national anthem Before self- government in 1959, Singapore’s national anthem was that of the British— God Save the Queen. The song that would become its national anthem, Majulah Singapura, was originally commissioned as a patriotic song by the City Council to commemorate the re- opening of the Victoria Theatre after its 1958 renovations. Zubir Said, the prolific Sumatra- born composer and songwriter for Cathay Keris studio, was asked to compose it in 1956.

Although the City Council was dissolved in 1959, the song was not forgotten. When Singapore became a self- governing colony, deputy prime minister Toh Chin Chye led a high- level government committee set up to establish state symbols such as the national flag, a national coat- of- arms and a national anthem. Toh was reminded about the City Council song, which he felt might be adaptable for the purpose. A number of musicians and orchestras, including the Radio Singapore Orchestra, the Military Forces Band and the visiting Berlin Chamber Orchestra, helped to shape the anthem.

The anthem, flag and coat- of- arms were unveiled to Singaporeans at the launch of Loyalty Week on 3 December 1959, after the installation of the Yang di- Pertuan Negara (head of state), Yusof Ishak.

When Singapore separated from the Federation of Malaysia in August 1965, Majulah Singapura was adopted as the new republic’s national anthem.