Wikipedia:WikiProject Singapore/Did you know

Transcluding 10 of 429 total (See all)
 * ... that Alan Choe was tasked with developing Queenstown, Singapore's first satellite town, after its British architects left the country in the mid-1950s?
 * ... that due to a 2024 heat wave in Southeast Asia, heat indices in the Philippines rose to dangerous levels, as high as 51 °C (124 °F)?
 * ... that Bedok Reservoir MRT station features a public artwork including a message that "dribbles down" the lift shaft in motifs of droplets?
 * ... that Singaporean chef and restaurateur Tan Kue Kim cooked while wearing a S$40,000 gold Rolex watch?
 * ... that S. Iswaran was the first Singaporean cabinet minister to be investigated by the country's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau since 1986?
 * ... that Sun Haiyan is the first Chinese ambassador to Singapore who was not a member of the Foreign Ministry of China?
 * ... that Wee Toon Boon remained a member of the Parliament of Singapore even after he began serving a prison sentence for corruption?
 * ... that some people have asked whether they can pay for their Singapore hotel stay using a travel card?
 * ... that Orchard MRT station had a dome over the station's circular concourse until it was removed in 2008?
 * ... that a number of bus drivers who participated in a strike were unaware that it was illegally held?
 * ... that Singaporean broadcaster Lee Fook Hong legally changed his name to Lee Dai Sor (literally 'Lee Big Fool' in Cantonese) after being accused of tax evasion?
 * ... that Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his son Lee Hsien Loong donated the "unsolicited discounts" from their controversial purchase of condominium units to charity?
 * ... that Chinese intellectual Tan Teck Soon, who was the son of a Christian missionary, became a supporter of Buddhist revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala in his later years?
 * ... that Singaporean performance artist Josef Ng was fined S$1,000 for partially exposing his buttocks and snipping his pubic hair during a public performance?
 * ... that Chinese missionary Tan See Boo moved to Singapore to work for the Presbyterian Church, but later returned to China to persuade Christians to leave the Presbyterian Church?
 * ... that Singaporean swimmer Marc Tay served in the Gulf War as an eye surgeon?
 * ... that an artwork in Singapore's Outram Park MRT station represents the state of mind of commuters through 69 engravings of surreal human forms?
 * ... that Tropicana was reportedly the first building in Singapore to contain nightclubs, restaurants, and a theatre?
 * ... that Bayfront MRT station in Singapore has public art that features ships powered by whales and dragons, hand-drawn by children?
 * ... that Saint John's Island was the site of one of the largest quarantine centres of the British Empire (pictured), and held one of the first experimental drug rehabilitation centres?
 * ... that artwork at Shenton Way MRT station depicts everyday people running after an old banknote?
 * ... that a teenager planned to blow up the tomb of Islamic saint Habib Noh because he believed that it was un-Islamic?
 * ... that a construction worker working on the Great World MRT station died after an excavator's bucket dislodged and fell on him?
 * ... that King Albert Park MRT station and its adjoining stations Tan Kah Kee and Sixth Avenue are intended to represent the natural elements?
 * ... that the public artwork Eroclamation at Haw Par Villa MRT station reflects Haw Par Villa's themes of mortality and reincarnation?
 * ... that badminton in Singapore began in the early 19th century?
 * ... that Singaporean singer Dawn Gan played herself in a television drama about aspiring singers?
 * ... that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions caused a 37-percent increase in infections of dengue fever in Singapore's 2020 outbreak?
 * ... that Singaporean zoologist Bernard Harrison was disliked by an orangutan?
 * ... that gynaecologist Oon Chiew Seng, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, was the founding chairperson of the first dementia home in Singapore?
 * ... that the Hainanese chicken rice at the Singaporean restaurant Chatterbox was developed by a German chef?
 * ... that staff had to be deployed on the first day of service at Woodleigh MRT station to assist commuters who alighted there mistakenly because they didn't realize it had opened?
 * ... that Singapore's North East MRT line saw the first launch of the Art-in-Transit (AiT) programme – a public artwork showcase on the MRT network?
 * ... that to reflect the neighbourhood's heritage as a songbird-watching community, Singapore's Mayflower MRT station is decorated with 22 bird sculptures?
 * ... that Singapore's Upper Thomson MRT station is decorated with 88 animal figures, most of which are crab-eating macaques?
 * ... that Singaporean activist Thum Ping Tjin called the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act an attempted coup?
 * ... that a temporary two-lane viaduct was built along Cross Street to replace the closed lanes during the construction of Singapore's Telok Ayer MRT station?
 * ... that RSS Panglima was the first ship of the Republic of Singapore Navy?
 * ... that Singapore's Nicoll Highway MRT station had to be relocated as a result of a 2004 tunnel collapse near the station?
 * ... that Ng Yu Zhi owned the only Pagani Huayra in Singapore?
 * ... that Song Kok Hoo was the first Asian deputy commissioner of police in Singapore?
 * ... that YouTuber Ghib Ojisan visited Yishun, a Singaporean town, expecting danger after reading of cats being slaughtered but instead found it "home to nice people and cute cats"?
 * ... that Ian Ang, the co-founder and CEO of the gaming chair company Secretlab, was a StarCraft II champion?
 * ... that an artwork featured at Singapore's Marina South Pier MRT station was commissioned for the country's 50th year of independence?
 * ... that the two elliptical roofs of Singapore's Expo MRT station reflect sunlight into the station while cooling it?
 * ... that in one of Singapore's largest drainage diversions, a canal had to be redirected into steel pipes while constructing Chinatown MRT station?
 * ... that Toa Payoh station was the first in Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system to have its structural works completed?
 * ... that Chang Yun Chung, formerly the world's oldest billionaire, was captured during the Japanese occupation for aiding anti-Japanese resistance in Malaya?
 * ... that aviation medicine pioneer Jarnail Singh work launched the first ultra long-haul flight between Singapore and New York in 2004?
 * ... that Singapore's Punggol station is the longest station on the North East line, at 320 metres?
 * ... that the architect of Singapore's Stadium MRT station rotated the original plan on its side after being forced to revise the station's design?
 * ... that the biography of Singapore's first Asian postmaster-general, M. Bala Subramanion, was released at The Fullerton Hotel, the site of the old General Post Office where he had worked for 35 years?
 * ... that table-tennis player Isabelle Li received a standing ovation despite losing the final at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics?
 * ... that visitors leave offerings of makeup and Barbie dolls at a shrine to a German girl who died in Singapore in 1914?
 * ... that in 1965, City Developments Limited is believed to be the first company in Asia to introduce the concept of show houses?
 * ... that Roland Tan, the most-wanted fugitive in Singapore, remained at large for 50 years until his death in April 2020 in Denmark?
 * ... that Singaporean authorities hope that the Mandai Wildlife Bridge will reduce the risk of animals such as Sunda pangolins and leopard cats becoming roadkill?
 * ... that Lim Ban Lim, Singapore's most wanted fugitive, stole at least $2.5 million in his career but was found with only $1.40 on him when he was killed by police?
 * ... that a Malaysian sultan gave "The Singing Bishop" a marble statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a token of their friendship?
 * ... that Canberra MRT station was designed with a nautical theme to reflect Singapore's historical role as a British naval base?
 * ... that former naval diver Esther Tan has been dubbed "Singapore's G.I. Jane"?
 * ... that the final of the 2017 World Women's Snooker Championship was the longest ever recorded best-of-11- match, lasting over eight hours of playing time?
 * ... that Chinese entrepreneur Frank Tsao co-founded the national shipping lines of both Malaysia and Thailand, and was awarded the nobility title Tan Sri by the king of Malaysia?
 * ... that although her mother never cooked, Violet Oon learned to cook Peranakan food at the age of sixteen before eventually being appointed the food ambassador of Singapore?
 * ... that pianist Wu Yili made her public debut in her teens, released her first album in her 70s, and went viral in her 80s?
 * ... that Eco-Link@BKE, the first ecological corridor of its kind in Southeast Asia, is intended to help conserve animals such as the banded leaf monkey and Sunda pangolin in Singapore?
 * ... that director Jon M. Chu pushed back production on Crazy Rich Asians by four months so actress Constance Wu could star in it?
 * ... that Victoria Loke, who had a role in Crazy Rich Asians, has advocated for the rights of sex workers and domestic workers?
 * ... that William Montgomerie wished that the men who destroyed the Singapore Stone had been more superstitious?
 * ... that when William C. F. Robinson was sworn in as governor of South Australia, the band played a song that he had composed himself?
 * ... that the flooding of a tunnel on the Singapore MRT, causing more than S$2 million in damages, was blamed on falsified maintenance records?
 * ... that the Clementi rail accident on the Singapore MRT was caused by a 50 L oil spill?
 * ... that one train rear-ended another at Singapore's Joo Koon station last month because its new signalling system determined the first train to be half its actual length?
 * ... that "The Chosen Wan" is the first Singaporean to hold a world title in professional boxing?
 * ... that Leaena Tambyah founded Singapore's first school for children with multiple disabilities in 1979?
 * ... that Jason Chee won a gold medal in table tennis despite losing both his legs, his left arm, one right finger, and his right eye?
 * ... that Irene Clennell was deported from the UK, despite having a British husband, because she had spent too long abroad?
 * ... that the opium merchant Ezekiel Saleh Manasseh, who died in Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, built Eden Hall and co-owned the Goodwood Park Hotel with his brothers?
 * ... that Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle are the first street food stalls in the world to receive Michelin stars?
 * ... that Neisha Pratt captained the Hong Kong women's national cricket team in their first official match in 2006?
 * ... that competition for the contract to build Singapore's first MRT trains (pictured) was so fierce that it involved last-minute discounts, offers of free parts, and allegations of sabotage?
 * ... that the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix was won by Sebastian Vettel even though he lost his bottle?
 * ... that Bridget Tan, who founded the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics to provide services to abused migrant workers, was honored for her work by Hillary Clinton?
 * ... that between 1995 and 2003, table tennis player Jing Junhong won medals at five consecutive Southeast Asian Games?
 * ... that Singaporean fungi expert Gloria Lim was once summoned by her country's Ministry of Defence when their storage area developed mold?
 * ... that Singaporean women's rights activist Khatijun Nissa Siraj pressed for the creation of a Syariah Court and served as its first caseworker?
 * ... that Singapore is the third largest foreign investment country of Vietnam?
 * ... that Hajjah Fatimah, one of the inaugural inductees into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame, provided for the construction of a mosque that now bears her name?
 * ... that Navroji Mistri soft drinks business was so successful that he was able to purchase the entire Caldecott Hill Estate?
 * ... that diplomatic relations between Mexico and Singapore were officially established only in 1975 although Singapore took part in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City?
 * ... that Neo Ao Tiew was credited for ruling over and policing a village of 10,000 people with no crime?
 * ... that the Netherlands was one of the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore?
 * ... that Thomson Plaza is one of the first public buildings in Singapore to be designed with barrier-free features?
 * ... that a 2006 Singapore case says the test for apparent bias, a type of procedural impropriety, involves asking if a fair-minded person would have a reasonable suspicion that a fair trial is impossible?
 * ... that in a 2013 case, the Singapore Court of Appeal held that the Prime Minister was wrong to say he had discretion under the Constitution not to call a by-election to fill a parliamentary vacancy?
 * ... that Viddsee was founded because Asian short films were being drowned out by other video hosting sites?
 * ... that in 1966 two Members of the Singapore Parliament were convicted of sedition for claiming that the People's Action Party government was "plotting to murder" an opposition politician?
 * ... that Cheryl's birthday is July 16, although some people think it should be August 17?
 * ... that Amos Yee won the Best Actor and Best Short Film awards at the 2011 First Film Fest for a film he made "in his bedroom" at the age of 13?
 * ... that certain offences from Singapore's new anti-harassment law include online acts committed outside of the nation?
 * ... that Singaporean swimmer Samantha Yeo was twelve years old when she competed at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games?
 * ... that the niece of Pat Chan, Singapore's "Golden Girl", is also an international competitive swimmer?
 * ... that Singaporean swimmer Amanda Lim won the women's 50-metre freestyle event in the 2009, 2011, and 2013 Southeast Asian Games?
 * ... that In the Room, currently in-production and directed by Eric Khoo, is the first ever Singaporean erotic film?
 * ... that Sri Temasek (pictured) is designated the official residence of the Prime Minister of Singapore, though no Prime Minister has actually lived there?
 * ... that Singapore used to have a frozen pork hotline?
 * ... that long hair was once banned in Singapore?
 * ... that football coach Choo Seng Quee was a British agent during World War II?
 * ... that top-scoring Singaporean footballer Aleksandar Đurić (pictured) represented Bosnia & Herzegovina in canoeing at the 1992 Summer Olympics?
 * ... that former Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore Andrew Ang worked as a corporate and tax lawyer for 30 years before being elevated to the Bench?
 * ... that a 1991 Singapore court case quashed an order requiring a woman to rename her business for being too similar to J. C. Penney as the authorities had taken into account irrelevant considerations?
 * ... that the Singapore Government takes the view that separation of powers is less important than choosing leaders that can be trusted and do not need to be fettered?
 * ... that the 1954 BOAC Constellation crash remains Singapore's deadliest aviation accident?
 * ... that the 2013 Little India riot, which had about 400 participants, resulted in 25 emergency vehicles being damaged?
 * ... that Lily Tirtasana Neo was born in Indonesia, graduated from an Irish medical school, and became an MP in Singapore in 1997?
 * ... that The Messiah has threatened to "bring down key infrastructure in Singapore"?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Patrick Tay has been the namesake of a chess competition, given a star, and conferred a fellowship?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Penny Low, a Member of Parliament for the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency, used to work at the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation?
 * ... that among the restaurants in Singapore, the burgeoning street food scene (pictured) was introduced by immigrants from India, Malaysia, and China?
 * ... that Hsien of the Dead (2012) is "Singapore's first zombie movie"?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Cedric Foo is currently a Member of Parliament for the Pioneer Single Member Constituency?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Alex Yam, a member of the People's Action Party, also works for the National Trade Union Congress?
 * ... that Singaporean politician and lawyer Ellen Lee was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star in Malay) in 1997?
 * ... that Singaporean business magnate and former noodle-seller Ron Sim became a billionaire thanks to his investments in the Osim International company?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Ang Wei Neng used to be an officer in the Singapore Police Force but now works with buses?
 * ... that Michael Kum is the thirty-first richest person in Singapore, with a net worth of $750 million?
 * ... that the first issue of the Singapore Tamil weekly Singai Nesan commemorated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria?
 * ... that John Chuang, the co-founder of chocolate manufacturer Petra Foods, is the twenty-second richest person in Singapore, with an estimated net worth of $965 million?
 * ... that Singaporean photographer Leslie Kee was fined a million yen in February 2013 for not censoring his nude photographs in Japan?
 * ... that Singaporean politician and People's Action Party member Lee Bee Wah is also the President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association?
 * ... that the Singaporean food business Botak Jones sells halal American cuisine?
 * ... that while the year 1837 is inscribed on TWG Tea logo, it was founded in 2008?
 * ... that Singaporean businessperson Zeng Guo Yuan spent three weeks in jail for placing sunshades at his two stores without permission?
 * ... that according to Larry Loh of CNNGo, Milo Dinosaurs are a reason why Singapore is the best country in the world?
 * ... that justiciability is a threshold issue in Singapore administrative law, and the Court of Appeal has held that exercises of prosecutorial discretion and the clemency power are justiciable?
 * ... that Singaporeans commemorate the Birthday of the Monkey God (Monkey God pictured) by writing in blood?
 * ... that the 2013 dengue outbreak is one of the worst outbreaks of the disease in Singapore to date?
 * ... that Singaporean businesswoman Margaret Heng is the CEO of Shatec, a hospitality-training school where she was initially an administrator?
 * ... that fish heads are eaten (dish pictured) in Singapore with a range of ingredients including milk, brandy, and fried noodles?
 * ... that in 1989 the Singapore Parliament reversed the effect of a 1988 Court of Appeal case holding that the Internal Security Act did not exclude judicial review of decisions to detain without trial?
 * ... that with their combined wealth estimated at $1.6 billion, Singaporean couple Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong are among the richest people in Singapore?
 * ... that Ashvin Sivakumar won the Big Spell 2013 by correctly spelling pulchritudinous?
 * ... that the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (pictured) is the first biosphere reserve in Singapore?
 * ... that Singapore has lost 90% of its natural forests?
 * ... that Singaporean businessman Lien Ying Chow was the first non-American recipient of the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award?
 * ... that agriculture in Singapore accounted for only 0.5% of the country's GDP in 2010?
 * ... that photographer Chua Soo Bin has been called "one of the most sought-after commercial photographers" in Singapore?
 * ... that businessman Hoo Ah Kay is considered "one of the most influential Chinese (Cantonese) tycoons in Singapore"?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Abdul Hamid bin Haji Jumat was "Singapore first Malay minister"?
 * ... that the Singaporean Satay Club re-sold leftover sticks of satay?
 * ... that stingrays are eaten in Singapore with raw peanuts and sugar?
 * ... that Singaporean rapper Shigga Shay has been hailed as "Singapore's Kanye West"?
 * ... that Hong Leong Group founder Kwek Hong Png was one of the world's richest men with an estimated net worth of $3 billion?
 * ... that Chia Thye Poh, formerly detained under Singapore's Internal Security Act, has been called "the world's second longest serving prisoner-of-conscience after South Africa's Nelson Mandela"?
 * ... that former chef Aziza Ali is credited with establishing Singapore's first Malay restaurant?
 * ... that Singaporean politician Abdul Rahim Ishak at different points in time served as ambassador to Ethiopia, Indonesia, Lebanon, the United Arab Republic, and Yugoslavia?
 * ... that in 2013, Singaporean politician Desmond Lim set a new record for the lowest percentage garnered in an election since the independence of Singapore in 1965?
 * ... that the Singapore High Court (pictured) can grant the remedy of declaring void a law inconsistent with the Constitution enacted before its commencement, even though Article 4 seems to say otherwise?
 * ... that in Singapore administrative law, it is illegal for a public authority to fetter its discretion by sticking rigidly to a policy?
 * ... that in the 1991 case Re Fong Thin Choo the Singapore High Court held that a public authority's decision can be invalidated if based on a misconception or ignorance of a fact?
 * ... that animator Nickson Fong is the first Singaporean to receive an Academy Award?
 * ... that in 1979 only two students registered to join Ai Tong School, now one of the most popular schools in Singapore?
 * ... that the Singapore Constitution that came into force on 9 August 1965 was not drafted as a single document but was made up of provisions from three separate statutes?
 * ... that Iggy's has been named the best restaurant in Asia by both the Miele Guide and The World's 50 Best Restaurants?
 * ... that the video game Street Fighter X Mega Man was developed by one fan with the support of Capcom?
 * ... that the Singapore Government believes representative democracy is better understood as focusing on the electorate choosing political parties than individual Members of Parliament (Parliament House pictured)?
 * ... that former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said that the Non-constituency Member of Parliament scheme should be introduced to show younger voters how destructive an opposition can be?
 * ... that in the 1980 case Ong Ah Chuan v. Public Prosecutor, the Privy Council held that fundamental liberties in the Singapore Constitution should be given a "generous interpretation"?
 * ... that Singaporean sprinter C Kunalan feat of 10.38 seconds in the 1968 Summer Olympic Games 100 metres was a national record for 33 years?
 * ... that in the 1994 case Chan Hiang Leng Colin v. Public Prosecutor the Singapore High Court held that a ban on Jehovah's Witnesses and their publications did not violate their freedom of religion?
 * ... that in Shadrake v. Attorney-General, where a British journalist was charged with scandalizing the Singapore courts, the Court of Appeal declined to apply the American "clear and present danger" test?
 * ... that  Jane Lee is the first woman from Southeast Asia to climb the Seven Summits?
 * ... that Malayisation has occurred in five Southeast Asian countries?
 * ... that at a 1999 Singapore Parliament debate, opposition MP J.B. Jeyaretnam's motion that the Government should comply fully with the rule of law was amended to commend the Government for doing so?
 * ... that the Singapore High Court once held that, by refusing berths to a company running gambling cruises, the port authority had not fettered its discretion – a form of illegality in administrative law?
 * ... that Tan Boon Teik was the longest-serving Attorney-General of post-independence Singapore, having held office for just over 25 years?
 * ... that the right to vote is not expressly stated in Singapore's Constitution?
 * ... that in a 1998 case the Singapore Court of Appeal held the Internal Security Act contained no precedent facts as Parliament clearly intended that detention decisions were to be made by the Government?
 * ... that mandatory, prohibiting and quashing orders, and the order for review of detention, which are remedies available in Singapore administrative law, derive from ancient British prerogative writs?
 * ... that Singapore is said to espouse a "green-light" approach towards administrative law – that good government should be sought through the political process – given the government's focus on efficiency?
 * ... that the rights to freedom of speech, assembly and association are only guaranteed by Article 14 of the Singapore Constitution to Singapore citizens?
 * ... that Eng Foong Ho v. AG held that the Singapore Constitution was not breached when a Chinese temple was compulsorily acquired and an Indian mission and a Christian church nearby were not?
 * ... that as of 2009 the High Court of Singapore's judgment in the Taw Cheng Kong case was the only decision where a statutory provision had been struck down as unconstitutional?
 * ... that the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act of Singapore allows restrictions to be placed on religious leaders who promote political causes under the guise of religious activity?
 * ... that the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, a Singaporean body that ensures laws do not discriminate against racial or religious minorities, has not issued an adverse report since its creation?
 * ... that Singapore paid uneducated women to get sterilised as part of its Stop at Two campaign?
 * ... that during the Singaporean parliamentary general election of 2011 the opposition Workers' Party won a Group Representation Constituency for the first time?
 * ... that females of the jumping spider Portia labiata use silk draglines as territory marks, and use these to avoid females of higher fighting ability and spend more time around less powerful fighters?
 * ... that Temasek Review, a popular Singapore website critical of the ruling party, is to close in July?
 * ... that there are three paradoxes confronting career women in Singapore?
 * ... that the Kunming–Singapore Railway will be 3900 km long when completed?
 * ... that Singapore's first Chief of Defence Force, Winston Choo, is now the country's ambassador to Israel?
 * ... that the Belitung shipwreck was an Arabian dhow which was sewn together, held the "Tang treasure" and the largest gold Tang cup ever found?
 * ... that a Singapore Subordinate Court criminal case appealed to the High Court cannot be further appealed to the Court of Appeal, but questions of law can be referred to that Court for determination?
 * ... that a Group Representation Constituency is a type of electoral division in Singapore in which a team of candidates stands for election and is voted into Parliament as a group?
 * ... that in May 2009, when proposing that Nominated Members of Parliament should be a permanent part of Singapore's Parliament, the Prime Minister said they had "outshone even the Opposition MPs"?
 * ... that under Article 9 of the Singapore Constitution no one may be deprived of life or personal liberty save in accordance with law, which a 1980 case says includes fundamental rules of natural justice?
 * ... that in a 1998 case the Singapore Court of Appeal traced the origin of the concept of equality in Article 12 of the Constitution of Singapore to the 40th article of the Magna Carta of 1215?
 * ... that freedom of religion in Singapore, which is guaranteed by Article 15 of the Constitution of Singapore, may be restricted by a general law relating to public order, public health or morality?
 * ... that one definition of judicial bias in Singapore is that a "reasonable and fair-minded person" who is present in court and knows all the relevant facts suspects that a fair trial is not possible?
 * ... that a classic hypothetical example of the Wednesbury unreasonableness doctrine in administrative law, which applies in Singapore, is a public authority dismissing a teacher because of her red hair?
 * ... that in a 1988 administrative law judgment, the High Court of Singapore held that an alien allowed to enter the country for a fixed period has no legitimate expectation of staying a day longer?
 * ... that the late Singaporean Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan became a neurosurgeon after seeing the effects of Minamata disease in Minamata, Japan, as a medical student?
 * ... that people making speeches at Speakers' Corner in Singapore (pictured) must use one of Singapore's four official languages – English, Malay, Mandarin or Tamil – or a related dialect?
 * ... that the finless sleeper ray may be the smallest cartilaginous fish, with the smallest adult specimen measuring 8.2 cm long?
 * ... that a potential candidate for a presidential election in Singapore must apply for a certificate of eligibility to show he has the necessary qualifications to be nominated?
 * ... that United States Army Air Forces B-29 Superfortress bombers attacked targets in and near Singapore on eleven occasions between November 1944 and March 1945?
 * ... that the Singapore case Chng Suan Tze v. Minister for Home Affairs, which held that courts could assess the lawfulness of orders made under the Internal Security Act, was overridden by statute in 1989?
 * ... that the costumes of Lyo and Merly, the official mascots of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore, have inbuilt fans and optional vests lined with cool packs to keep wearers from overheating?
 * ... that the President of Singapore can only refer questions regarding the Constitution to the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Tribunal on the Cabinet's advice?
 * ... that senior Singaporean legal officer Sivakant Tiwari was lead counsel in inquiries into the Spyros disaster (1978), the Singapore Cable Car disaster (1984), and the Hotel New World disaster (1988)?
 * ... that any act or statement which alleges bias, impropriety or any wrongdoing concerning a judge in the exercise of his judicial function falls within the offence of scandalizing the court in Singapore?
 * ... that the Nanyang Style was a regional art movement practised by migrant Chinese painters in Singapore in the 1950s?
 * ... that S.R. Nathan was the first President of Singapore to exercise the constitutional power to use the nation's past reserves to fund government schemes during the financial downturn?
 * ... that Earache got Wormrot in January 2010?
 * ... that Inderjit Singh, member of the Parliament of Singapore, started six businesses?
 * ... that the Bukit Timah Monkey Man is a cryptid said to roam around the city-state of Singapore?
 * ... that Paul the Octopus (pictured) predicts Spain winning the World Cup today, while Mani the Parakeet tips a victory by the Netherlands?
 * ... that Hwa Chong Institution (pictured), a pre-university educational institution in Singapore, has produced 50 President's Scholars, the most by any junior college in the country?
 * ... that art collective Vertical Submarine, winners of President’s Young Talents award 2009, placed gray sunflowers in the Botanic Gardens with a poem by the fictional Chien Swee-Teng?
 * ... that in 1947, 72 out of 126 trade unions in Singapore were affiliated to the communist-led Singapore Federation of Trade Unions?
 * ... that the spray-painting of graffiti on a Mass Rapid Transit train in a depot by Oliver Fricker and an accomplice in May 2010 caused an outcry over the security of protected installations in Singapore?
 * ... that in 1991 Judicial Commissioner K. S. Rajah annulled a marriage between a woman who underwent sex reassignment surgery and another woman, reasoning that a transsexual's gender was biologically determined?
 * ... that under the Vandalism Act of Singapore, a person convicted for the first time of vandalism by defacing property using an indelible substance such as paint must be sentenced to caning?
 * ... that Walter Woon, former Attorney-General of Singapore, was the first Member of Parliament since Singapore's independence to have a private member's bill become a public law?
 * ... that the High Court of Singapore (Supreme Court Building pictured) is the sole court in Singapore exercising original criminal jurisdiction that may impose the death penalty?
 * ... that if a Member of the Parliament of Singapore (Parliament House pictured) claims a division during a vote on a motion, MPs are locked inside the debating chamber until their votes have been tallied?
 * ... that Singaporean author Rex Shelley wrote his first novel The Shrimp People, about the Eurasian community in Singapore, in 1991 at age 61?
 * ... that Singaporean sculptor Han Sai Por created her 2006 work Seeds (pictured), situated at the National Museum of Singapore, from sandstone excavated during the Museum's redevelopment?
 * ... that the People's Action Party has dominated the Government of Singapore by winning a majority of seats in every general election since 1959?
 * ... that the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act of Singapore that allows for suspected criminals to be detained without trial has been renewed 12 times since its enactment in 1955?
 * ... that in April 2009, Lim Hwee Hua became the first woman to be appointed a full Minister in Singapore's Cabinet?
 * ... that the Kangchu system was instrumental in driving Johor's economy during the 19th century?
 * ... that Choor Singh, former judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore, was the first Singaporean judge to impose the death penalty on a woman?
 * ... that the son of Sultan Ali of Johor, Tengku Alam Shah, inspired the Jementah Civil War in 1879 after he failed to claim inheritance of his father's territory at Kessang?
 * ... that the tiger in the Coat of arms of Singapore (pictured) represents Malaysia?
 * ... that Choa Chu Kang Community Library was the first library in Singapore to install self-check machines for borrowing and returning of books?
 * ... that masters of Singapore-registered ships are subject to a fine of S$1,000 if they do not hoist the Red Ensign (pictured) before entering or leaving port?
 * ... that during the trial for the Toa Payoh ritual murders in Singapore, Howard Cashin received death threats for defending the accused, Adrian Lim?
 * ... that Singaporean backstroke swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, who has muscular dystrophy, won a gold and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, setting two world records in the process?
 * ... that Tiger's Whip, a piece of installation art by Singaporean artist Tang Da Wu, highlights how the tiger is being hunted for its penis?
 * ... that prior to Singapore's first Formula One race in 2008, the last running of the Singapore Grand Prix was as a non-championship race run to Australian Formula Two rules in 1973?
 * ... that "Disneyland with the Death Penalty" became a famous description for Singapore (pictured) following the 1993 publication of William Gibson's article of the same name?
 * ... that Singaporean equestrienne Laurentia Tan won Singapore's first-ever Paralympic medals, two bronzes in dressage, at the 2008 Summer Paralympics?
 * ... that crime in Singapore includes mobile phone snatching which have in the past been the main target for robbers and snatch thieves?
 * ... that Singaporean Paralympian Theresa Goh, who is paraplegic, won six gold medals in swimming at the 2003 ISMWSF World Wheelchair Games in 2003?
 * ... that the Chinese government revoked the manufacturer's license for diet pill Slim 10 after it was linked to several liver failures and deaths?
 * ... that the silver won at the 2008 Summer Olympics by the Singapore women's table tennis team, comprising Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu, is the second Olympic medal in Singapore's history?
 * ... that Edwin Thumboo ' s 1979 poem Ulysses by the Merlion has influenced so many other Singaporean poets, it is joked that a true Singapore poet has to have written a "Merlion poem"?
 * ... that in her début at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tao Li broke the Asian record for the 100 m butterfly twice and became the first Singaporean swimmer to enter an Olympic final?
 * ... that American President Lines was declared an industry leader in 1989 for its innovations in container transport?
 * ... that growing Indo-Singaporean relations include extensive military cooperation and diverse bilateral trade, which is expected to rise from USD 9–10 billion in 2006 to USD 50 billion by 2010?
 * ... that Pinnacle@Duxton (model pictured), at 50 floors, is set to be the tallest public housing in Singapore upon completion?
 * ... that Vuestar Technologies in Singapore claims to own patents for hyperlinking a visual image to webpages, and plans to bill virtually all websites for its use?
 * ... that the Sembawang, discovered in 1909, is the only natural hot spring on the main island of Singapore?
 * ... that the National Courtesy Campaign was the first government campaign in Singapore to adopt a mascot?
 * ... that Professor Lalit Goel of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore became an internet celebrity after footage of his lectures were uploaded to YouTube?
 * ... that free MMS were sent out to all 5.5 million mobile phone subscribers in Singapore to alert them of the prison break of ISA detainee Mas Selamat bin Kastari?
 * ... that wig wearing and addressing judges as "My Lord" or "Your Lordship" in Singapore courts was abolished by Chief Justice Yong Pung How in 1990?
 * ... that the Trim and Fit weight loss programme targeting obesity in Singaporean schoolchildren resulted in its participants suffering from teasing and stigmatization?
 * ... that the current series of banknotes in Singapore feature the portrait of Yusof bin Ishak, the first President of Singapore?
 * ... that the Chevron House (pictured) in Singapore houses the international headquarters of Caltex, a petroleum brand name?
 * ... that computer simulation techniques were used to review the design of One Marina Boulevard in Singapore?
 * ... that Singaporean artist Chua Ek Kay’s ink paintings blended traditional Chinese painting forms and Western art theories and techniques?
 * ... that during the construction of Centennial Tower (pictured) in Singapore, the tower rose 20 storeys in just three months?
 * ... that in March 2007, about five thousand workers were evacuated from Hong Leong Building in Singapore after tremors originating from Sumatra were felt?
 * ... that twelve floors in Springleaf Tower (pictured), a skyscraper in Singapore, were sold at S$225 million in October 2007, while nine months earlier, they were sold at S$134 million?
 * ... that the Fuji Xerox Towers (pictured), a skyscraper in Singapore, was given the 2005 Energy Smart Label Award by the Energy Sustainability Unit and the National Environment Agency?
 * ... that the facade of Hitachi Tower (pictured) in Singapore has three sections which break the verticality of the tower?
 * ... that the old block of the Bank of China Building in Singapore was the tallest building in the central business district, Raffles Place, from 1954 till 1974?
 * ... that the CPF Building, which houses the Central Provident Fund Board, was the site of a silent protest by four people demanding greater transparency and accountability in Singapore?
 * ... that 6 Battery Road, a high-rise in Singapore, was on completion the largest building for the Standard Chartered Bank Group worldwide, and represented the largest single investment by a British company?
 * ... that during the construction of Samsung Hub (pictured), a high-rise commercial building in Singapore, the building sank on one side from 3 mm to 39 mm in just four months?
 * ... that the SIA Building, a skyscraper in Singapore, is the flagship building of Singapore Airlines?
 * ... that SGX Centre, a twin building development in Singapore, was built at a location to be the gateway to the new downtown?
 * ... that the Pickering Operations Complex, a high-rise telecommunication hotel in Singapore, has eight refrigerating plants each with a capacity of 300 tons, and 16 control centres?
 * ... that through the opening of the Thomson MRT Line and Eastern Region MRT Line by 2020, Singapore's rail network density will rise from 31 km per million residents today to 51 km per million, surpassing what Hong Kong and Tokyo currently have?
 * ... that DBS Building Tower One, the tallest building in Singapore when completed in 1975, is an example of brutalist architecture?
 * ... that Ong Kim Seng is the only Asian artist outside the USA to be admitted into the American Watercolor Society, having won six awards from the society?
 * ... that the Little Guilin in Singapore is given its name because of its resemblance to the scenery in Guilin, China?
 * ... that the Western Islands Planning Area in Singapore houses the world's third largest refining centre, located in Jurong Island?
 * ... that "Majulah Singapura", the national anthem of Singapore, was originally a theme song for events held by Singapore's City Council during colonial times?
 * ... that Augustine Podmore Williams, a British mariner who urged his fellow-officers to abandon a crowded vessel in stormy seas in 1880, served as the inspiration for Joseph Conrad's fictional character Lord Jim?
 * ... that Singapore's 5.4-ton Pegasus is the first helicopter-portable 155mm howitzer with a self-propelled capability?
 * ... that the International Olympic Committee has shortlisted five cities — Athens, Bangkok, Moscow, Singapore and Turin — out of nine bids to host the first Youth Olympic Games in 2010?
 * ... that Singaporean Teresa Hsu, a 110-year old social worker who teaches yoga and selfless service to the needy, was named 'Hero for Today' by the Chinese edition of the Reader's Digest?
 * ... that Singapore’s Sungei Road, formerly a place designated for affluent Europeans and Asians, is now the largest and oldest flea market better known as the Thieves' Market?
 * ... that a 120-year old Bodhi tree (pictured) in Jin Long Si Temple, standing over 30 m tall with a girth of 8.5 m, is the oldest and largest of its kind ever found in Singapore?
 * ... that Singapore’s Fort Tanjong Katong, one of the oldest military forts built by the British colonial government, never saw combat action and was nicknamed the "Wash-out Fort"?
 * ... that a dispute about S$60 has led to a court appeal amounting to over S$120,000 in legal costs?
 * ... that Singaporean Venerable Ho Yuen Hoe worked nineteen-hour days hairdressing for nearly thirty years, and used the money to open a nursing home at age 61?
 * ... that Singapore's Gallery Hotel (pictured), with its twisted cuboid form and seemingly random and multi-coloured windows, stands like a massive pop art signpost?
 * ... that New World, the first and largest family-oriented amusement park in Singapore, was known for its striptease, cabaret girls, and wrestling matches during its heyday?
 * ... that the International Plaza (pictured) is the tallest commercial building with residential apartments in Singapore?
 * ... that the wall mural on Marine Parade Community Building (pictured) is Singapore's largest piece of installation art?
 * ... that the planned South Beach complex in Singapore will incorporate four conservation buildings, where the first National Service enlistment was held in 1967?
 * ... that Tanjong Katong Primary School has the most diverse student population among all government-operated schools in Singapore, as its students come from 39 countries?
 * ... that the Yue Hwa Building used to house a popular boutique hotel, and was the tallest building in Singapore's Chinatown when it was completed in 1936?
 * ... that a series of miscommunications and withdrawals by Allied forces during the Battle of Kranji allowed the Japanese forces to gain strategic footholds which led to the fall of Singapore in 1942?
 * ... that Stamford House in Singapore, at first an office building, was for a time in the early 20th century an annex of Raffles Hotel due to a shortage of hotel rooms?
 * ... that an inscribed tombstone of a political dissident, Tan Chay Wa, sparked off a court case in Singapore which eventually made international news in 1983?
 * ... that the Newton Food Centre is promoted by the Singapore Tourism Board for sampling Singaporean cuisine, despite allegations of overpricing and mediocre food quality by locals?
 * ... that Swan and Maclaren is the oldest architectural firm in Singapore?
 * ... that the SGH War Memorial (pictured) was gazetted as one of the nine historical landmarks that are closely linked with the history of medical education in Singapore?
 * ... that the website HardwareZone initiated the first court case in Singapore over a domain name, which was settled after just four days?
 * ... that Singapore's Early Founders Memorial Stone (pictured), a foundation stone for a proposed memorial, became the memorial itself?
 * ... that there was a lighthouse on the roof of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, which could be seen by ships 29 kilometres away?
 * ... that Singapore's DHL Balloon is the world's largest tethered helium balloon?
 * ... that the Singapore Government has introduced the "Punggol 21-plus" plan to re-vitalise Punggol New Town (pictured), after an unsuccessful attempt in the late 1990s?
 * ... that the National Art Gallery of Singapore will incorporate two national monuments &mdash; the Old Supreme Court Building and the City Hall (both pictured)?
 * ... that Tan Teck Guan Building (pictured) was the site of Singapore's first medical school, and has been conserved as a national monument?
 * ... that the apparent disparagement of Singapore as a "little red dot" by former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie has come to be used by Singaporeans with pride?
 * ... that a community centre will be incorporated in Sengkang New Town's new sports complex?
 * ... that Singapore's Ee Hoe Hean Club, a century-old millionaires' club for Chinese businessmen, became a headquarters of an anti-Japanese movement in Southeast Asia from 1937-1942?
 * ... that the architecture of the Singapore Power Building (pictured) was influenced by Gerhad M. Kallmann's Boston City Hall and Le Corbusier's Sainte Marie de La Tourette?
 * ... that during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore the Kempeitai East District Branch was the site of interrogation and torture of many civilians and that later the building housed the YMCA?
 * ... that Singaporean dancer, choreographer and teacher Neila Sathyalingam, who dances in the classical Indian style (example pictured), decided to devote her life to dance after performing for Queen Elizabeth II?
 * ... that Howe Yoon Chong played a key role in establishing Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system, Changi Airport (pictured) and public housing?
 * ... that 159 soldiers of the Malay Regiment fought against a 13,000-strong Japanese force to defend a hill position in Singapore’s Kent Ridge Park?
 * ... that the tower of Paul Rudolph's The Concourse (pictured) is octagonal in plan, as the number "8" is associated with prosperity in Chinese culture?
 * ... that Singaporean anime distributor Odex is asking for legal settlements from children as young as nine years old for copyright infringement through file-sharing?
 * ... that a four-year-old boy lama visiting Singapore's Amitabha Buddhist Centre caused a stir when over 10,000 people from all walks of life, including some Christians and Hindus, sought blessings from him?
 * ... that the Golden Mile Complex (pictured), which was designed as an avant-garde building with a stepped terrace structure, was once described as a "vertical slum" by a Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament?
 * ... that the People's Park Complex was the first shopping mall in Singapore to incorporate a large internal atrium, based on the Metabolist Movement of the 1960s?
 * ... that Pearl Bank Apartments was the tallest residential building in Singapore when it was completed in 1976?
 * ... that the Buddhist Library (pictured), which is located in a shophouse, is Singapore's first dedicated Buddhist library and is unique in that it is neither an association nor a temple?
 * ... that Tekka Mall is the first and largest modern shopping mall in Singapore's Little India?
 * ... that Liang Wern Fook, a pioneer of Singapore's xinyao movement, has composed over 200 songs?
 * ... that The Majestic (pictured) in Singapore was a opera house built by tin and rubber magnate Eu Tong Sen in 1928 for his wife who was a Cantonese opera fan?
 * ... that Runme Shaw, philanthropist and founder of the Shaw Organisation, started his Singapore movie business in a makeshift timber cinema known as The Empire in 1927?
 * ... that at the age of 10, Megan Zheng became the first Singaporean to win a Golden Horse Award?
 * ... that the Singapore Badminton Hall was marked as a historical site by Singapore's National Heritage Board in 1999, as it held two Thomas Cup tournaments and was the vote counting station for a landmark 1962 referendum?
 * ... that the Asia Insurance Building (pictured) in Singapore was the tallest building in Southeast Asia when it was completed in 1954?
 * ... that the planned Marina Coastal Expressway is Singapore's most expensive expressway, and will cost S$2.5 billion for the 5-kilometre route?
 * ... that Singapore's Burmese Buddhist Temple has the largest white marble statue of the Buddha (pictured) outside of Myanmar?
 * ... that library@esplanade is Singapore's first public library for the performing arts?
 * ... that Tan Howe Liang is Singapore's only Olympic Games medallist?
 * ... that the Singapore Declaration, one of the two most important constitutional documents of the Commonwealth of Nations, is thought to have been unenforceable until the Harare Declaration twenty years later?
 * ... that Tang Choon Keng, who established Tangs and built the former Dynasty Hotel (pictured), was also known as the "Tin Trunk Man" in Singapore for his rags to riches legacy?
 * ... that the Singapore Stone (fragment pictured), a sandstone slab bearing an undeciphered 13th century inscription, was blown up by the British in 1843 to make way for a fort?
 * ... that Singapore's Middle Road is home to over 21 Hainanese clan and sub-clan associations?
 * ... that Chen Wen Hsi was the first Singaporean artist to be conferred an honorary doctorate by the National University of Singapore?
 * ... that Chao Tzee Cheng, a Singaporean forensic pathologist, performed over 25,000 autopsies?
 * ... that John Little, established in 1845, is the oldest department store in Singapore?
 * ... that The New 7th Storey Hotel, a budget hotel catering to backpackers in Singapore, is actually nine storeys high and was the tallest building in the Beach Road area in the 1950s?
 * ... that Lee Choon Seng, a Singaporean philanthropist built a Buddhist temple with the intention of liberating the spirits of those killed during the 1942 Battle of Pasir Panjang?
 * ... that Fort Pasir Panjang, part of the 11 coastal fortifications built to repel the Japanese invasion, saw little action during the Battle of Singapore?
 * ... that the Old National Library Building, a much-beloved national icon of Singapore, was demolished despite a rare display of public opposition?
 * ... that a military coalition from four countries helped the British colonial government to quell the 1915 Singapore Mutiny?
 * ... that the first Western abbot of Singapore's Buddhist Poh Ern Shih Temple was an American?
 * ... that the Bukit Batok Memorial was built by Australian POWs to honor the war dead of the Japanese and Allies from Singapore's Battle of Bukit Timah?
 * ... that four Japanese War Memorials found in the Japanese Cemetery Park (pictured) were built without knowledge of the British colonial government of Singapore?
 * Mamoru Shinozaki (article's talk page missing blurb) ... that Shinozaki Mamoru was credited as the "Japanese Schindler" for saving thousands of Chinese and Eurasians during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore?
 * ... that John Martin Scripps was the first Briton in Singapore to be sentenced to death by hanging?
 * ... that Reginald Hugh Hickling drafted Malaysia's Internal Security Act, but did not expect it to be used against political opponents?
 * ... that in The Malay Archipelago, Wallace is greeted by 50 exuberant Papuan Ké Islanders (pictured), naked but for shells and Cassowary plumes? ... that the travel narrative The Malay Archipelago, by biologist Alfred Russel Wallace, was used by Joseph Conrad as a reference for his novel Lord Jim?
 * ... that Catherine Lim's 1994 essay The PAP and the people - A Great Affective Divide invoked such a strong response from the Singapore government, its then-PM Goh Chok Tong outlined which topics were permissible for public discussion?
 * ... that Dragon's Teeth Gate (pictured), an ancient navigational landmark, was documented in one of the earliest historic records of Singapore?
 * ... that the first Director of Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department, Glenn Knight, was also the first legal officer in the country to be charged for corruption?
 * ... that Wee Chong Jin, one of the former judicial officers of the Republic of Singapore, was the longest-serving Chief Justice of Singapore and of a Commonwealth country, having held the post for over 27 years?
 * ... that the history of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore dates back to the arrival of Lutheran Hakka refugees following the Taiping Rebellion in China?
 * ... that The Best Bet, a film by former Singaporean gambling addict Jack Neo, was intended to warn people of the perils of gambling?
 * ... that Singaporean citizenship was first granted in 1957, when Singapore was a self-governing colony of the United Kingdom?
 * ... that the Old Admiralty House, a national monument in Singapore, was used by the British Armed Forces for strategic planning during World War II?
 * ... that the Singapore Conference Hall was the first building to be built in the Shenton Way financial district?
 * ... that Singaporean Web Map Service Streetdirectory.com successfully sued several businesses for copyright infringment, but is now being sued on the same charge by the Singapore Land Authority?
 * ... that Inuka, a polar bear who is the mascot of the Singapore Zoo, is the first and only polar bear born in the tropics?
 * ... that Money No Enough, which earned over S$5.8 million, is Singapore's highest-grossing film to date?
 * ... that Pulau Sejahat was a British military encampment in Singapore during World War II whose gun batteries were never used against Japanese invaders?
 * ... that Farrer Park is where Singapore's first racecourse was built and the island's aviation history began?
 * ... that Pulau Senang was a penal settlement in Singapore but shut down after only three years when a riot broke out in 1963?
 * ... that the Coleman Bridge in Singapore was the second bridge built across the Singapore River, and the first built in masonry?
 * ... that the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a national monument in Singapore, was given by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor in Malaysia?
 * ... that Singapore Dreaming bagged Singapore its first IFFPA-recognised award at an international feature film festival?
 * ... that the Istana Kampong Glam (pictured) is a former Malay palace in Singapore, and was refurbished into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004?
 * ... that the Southern Islands of Singapore (pictured) are being developed into a getaway for the ultra-wealthy, similar to Dubai's Palm Islands?
 * ... that Singapore's Museum Planning Area contains ten national monuments?
 * ... that during construction of the Fort Canning Tunnel, special care was taken to minimize environmental impact on the surrounding Fort Canning Park?
 * ... that in 1819, Hussein Shah, the seventeenth Sultan of Johor, allowed a British settlement in Singapore in order to wrest the throne from his brother with the help of the British, leading to the Malay Peninsula's colonisation?
 * ... that Wee Siew Kim, a Singaporean MP, had to apologise after scandal broke out involving an elitist blog entry made by his daughter?
 * ... that Esplanade Park (pictured), built in 1943, is one of the oldest parks in Singapore, and has a number of historical landmarks which include the former Indian National Army Monument site and The Cenotaph?
 * ... that The Cenotaph was Singapore's first major war memorial built in memory of the people who gave their lives in World War I, and was unveiled by the young Prince Edward of Wales, later King Edward VIII?
 * ... that Duxton Hill in Singapore used to be a notorious slum area with brothels, opium and gambling dens, but now belongs to a conservation area known as Tanjong Pagar?
 * ... that Keong Saik Road in Chinatown, Singapore was formerly a red-light district in the 1960s but is now the site of many boutique hotels?
 * ... that Ying Fo Fui Kun was the first Hakka clan association in Singapore, and its clan house at Telok Ayer (pictured) was gazetted as a national monument in 1998?
 * ... that Hong San See, a Chinese temple and national monument in Singapore, was sited on a small hill for good feng shui and once commanded a good view of the sea?
 * ... that Pagoda Street in Chinatown, Singapore was named after the pagoda-like gopuram of Sri Mariamman Temple?
 * ... that a fountain (pictured) was built by the British colonial government to commemorate Tan Kim Seng's $13,000 contribution towards Singapore's first public waterworks?
 * ... that the Queen Elizabeth Walk in Singapore was built on reclaimed land in 1922 and that it was renamed in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom?
 * ... that the original stained glass windows of the Saint George's Church (pictured) in Singapore were packed away for safekeeping before the Japanese Occupation of Singapore but have never been found since?
 * ... that the Civilian War Memorial in Singapore was built in 1967 in memory of the civilians massacred during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945?
 * ... that the Old Ministry of Labour Building (pictured) in Singapore housed the Chinese Protectorate before World War II, and has since been gazetted as a national monument?
 * ... that Central Sikh Temple was Singapore's first gurdwara when it was initially set up in a police barracks in the 1880s?
 * ... that Singapore's Police Coast Guard is a coast guard and water police service that is also responsible for maintenance of order on most of Singapore's off-shore islands?
 * ... that Ah Meng, a Sumatran Orangutan and tourism icon of Singapore, had breakfast with celebrities including the Duke of Edinburgh and pop star Michael Jackson?
 * ... that the Malay word Merdeka has been used in both Singapore and Malaysia to describe the campaigns for self-government and independence in both countries?
 * ... that although the Constitution of Singapore had been revised in 1958 to implement self-government for the then British colony of Singapore, self-government was only officially achieved with the Singapore general election of 1959?
 * ... that graves in Singapore are exhumed 15 years after burial, and the remains are cremated or re-buried?
 * ... that Escape from Paradise, a book which documents a Singaporean woman's divorce, was removed from bookstores and libraries in the country in 2002, even after it had been reviewed in the Singapore press?
 * ... that the Chesed-El Synagogue, built in 1905, is the second synagogue for the Jewish community in Singapore, and was one of the first places to use gaslights in Singapore?
 * ... that although archaeologists in Singapore have discovered many artifacts, they do not have government support for their work, and there is no centralised place to store the artifacts?
 * ... that Yueh Hai Ching Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in Singapore, and Chinese Emperor Guang Xu presented a plaque to the temple in 1907?
 * ... that a detailed Development Guide Plan exists for each of Singapore's 55 urban planning areas?
 * ... that Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka is the oldest mosque in Singapore and was established in 1820, just a year after the British set up a trading post in Singapore?
 * ... that completion of the West Coast Highway viaduct &mdash; the longest in Singapore &mdash; was delayed for more than two years because of the contractor's financial problems?
 * ... that the EMAS has been so effective in monitoring traffic conditions on Singapore's expressways that the LTA removed most SOS telephones from the expressways as a result?
 * ... that Saint Jack, a 1979 fiction film about a prostitute in Singapore and the only Hollywood film about Singapore to be shot on location, was banned in the country until 2006?
 * ... that The Observatory, a Singaporean space rock band released their first album packaged as a diary, complete with torn pages and paperclipped photos?
 * ... that "ultra" was a phrase frequently used in 1960s Malaysia and Singapore to describe racial chauvinists?
 * ... that the Old Ford Motor Factory, Ford's first assembly plant in Southeast Asia and built in 1941, was the site of the historic surrender of the British to the Japanese in World War II, later described by Winston Churchill as the "largest capitulation in British history"?
 * ... that the July 2005 NKF scandal led to a backlash from the donors to the charity, resulting in the resignation of the board of directors?
 * ... that CHIJMES, a historic building complex in Singapore, began life as a Catholic convent in the 1850s and has been gazetted as a national monument?
 * ... that the Jinricksha Station is Singapore's last reminder of the once ubiquitous rickshaw, which was phased out after World War II?
 * ... that Central Fire Station, the oldest existing fire station in Singapore, had only four portable water pumps when it was completed in 1908?
 * ... that a new free trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership between Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore will come into effect on 1 January 2006?
 * ... that Cavenagh Bridge, the only suspension bridge in Singapore, was originally designed as a drawbridge but on its completion in 1869 was found to be suitable only as a fixed structure, and is now a pedestrian bridge?
 * ... that Typhoon Vamei formed only 92 nautical miles north of the equator, a record at the time?
 * ... that the campaign for a "Malaysian Malaysia" has had its proponents denounced as traitors or irrational firebrands?
 * ... that Jurong Falls, located at Singapore's Jurong BirdPark and featuring the world's most numerous bird collection, is the tallest man-made waterfall in the world at 30 metres (98 feet) high?
 * ... that Hong Lim Green was Singapore's first public garden?
 * ... that the Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force is the world's only police department outside of Nepal to be comprised of Gurkhas, and it is currently the only military or police unit in Singapore to be headed by a Briton?
 * ... that to prepare for future examinations, Singapore students use the ten year series to practice on past years' examination papers, some of which date back to before they were born?
 * ... that more than one thousand people are caned in Singapore each year using a bamboo cane that has been soaked in water overnight to prevent splitting?
 * ... that Chingay Parade in Singapore, a display of floats, music and dances, is a major festival in Asia attended by more than 200,000 people and watched by millions on TV across Asia?
 * ... that the death toll from the 1942 Sook Ching Massacre is unknown, but probably lies between 25,000 and 50,000?
 * ... that the U.S. Trade Representative tried to stop Singapore from hosting the first World Trade Organization ministeral meeting because of the caning of Michael P. Fay?
 * ... that the execution of Flor Contemplacion strained relations between Singapore and the Philippines?
 * ... that the Allies organized the South East Asia Command, led by Lord Mountbatten, to manage operations in the southern Pacific Theater during World War II?
 * ... that Singapore's first elected President was Ong Teng Cheong?