Interesting Facts about Singapore Quiz

Answer: People's Action Party

Founded in 1954, PAP is a major centre-right political party. It was, in the years 1959 to 2019, the ruling party in Singapore. The party won the general election in 1959 winning 43 of the 51 seats. A general election is held every five years.

Answer: Malay

Although Malay speakers constitute about 15% of the population, the national anthem is in Malay. It is titled "Majulah Singapura" which means 'Forward Singapore'. Malay was chosen because they were the original natives of the island. English is the official working language, which is also the language medium in all schools. Every child has to learn two languages, English and a second language which is called a 'mother tongue', often what the family speaks.

However, it is not compulsory to choose a 'mother tongue' as the second language.

For example, a Malay child can choose Mandarin Chinese as a second language.

Answer: Bukit Timah Hill

Bukit Timah Hill at 163.6 m is the highest peak, followed by Bukit Gombak Hill at 133 m, Bukit Batok Hill at 113 m and Mount Faber at 94m.

Answer: Jurong Island

Located on the south west of the mainland, Jurong Island was reclaimed by connecting seven smaller islands. This island is used as a centre for petrochemical, chemical and oil refining facilities in Singapore.

Sentosa is the built for tourism, located right at the southern tip of the mainland. The island can be reached by road through a connecting bridge, cable car or ferry. The main attraction sites are Universal Studios and Underwater World. There is also a casino, hotels and many other attractions on the island.

Pulau Tekong is the base for basic military training for national servicemen. Pulau Ubin is always considered the last kampong (village). Both islands are located in the north east of the mainland.

Answer: Two

The first batch of recruitment was in 1967 for males who were born in the year of 1949. National service is compulsory for male citizens who have reached the age of 18. Their service is for two years. However, males older than 18 are allowed to defer for valid reason due to education until 21 or later as in special cases, like Joseph Schooling. Schooling, who was born 1995, was allowed deferment until 2020 to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Schooling was the first Singaporean to win a gold medal. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, he won in the 100m butterfly swim event.

Answer: Housing Development Board (HDB)

A major portion of Singaporean live in Housing Development Board (HDB) public housing in Singapore, which is leased for 99 years. HDB was founded in 1960, governed by Ministry of National Development. Over the last 60 years, the quality of the HDB flats had improved massively. HDB apartment can only be sold to married couples or singles above the age of 35.

However for singles above 35, they are allowed to buy a resale apartment. 92% of the population owned their own houses which is probably the highest in the world.

Answer: Central Provident Fund (CPF)

David Marshall was a politician and lawyer who served as Chief Minister from 1955 to 1956. He introduced the CPF scheme, to provide compulsory saving for the workers for retirement. This is a wonderful scheme which not only helps people to build up their savings but also lessen the government's burden to provide social welfare for the aged. CPF is compulsory contribution for all Singapore companies, with contribution from both employer and employee. Up to age 55, employee sets aside 20% of their salary and employer contributes 17% of the employee's wage.

Answer: Wastewater

Singapore is a small country with limited water resource and heavily dependent on nearby Johor state in Malaysia for water supply. In 2009, NEWater is a brand name developed by PUB to produce purified water (fit from drinking) from reclaimed waste water (sewage).

In additional to the conventional water treatment process, the waste water is treated by using a dual membrane, micro filtration and reverse osmosis and ultra violet technologies to purify the water. Singapore had one of the most advanced technologies in water treatment and purification.

Answer: Jewel

Singapore completed the 4th terminal in 2017 and Changi Airport had been voted the best airport in the world by Skytrax for the seven consecutive year. The Jewel aka Rain Vortex is the centrepiece of a 4-storey building which links to the three terminals. The hub consists of gardens, hotel, cinema with over 280 retail and food outlets.

Answer: Political and economic

United Malays National Organization (UMNO) wanted to put PAP until their control. Malaysian Chinese Association (UMCO Chinese wing party) was worried PAP with mainly Chinese politicians headed by Lee Kwan Yew would eventually replace them. PAP could not agree with Malaysian bumiputera policy of helping the Malays.

The Malays were the original natives who were mostly poor, with the economy of the country mainly controlled by the Chinese immigrants. PAP was against this issue of racial discrimination. Racial unrest in 1964 and Singapore's government want to act autonomous without interference from the Federal government led to the eventual split in August 1965.