1299 CE
Sang Nila Utama founds Kingdom of Singapura
Sang Nila Utama founds the Kingdom of Singapura, naming it Lion City, as recorded in the Malay Annals. [ Annals]
Chronological Storyline (30 Milestones)
Jan 28, 1819 CE
Raffles lands and signs treaty for trading post
Sir Stamford Raffles lands in Singapore and signs a treaty to establish a British trading post. [ Archives]
Aug 2, 1824 CE
Crawfurd Treaty cedes Singapore to EIC
The Crawfurd Treaty is signed; Sultan Hussein and Temenggong Abdul Rahman cede Singapore to the EIC. [
1826 CE
Straits Settlements formed under British East India Co
Singapore, Penang, and Malacca are united to form the Straits Settlements under British East India Co. [
Apr 1, 1867 CE
Straits Settlements become British Crown Colony
The Straits Settlements become a British Crown Colony, transferring control from India to London. [ Archives]
Nov 17, 1869 CE
Suez Canal opens, boosting Singapore's trade
The Suez Canal opens, drastically reducing travel time to Europe and boosting Singapore's global trade. [
May 1, 1877 CE
Chinese Protectorate established for immigrants
The Chinese Protectorate is established to oversee the welfare and regulate the affairs of Chinese immigrants. [
Jun 1, 1889 CE
Municipal Act creates Municipal Commission
The Municipal Act is passed, creating the Municipal Commission to manage Singapore's urban infrastructure. [
1911 CE
Singapore Harbour Board established
The Singapore Harbour Board is established to manage and develop the island's port facilities and wharves. [
Jun 1, 1923 CE
Construction begins on Singapore Naval Base
Construction begins on the massive Singapore Naval Base in Sembawang to defend British interests in the East. [
Sep 3, 1939 CE
Britain declares war on Germany
Political: Outbreak of WWII in Europe. Britain declares war on Germany; Singapore's defenses are bolstered as the 'Gibraltar of the East'.
Dec 8, 1941 CE
Japanese bomb Singapore for first time
Political: Japanese forces bomb Singapore for the first time, marking the start of the Pacific War.
Feb 15, 1942 CE
Fall of Singapore to Japanese forces
Political: Fall of Singapore. British forces under Lt. Gen. Percival surrender to the Japanese at the Ford Factory.
Sep 12, 1945 CE
Japanese surrender at City Hall
Political: Japanese forces formally surrender to Lord Mountbatten at City Hall, ending the occupation.
Apr 2, 1955 CE
Rendel Constitution implemented; Marshall becomes Chief Minister
Political: The Rendel Constitution is implemented; David Marshall becomes Singapore's first Chief Minister after the first Legislative Assembly election.
Jun 3, 1959 CE
Singapore achieves self-governance; Lee Kuan Yew becomes PM
Political: Singapore achieves full internal self-governance. The PAP wins the general election, and Lee Kuan Yew is sworn in as the first Prime Minister.
Sep 16, 1963 CE
Singapore joins Federation of Malaya
Political: Singapore joins the Federation of Malaya, along with Sabah and Sarawak, to form Malaysia.
Jul 21, 1964 CE
Racial riots during Prophet Muhammad's birthday
Sociological: Racial riots break out during a procession celebrating Prophet Muhammad's birthday, leading to a state of emergency.
Aug 9, 1965 CE
Singapore separates from Malaysia
Political: Singapore separates from Malaysia to become a sovereign and independent nation.
Mar 14, 1967 CE
National Service Bill introduces compulsory military service
Sociological: The National Service (Amendment) Bill is passed, introducing compulsory military service for male citizens.
Jun 1, 1968 CE
Jurong Town Corporation established
Economical: Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) is established to manage and develop Singapore's industrial estates.
Oct 31, 1971 CE
Far East Command deactivated
Political: The Far East Command is deactivated, marking the official withdrawal of British military forces.
Jul 1, 1981 CE
Changi Airport Terminal 1 opens
Economical: Changi Airport Terminal 1 officially opens, establishing Singapore as a major international aviation hub.
Nov 7, 1987 CE
First MRT section starts operations
Sociological: The first section of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system starts operations, transforming public transport.
Nov 28, 1990 CE
Goh Chok Tong becomes second Prime Minister
Political: Goh Chok Tong is sworn in as the second Prime Minister, succeeding Lee Kuan Yew.
Aug 12, 2004 CE
Lee Hsien Loong becomes third Prime Minister
Political: Lee Hsien Loong is sworn in as the third Prime Minister.
Mar 23, 2015 CE
Lee Kuan Yew passes away
Sociological: Passing of Singapore's founding father and first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
Aug 9, 2015 CE
Singapore's 50th Jubilee National Day
Sociological: Singapore's 50th Jubilee National Day
Feb 1, 2021 CE
First COVID-19 case detected in Singapore
First covid case detected in Singapore. Leading to full blown lock down of Singapore for next 6 months
May 15, 2024 CE
Lawrence Wong sworn in as fourth PM
Political: Lawrence Wong is sworn in as the fourth Prime Minister, completing the 4G leadership transition.