Majulah Singapura (Malay for Onward Singapore) is Singapore's national anthem. It reflects, together with the national flag and the state crest, Singapore's identity as a nation. The anthem echoes the spirit of Singaporeans in their enduring hope of progress, and calls upon Singaporeans to rally together and succeed.

It is interesting to note that many Singaporeans know the lyrics to the song without understanding Malay. Many rely on English or Mandarin translations of the song to understand what they are singing.

Contents

1 Origin 2 New Recording 3 Guidelines for Usage 3.1 How it may be used 3.2 How it cannot be used 4 Credits 5 External Links

Origin

The national anthem was written in the wake of nationalism during 1956-1957. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it based on two words, "Majulah Singapura" which means "Onward Singapore". It was unveiled on 3 December 1959 together with the national flag and the state crest, on the steps of City Hall at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Yusof Bin Ishak. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's national anthem.

New Recording

A new recording with a grander and more inspiring arrangement, was launched on January 19, 2001.

The new anthem recording was the culmination of more than a year's work by the Ministry of Information and the Arts (MITA). The main objective was to make the anthem more accessible to all Singaporeans.

Several local composers were invited to re-arrange the national anthem in May 2000 in the key of "F". Cultural medallion winner, Phoon Yew Tien's version was chosen by an evaluation panel, headed by Bernard Tan. The orchestration is in a slower tempo and uses more instruments to create a majestic rendition of the anthem.

Singapore's very own orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra , with Lim Yau at the helm, did the new recording at Victoria Concert Hall on November 20, 2000. The new arrangement has been recorded in seven versions including orchestral, choir/solo and piano.

Guidelines for Usage

Guidelines for the singing and playing of the national anthem were relaxed in 2004 to encourage the singing of the anthem at all events of national significance.

How it may be used

1. Public and private organisations can sing or play the national anthem, on any appropriate occasion. Singaporeans are encouraged to sing the anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.
2. Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by MITA, other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the anthem are complete and performed with dignity.
3. Dignity and decorum should be observed whenever it is played or sung. Everyone must stand at attention as a mark of respect.

How it cannot be used

1. It may not be incorporated into any other composition or medley.
2. It may only be sung following the original lyrics, not any translation of those lyrics.

Credits

• Music and Lyrics - Zubir Said
• Re-arrangement - Phoon Yew Tien
• Project Advisor - Bernard Tan
• Executive Producer - Ken Lim
• Orchestra Conductor - Lim Yau
• Orchestra - Singapore Symphony Orchestra
• Choir Conductor - Jennifer Tham
• Choir - Singapore Youth Choir
• Soloist - Jacintha Abisheganaden
• Engineer - Ross Cockle
• Technical Engineer - Kevin Nai
• Equipment - Team 108
• Production - Hype Records
• Coordinator - Jeremy Foo

External Links

• The Singapore Infomap
• MP3 Files
• Chinese Translation
• Tamil Translation