Singapore’s roles and responsibilities before its merger with International Enterprise Singapore in 2018 to form Enterprise Singapore.

Source: n.a. (2020). “SPRING Singapore."Singapore Infopedia.Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, May 10.

Books

Tomorrow Shall Be Better than Today

National Productivity Board. (1983). Tomorrow Shall Be Better than Today. Singapore: National Productivity Board. (Call no.: RSEA 338.06095957 TOM)

This is one of the two key documents that guided the National Productivity Movement launched in September 1981. It outlines the roles of the National Productivity Board and puts forth the proposed initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and fostering a more effective workforce.

50 Years of Singapore’s Productivity Drive

Woon, Kin Chung and Loo, Ya Lee. (2017).50 Years of Singapore’s Productivity Drive.Singapore; New Jersey: World Scientific. (Call no.: RSING 338.45095957 WOO)

Traces 50 years of major developments on Singapore’s productivity drive, with details on the phases, milestones, policies, plans and programmes undertaken as Singapore progressed from a developing country to a developed country.

Innovation & Quality: Mastering the Best Practices

Singapore Productivity and Standards Board. (1996).Innovation & Quality: Mastering the Best Practices.Singapore: Singapore Productivity and Standards Board. (Call no.: RSING 338.06095957 INN)

This book traces the historical roots of the Productivity Movement in Singapore and discusses how productivity-boosting initiatives evolved over the years.

Productivity: Working It out with Teamy

National Productivity Board. (1994). Productivity: Working It out with Teamy. Singapore: National Productivity Board. (Call no.: RSING 338.06095957 PRO)

This is a compilation of 37 easy-to-read, engaging comic strips on quality and productivity. Teamy the Bee appears as the symbol of productivity in these comics and showcases the critical role workers play in enhancing productivity.

Playlist: National Courtesy Campaign

The month-long National Courtesy Campaign took off in 1979 with its first slogan, "Make courtesy our way of life." The catchy slogans and sub-themes continued to evolve for the next two decades, complete with jingles and a mascot, Singa the Courtesy Lion, endeared by generations of Singaporeans.

Check out these resources to learn more about the National Courtesy Campaign.

Learning Package: National Courtesy Campaign

The annual National Courtesy Campaign was launched by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 1 June 1979, with the objective to "create a pleasant social environment, with Singaporeans considerate to each other and thoughtful of each other's needs" in the coming decade.

Several memorable initiatives were taken, including catchy jingles, slogans, distribution of pamphlets and souvenirs, to remind Singaporeans the importance of displaying courteous actions and be considerate towards others. In 1982, Singa the Courtesy Lion became the official mascot, replacing the Smilely logo.

Through the years, the campaign has painted a story of change, reshaping the attitudes of many Singaporeans. It was folded into the Singapore Kindness Movement in 2001.

Did you know...

It took three artists and more than a hundred sketches to create the courtesy campaign mascot Singa, a bright golden lion with a big smile.

Learn more about the National Courtesy Campaign from these articles and books below.

Articles

Launch of First National Courtesy Campaign

This article offers a brief introduction to the origins of the campaign, first held in 1979, until it was subsumed under the Singapore Kindness Movement in 2001.

Source: "Launch of First National Courtesy Campaign ." National Library Online. Retrieved 2024, April 12.

Singa the Courtesy Lion by Stephanie Ho

This article traces the creation of Singa as a mascot for the National Courtesy Campaign. It became the most recognisable symbol of the Campaign, appearing in different kinds of publicity materials.

Source: Ho, Stephanie. (2013). “Singa the Courtesy Lion." Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, April 12.

Books

1980 courtesy jingles & songs

Ministry of Culture. (1980). 1980 courtesy jingles & songs. Singapore: The Ministry. (Call no.: RSING 784.68395 NIN)

A collection of jingles on courtesy in the four official languages, including the classic campaign song "Make Courtesy Our Way of Life".

Patterns of courtesy in Singapore

Kuo, Eddie C. Y., et. al. (1987). Patterns of courtesy in Singapore. Singapore: Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore. (Call no.: RSING q177.1095957 KUO)

An unpublished study on the social behaviours among the Chinese, Malays and Indians within the family domain and on special occasions like weddings and funerals in a rapidly changing Singapore. The authors also identify converging trends in the society with the evolving “Singaporean” pattern of courtesy.

Courtesy - more than a smile

Nirmala, M. (1999). Courtesy - more than a smile. Singapore: The Singapore Courtesy Council. (Call no.: RSING 395.095957 NIR)

A book that commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Singapore Courtesy Campaign. It traces the campaign evolution, changing modes of marketing tools, features the people behind the campaign and includes survey findings on the campaign.

Playlist: Speak Mandarin Campaign

As a young nation with a diverse population, Singapore’s cultural richness stems from early immigrants from various parts of Asia and their unique practices. The local Chinese community is richly composed, with forefathers hailing from different parts of China and various dialect groups.

On 7 September 1979, the Speak Mandarin Campaign was launched to improve communication among Chinese Singaporeans speaking different dialects and support the bilingual education policy. Over the years, the campaign has evolved to include the broader goal of promoting Chinese culture among Chinese Singaporeans.

Check out these resources to learn more about the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

Learning Package: Speak Mandarin Campaign 

Launched on 7 September 1979, the Speak Mandarin Campaign initially aimed to promote Mandarin over dialects among specific groups of Chinese Singaporeans. From the 1990s, it targeted English-educated Chinese Singaporeans to use Mandarin in daily life. Over the years, the campaign has evolved to encourage Chinese Singaporeans to learn and speak more Mandarin, while fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture, heritage, and language within the community.

Did you know...

Besides eye-catching posters, the campaign has gone all out with its line-up of catchy slogans since its inception in 1979. Examples include “讲华语，我也可以。Speak Mandarin? Yes, I can.”, “Speak Mandarin? No Problem!”, “华语 Cool” (Mandarin [is] Cool).

This curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

Articles

Speak Mandarin Campaign by Lim Siew Yeen and Jessie Yak

This write-up chronicles the launch of the Speak Mandarin Campaign in 1979 and its evolution over the decades. It explores the activities and slogans introduced to promote Mandarin usage among Singaporeans.

Source: Lim, Siew Yeen and Yap, Jessie. (2013). "Speak Mandarin Campaign." Singapore InfopediaSingapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, July 12.

Chinese Dialect Groups and Their Occupations in 19th and Early 20th Century Singapore

This article traces the origins of various Chinese dialect groups in Singapore and investigates why certain groups specialised in specific trades during the early days. In addition, it talks about the factors, including the Speak Mandarin Campaign, that led to the unification of these dialect groups.

Source: Teo, Jaclyn. (2010). “Chinese Dialect Groups and Their Occupations in 19th and Early 20th Century Singapore" BiblioAsia 6(1) (Apr–Jun 2010). Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, July 12.

Books

A Decade of Mandarin

Ministry of Communications and Information. (1989). A Decade of Mandarin. Singapore: Ministry of Communications and Information. (Call no.: RCLOS 306.4495957 DEC) 

This commemorative bilingual booklet, published on the 10th anniversary of the Speak Mandarin Campaign, records its development and achievements from its launch in 1979.

My Lifelong Challenge: Singapore’s Bilingual Journey

Lee, Kuan Yew. (2012). My Lifelong Challenge: Singapore’s Bilingual Journey. Singapore: Straits Times Press. (Call no.: RSING 306.4495957 LEE)

This book offers a compelling narrative of Singapore’s bilingual evolution, intertwined with Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s firsthand accounts of spearheading initiatives such as the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

Language Planning and Social Transformation Strategies to Promote Speak Mandarin Campaign in Singapore

Teo, Thompson and Lim, Vivien. (2002). Language Planning and Social Transformation Strategies to Promote Speak Mandarin Campaign in Singapore. Singapore: National University of Singapore. (Call no.: RSING q306.4495957 TEO)

This paper delves into the dynamic evolution and social transformation strategies of the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

A Study of Attitudes of Dialect Speakers Towards the Speak Mandarin Campaign in Singapore

Ng, Patrick. (2017). A Study of Attitudes of Dialect Speakers Towards the Speak Mandarin Campaign in Singapore. Singapore: Springer. (Call no.: RSING 306.4495957 NG)

This study employs both quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore public perceptions of the Speak Mandarin Campaign, assessing its implications and forecasting future challenges for this initiative.

Playlist: Singapore Kindness Movement

Officially launched in 1997, the Singapore Kindness Movement is a registered charity that aimed to make kindness a mass movement and cultivate kindness and graciousness as part of Singapore culture.

Check out these resources to learn more about the Singapore Kindness Movement.

Learning Package: Singapore Kindness Movement

At the Prime Minister's New Year message in 1996, Goh Chok Tong urged Singaporeans to become a more caring and gracious society in the 21st century. In July of the same year, he announced the Singapore Kindness Movement pilot project at the launch of the National Courtesy Campaign.

The Movement was officially launched and registered as a society on 31 January 1997. It is run by council members from both public and private organisations. The National Courtesy Campaign was eventually subsumed under the Singapore Kindness Movement during March 2001.

Did you know...

Singapore Kindness Movement conducts Graciousness Survey to study the indicators on graciousness and kindness in Singapore.

Learn more about Singapore Kindness Movement from these articles and books below.

Articles

Singapore Kindness Movement by Koh Lay Tin

This article introduces the Singapore Kindness Movement and its associated activities and programmes.

Source: Koh, Lay Tin. (2013). “Singapore Kindness Movement.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, April 22.

Books

Constitution: Singapore Kindness Movement

Singapore Kindness Movement. (2005). Constitution: Singapore Kindness Movement. Singapore: Singapore Kindness Movement. (Call no.: RSING 177.70605957 SIN)

This is a fourth edition of the Constitution.

The Singapore Kindness Movement

Singapore Kindness Movement. (2001). The Singapore Kindness Movement. Singapore: Singapore Kindness Movement. (Call no.: RSING 177.70605957 SIN)

A booklet introducing the Singapore Kindness Movement, types of programmes for educational institutions, and categories of membership.

Always in season: a harvest of kindness stories

Singapore Kindness Movement. (2000). Always in season: a harvest of kindness stories. Singapore: Singapore Kindness Movement. (Call no.: RSING 177.7 ALW)

Intended as an inspiration for the reader to be motivated to practice acts of kindness regularly from the 185 accounts of kind acts that Singaporeans had received or witnessed in Singapore or overseas. A second volume, Always in season: a second harvest of kindness stories, was published in 2007.

Stories of kindness: how Singapore came together to battle a pandemic

Singapore Kindness Movement. (2021). Stories of kindness: how Singapore came together to battle a pandemic. Singapore: Singapore Kindness Movement. (Call no.: RSING 177.7 STO)

A compilation of stories that celebrates individuals and organisations that showed kindness during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Playlist: National Healthy Lifestyle Programme

The National Healthy Lifestyle Programme, launched by Singapore’s Ministry of Health in 1992, aimed to promote healthier living among Singaporeans through a multifaceted approach.

Check out these resources to help you gain some understanding of national healthy lifestyle campaigns and initiatives in Singapore.

Learning Package: National Healthy Lifestyle Programme

The National Healthy Lifestyle Programme, launched by Singapore’s Ministry of Health in 1992, aimed to promote healthier living among Singaporeans through a multifaceted approach. Centered around an annual National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, the programme encouraged physical activity, healthy eating, quitting smoking, and stress management. It targeted all age groups and fostered community engagement through various activities, awards, and workplace health initiatives. Over the years, the programme has expanded to include campaigns such as the National Smoking Control Campaign and the National Steps Challenge, with a recent focus on healthy ageing, particularly through exercise and nutrition programs for seniors.

Did you know...

In 1993, the Great Singapore Workout was launched as part of the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign to encourage Singaporeans of all ages to exercise and keep fit. A choreographed aerobic routine was set to a catchy tune with local beats such as the Malay joget, and produced as a music video. The tapes were distributed to schools and organisations and sold in retail outlets, and pictures teaching the workout’s steps were even published in the newspaper!

These curated set of articles and books will help you understand more about healthy lifestyle campaigns and initiatives in Singapore.

Articles

National Healthy Lifestyle Programme by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article describes Singapore's National Healthy Lifestyle Programme, launched in 1992, which encouraged healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, stress management, and community interaction. Over the years, it introduced initiatives like the National Steps Challenge and healthy ageing programmes to improve well-being across different segments of society.

Source: Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala. (2017). “National Healthy Lifestyle Programme.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 5.

30 Years of the Great Singapore Workout by Lim Tin Seng

This article traces the history of the Great Singapore Workout, one of the highlights of the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign. The Great Singapore Workout was launched in 1993, when former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and some 26,000 people took to the Padang for a mass dance workout.

Source: Lim, Tin Seng. (2024). “30 Years of the Great Singapore Workout.” BiblioAsia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 5.

National nutrition programmes by Naidu Ratnala Thulaja

This article highlights Singapore's national nutrition programmes, initiated since the 1970s to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce diet-related illnesses. Campaigns like "Better Food for Better Health" and initiatives like the "Ask For Healthier Food" contest encouraged balanced diets and healthier food options.

Source: Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala. (2004). “National nutrition programmes.” Singapore Infopedia. Singapore: National Library Board. Retrieved 2024, September 5.

Books

10 Years of Inspiring Healthy Living

Health Promotion Board. (2012). 10 Years of Inspiring Healthy Living. Singapore: Health Promotion Board. (Call no.: RSING 613.095957 SIN)

This book, commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the Health Promotion Board, chronicles the history of health promotion initiatives in Singapore, from early preventive healthcare in post-occupation Singapore to modern healthy ageing programmes in anticipation of an ageing population.

National Health Campaign Exhibition 1979: Diseases due to Harmful Lifestyles

Ministry of Health and Singapore Science Centre. (2000). National Health Campaign Exhibition 1979: Diseases due to Harmful Lifestyles. Singapore: Ministry of Health. (Call no.: RSING 613.095957 NAT)

Even before the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign was launched in 1992, there were numerous efforts to encourage Singaporeans to lead healthier lives. This book documents a 1979 national exhibition that was intended to communicate important health information to the public in simple terms, including a song titled “Change Your Lifestyle” and infographics debunking myths about mental illness.

Enhancing Health

Health Promotion Board. (2001). Enhancing Health. Singapore: Health Promotion Board. (Call no.: RSING 613.095957 ENH)

Published in the year of the inception of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), this book provides an overview of the diverse range of health promotion programmes that HPB was formed to administer, from myopia prevention in schools to national smoking control, and even the HealthZone interactive education centre.