For One and All Istana main buidling in the evening.
It may have once been a vaunted faraway institution on a pedestal, but over the years, the Istana has moved into people’s hearts as a place of personal meaning. The Istana has welcomed many through its gates and many Singaporeans now possess dear memories of time spent in the Istana.
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or some, these memories start from as early as the 1960s as Yang-di-Pertuan Yusof Ishak and his wife kept up a steady schedule of engagements to meet as many people as possible. Those who had the privilege of entering the Istana those early days recall that security was not as tight as it is today, and they could literally walk in and out with a wave to the guards. The Istana was also very much more like a private home, with less attention paid to protocol, and all manner of events took place in the Istana grounds. However, the need for tighter security for key installations in Singapore, especially in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, has resulted in clearer definitions of what is permissible in the Istana. Despite this, the Istana has opened its gates wider than ever—albeit with stringent security checks. For instance, the boys belonging to the Scouts are very familiar with the nooks and crannies of the Istana as they come in once a year during the Scouts’ Job Week to do some odd jobs. The Singapore Scout Association is one of the oldest youth movements in Singapore and has the President as its Chief Scout. Over the last 50 years, increasingly diverse groups of Singaporeans have been invited into the Istana to meet the President. Besides performing ceremonial and official duties, the President is a unifying figure for all Singaporeans. The President uses the prestige of his office to promote an inclusive, caring and cohesive society.
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Open House at the Istana in celebration of Chinese New Year. Five friends posing for pictures with a trooper from the Singapore Infantry Regiment who was standing on guard on 27 Jan 1971.
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“ Way back in 1967, on the kind invitation of our Patron Puan Noor Aishah we held a campfire on the Istana grounds! There were a few hundred girls. We had our usual activities which included singing songs and creating a campfire. I remember it rained and Puan Noor Aishah invited us all to take shelter in the Istana building. The girls went in, dirty shoes and all. That was a real treat for the girls as in those days, there were no Open Houses.” ANNA THAM, Queen’s Guide Award recipient in 1951
Puan Noor Aishah and members of the Girl Guides at the Istana Negara lawn during a garden party she threw for the Guides in Sep 1960.
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Group photo with Union Leaders at a reception hosted by President Tony Tan at the Istana for National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Central Committee and key union leaders from 61 unions and associations on 28 May 2014.
“ A contingent of Scouts will be assigned various chores and tasks at the Istana. The President will then go around the Istana, to “inspect” their work and service, and these Scouts will earn a donation for their jobs from the Chief Scout himself. This sets an example for the rest of Singapore to welcome Scouts into their homes, for us to render them service where there is service to be done. For our Scouts, it is a unique experience to be performing this service for the Chief Scout, and to have an up-close interaction with him in his home.” LOUIS LIN, Scouts District Commissioner (Bedok)
President praising Cub Scout Ricky Ben Wang for an excellent job during the launch of the annual Scouts’ Job Week at the Istana in Mar 2012. Looking on were Phoenikelly Yong Wai Yun and Peh Sze Min, both of Lakeside Primary School.
Project We Care, a partnership between the People’s Association— an organisation which fosters community cohesion in Singapore—and the private sector, was started in 2012. One of its highlight events is a garden party at the Istana which offers a day of fun and laughter for children from low-income families, welfare homes, special needs schools, at-risk youths, the elderly and low-income families living in rental flats. They are joined by representatives from companies which have contributed toward meaningful causes in the community. In February 2014, in line with the Chinese New Year celebration, a traditional lohei—a communal tossing of a raw fish salad which heralds good tidings in the coming year—was conducted for the first time at the Istana by President Tony Tan and his wife Mary for beneficiaries, staff and volunteers from the Retirees Centre and the Seniors Activity Centre run by Fei Yue Community Services. IN APPRECIATION For many, they would have been invited into the Istana because the President wanted to say “thank you” for having performed a service to the nation. From small-scale tea parties to mass events on the lawn, those who have come into the Istana to bask in the glow of the President’s nod of appreciation include nurses, teachers, union leaders, Singapore Civil Defence Force officers, the Singapore Police Force and social workers. One such annual event which was started by President Wee Kim Wee in 1992 was the Singapore Armed Forces Presidential
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President Tony Tan interacting with full-time National Servicemen, operationally ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and Regular Servicemen, among others, during the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Presidential Garden Reception, hosted for personnel from the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) and the SAF.
“ It was a very meaningful gesture shown to the elderly by the President. To him, it could be another activity to bless the under-privileged elderly, but for these elderly beneficiaries, the event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One of the participants even told me that the experience, of visiting the Istana, meeting and eating with the President, fulfilled one of his life’s wishes.” LENG CHIN FAI, Executive Director, Fei Yue Community Services
President Tony Tan and Mrs Mary Tan with beneficiaries at a lohei and lunch reception hosted for about 40 seniors, staff and volunteers from Fei Yue Community Services on 6 Feb 2014, in celebration of the 7th day of Chinese New Year.
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“ It was my first time meeting the President of Singapore. It was like a dream come true, sitting at the same table as the President to have lunch and take photographs!” PARAMAN S/O NAYAR & VERAMA D/O SUPPIAH, beneficiaries who attended the February 2014 lohei celebration at the Istana
Garden Reception, during which the President would recognise the contributions of active and operationally-ready National Servicemen by meeting with and interacting with them. The President makes it a point to thank those who have participated in the annual Chingay procession. The Singapore Chingay street parade began in the 1970s as a neighbourhood parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and has since evolved into a showcase of the rich, vibrant multi-ethnic cultures that are uniquely Singapore. Sometimes, new events are created for the President to acknowledge the efforts of key segments of society. One such event is an annual mass gathering for public servants in the Istana, which is part of Public Service Week. Public Service Week was started in 2008 to instill a sense of pride and belonging in public service officers, and to serve as a reminder of their roles in nation building. Previously, only top public servants had a chance to enter the Istana. The idea for the gathering was mooted so that even those working further down the line would have a chance to interact with the President. The receiving of the invitation—printed with the Presidential Crest and trimmed in gold—was an honour for many, who kept their cards in remembrance. 2015 in particular was a busy year of appreciation as thousands of people, who were either involved in Singapore’s SG50 jubilee celebration or who had played a part in 50 years of nation-building, were invited to the Istana.
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President Tony Tan, Mrs Mary Tan and the beneficiaries, staff and volunteers from Fei Yue Community Services enjoying the performances put up for them during the lohei and lunch reception at the Istana on 6 Feb 2014.
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President Tony Tan at the lunch reception hosted in appreciation of the major sponsors, contributors and key leaders of the Chingay Parade in 2014.
“ About seven years ago, tea sessions were organised at the Istana for public servants, as an acknowledgement of their work. This has since grown into the Public Service Week for public servants, held at the Istana, where nearly 1,000 public servants get to meet the President. Held at the lawn, participants help themselves to a buffet.” PEGGY YEAP, Assistant Director, Business Partnerships, Public Service Division
The grounds of the Istana were opened to over 2,000 people who turned up for the SG50 family picnic in January, organised by the President’s Office and the Families for Life Council which promotes resilient families. The President joined families in various activities, such as making terrariums and writing messages on large “wishing balls”. In acknowledgement of the contributions of the pioneer generation, about 500 pioneer generation grassroots leaders were invited to join the 2015 Chinese New Year party which was attended by a total of about 4,200 guests. For military servicemen, on 26 July 2015, about 21,000 members of the public, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel and their families thronged the Istana grounds during the SAF50@Istana event. The President thanked families of the servicemen and women, for their support. After the SG50 National Day Parade at the Padang, President Tony Tan also hosted a reception at the Istana on 19 August 2015 to thank organisers and participants of the parade—which included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Touch Community, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Soka Association, the People’s Association, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAFRA and Heartware—for their “many hours of dedication, strong support and participation”.
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from left to right:
President Tony Tan speaking with public officers at the reception hosted as part of Public Service Week celebrations on 20 May 2015. At the SG50 Family Picnic at the Istana, hosted by President Tony Tan for over 2,000 Singaporeans on 3 Jan 2015.
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President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mrs Mary Tan hosted the National Day Reception at the Istana on 10 Aug 2015. In this photo, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs Lee, President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mrs Tan, and ESM Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh cut the cake in celebration of our nation’s 50 th birthday.
SINGAPORE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Of course, it is not just during SG50 that the Istana celebrates the nation’s birthday. Indeed, Singapore’s birthday “party” takes place every year in the Istana. The National Day Reception is an annual event held to celebrate Singapore’s birthday and to thank representatives from various sectors such as Government, business, community and grassroots leaders, sportsmen, social entrepreneurs and volunteers, who have contributed to Singapore’s growth and development. CELEBRATING SPORTS Sporting life in Singapore flourished even during the colonial days, when private sports and recreation clubs such as the Cricket Club, Singapore Recreation Club, Singapore Swimming Club and Hollandse Club were started. When Singapore became independent, its leaders recognised that sports could bond people of different races and help build a rugged and robust society. The Government promoted sports to the masses and when sportsmen did well, they were invited by the President into the Istana as a gesture of appreciation and recognition. When Singapore won the Malaysia Cup in 1977 for the first time in 12 years after Singapore beat Selangor for the title in 1965, the soccer team and officials, including coach Choo Seng Quee and manager N. Ganesan, were invited to a reception at the Istana.
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from left to right: President Ong Teng Cheong and Mrs Ong with thenPrime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh and then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Mrs Lee cutting the birthday cake during the National Day Reception 1998 at the Istana on 11 Aug 1998. President S R Nathan and Mrs Nathan hosted the 2004 National Day Reception at the Istana lawn on 10 Aug 2004.
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Reception hosted by President Devan Nair for Singapore contingent members of the 12th Southeast Asian Games on 11 Jun 1983 at the Istana.
The recognition for soccer continued over the years. In January 2013, a victorious Singapore national football team, which lifted the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup for a record fourth time in December 2012 after beating Thailand in a two-legged final, were given a warm reception by President Tony Tan at the Istana. The development of a vibrant sports sector in Singapore gained momentum in 2004 when the Singapore Sports School was officially opened in April 2004. The opening of the Sports School dovetailed with other national and community efforts to nurture a strong core of Singapore sportsmen. Thus, in the last decade, an increasing number of sportsmen who have, or will, bring sporting honours to Singapore in the international spotlight have been thanked by the President in the Istana. In July 2015, about 500 athletes and officials were hosted to an Istana Garden Party to celebrate Team Singapore’s record medal haul at the 28th Southeast Asian Games, which Singapore hosted. Paralympians were also lauded in the Istana. Yip Pin Xiu, a Singapore backstroke swimmer with muscular dystrophy, was hailed as “Pin Xiu the golden girl” in newspaper headlines when she became the first Singapore athlete to win gold in the 50m backstroke during the 13th Paralympic Games in Beijing in September 2008. The Singapore Government awarded Yip the Meritorious Service Medal, and this was presented to her by President S R Nathan when he hosted the Paralympians to a reception at the Istana on 21 September 2008.
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President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Mrs Mary Tan and then-acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong at the dinner reception hosted for the Special Olympics Winter Games 2013 athletes and officials on 2 Mar 2013. 28th SEA Games Istana Garden Party on 13 Jul 2015, in celebration of Team Singapore’s achievements at the games.
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The Lions were invited to the Istana to share their Suzuki Cup triumph with President Tony Tan on 5 Jan 2013.
“ I was very excited to be invited into the Istana in the 80s to play the French Horn, as part of a brass quintet. We were all from the then-Singapore Youth Orchestra. I was absolutely exhilarated to play for the President. That performance was flawless as each player displayed their best.” LEE KOK YAM, piano teacher
MUSICAL MEMORIES Pre-1965 and even into the 70s, the nation’s priority was to take care of the people’s basic needs. The Government’s focus was firmly on industrialization and education. It was only in 1979 that higher-level artistic aspirations came to the fore. Singapore’s first national classical orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, was formed. As more and more Singaporeans started playing musical instruments to high standards, some of them were invited to play in the Istana. Bands from the Singapore Police Force and Institute of Technical Education played at State Banquets, while Young Talents, schools bands, community interest groups performed at various events including the Istana National Day Observance Ceremony and Istana Open Houses.
from left to right:
Performance by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School (Secondary) Choir at the National Day Observance Ceremony on 7 Aug 2013. President getting some drumming tips from this young drumming enthusiast after the performance by Jurong Beatz, at the Istana Open House on 19 Aug 2012.
AN INVITATION TO ALL During the Istana Open House, the Istana throws open its gates to all and sundry. Everyone, regardless of age and background, can enter its grounds. The first Open House took place on 1 January 1960. According to a 1960 Straits Times news report, a grandfather living in a Woodlands kampong who came to the Istana with his eight grandchildren was enthralled by the big gun, which was one of the main attractions for many visitors. “Don’t go too near,” he warned his grandchildren. When the police told the family the gun was safe, they surged forward with other visitors.
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President Tony Yan and Mrs Mary Tan with families at the Project We Care Garden Party at the Istana on 9 Mar 2014.
“ I visited the Istana in August 2015 so that my seven-year-old son could participate in its annual art event. It was a hot day, but we didn’t feel bothered because you feel so peaceful once you enter the grounds. The greenery was stunning, the breeze was blowing gently, birds were singing in the trees, leaves were falling down, and it was altogether very calming.…It was a special day for us, and our friends who also came along, and it is an experience I would recommend for anyone.” MAEVIS TAN, home maker, mother of two
President and Mrs Tan interacting with performers from Soka during the Open House on 20 Feb 2015. Mrs Tan gamely gave the ribbon a try.
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“ It is important that my sons know more about the history of Singapore. When I brought them to the Istana few years ago, we went into the building where they saw the various souvenirs which had been presented to the Singapore President by foreign leaders. It was then that they learnt for the first time that gifts are given during a State Visit! In that sense, the Istana offers a valuable learning opportunity even for children.” WEE TZE TZE, home maker, mother of two
President Wee Kim Wee and Mrs Wee meeting members of the public at the Istana Open House during Hari Raya on 29 May 1987.
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It is a sign of changing times as visitors these days are far more likely to come from HDB homes rather than a kampong. The visitor’s list of do’s and don’ts in 1960 also offers an interesting blast from the past; hawking and firing of crackers were prohibited. Today, the signs inform visitors that wheeled sports—cycling and roller blading—are not allowed. While the grounds used to turn sludgy once it rained, leaving visitors with mud-stained shoes, drainage systems have been installed so that celebrations can continue in relatively greater comfort even when it rains. Today, the Istana is open to the public four to five times a year. Over the years, the Open House has grown in terms of the number of visitors. Each time, long queues form outside the main gate facing Orchard Road as Singaporeans, tourists and families with picnic mats and food in tow wait patiently for their turn to enter at the security checkpoints. Families which park themselves on the emerald green lawns enjoy the dappled shade from towering trees, while what the children seem to enjoy most is running joyfully across the wide expanse of grass. There is a carnival atmosphere in the air, as community arts groups and school bands perform for visitors. Visitors could also learn about the history, heritage and flora and fauna of the grounds through guided tours provided by volunteers. Visitors to the Open Houses were also treated to displays of different birds, reptiles and mammals from the Singapore Zoo and the Jurong Bird Park. Children also enjoy the booths put up by volunteers that provide face painting and balloon sculpting. F O R O N E A N D A L L 203
“ I was invited into the Istana for a private dinner gathering with President Ong Teng Cheong and his wife in March 1996, when I was aged 16. I remember getting a laugh out of the President because we as kids completely forgot about his presence and started sharing techniques and ideas about fingering, totally imbued in the music! He told me to keep playing to the very best of my abilities and to come back to Singapore to pass on what I’ve learnt overseas. It was a truly simple session of heart-to-heart sharing and encouragement from him.” SEAH HUAN YUH, violinist
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performed at the Istana for the first time during the May Day Open House on 1 May 2013. It brought its SSO Classics in the Park concert to the Istana again in 2015. There is something for everyone. Those who want to go beyond soaking in the atmosphere of Singapore’s presidential palace can sign up for special tours of the Istana gardens and the building which were introduced in 2013. Typically, one of the most common questions asked is: Does the President sleep here? (No. Despite the Istana being the President’s official residence, all the Presidents have chosen to continue living in their own homes apart from President Yusof Ishak and President Devan Nair.) To enhance the tour experience, Honorary Aides-de-Camp later became involved in the Open House as they put on their uniforms and positioned themselves in front of the rooms to answer questions from visitors. The President and his wife usually go around to welcome visitors during the Open House. From meeting the President to spending time in the Istana, the Open House, in the words of one visitor, allowed her to “get a glimpse into the mystery of the Presidential Office, making it a little bit more personable and accessible”. Indeed, for all who have had a chance to enter the Istana, whether it be for an Open House or other events, they all leave with special thoughts; each one distinct and unique to the individual, but which pieced together create an enduring memory mosaic of the Istana which if laid out would aptly be titled “The People’s Palace”. 204 O U R I S TA N A
President and Mrs Mary Tan speaking with members of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), who were performing for the first time at the Istana Open House on 1 May 2013. President Tan said that he was happy that SSO was bringing classical music to the community and was glad that the Istana provided a conducive setting for visitors and families to enjoy the music.
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Maha Bodhi School Symphonic Band performing at the Istana Open House on 18 May 2013.
“ My husband, Scott, is American and in 2008, three years after we got married, my dad Michael took Scott and I to the Chinese New Year Open House at the Istana. It was a great opportunity to show my American husband the official residence of the Singapore President, and where we would host foreign dignitaries. Visiting the Istana also created an opportunity to talk about the history of Singapore, and my dad was inspired to recount some personal stories to us. In a way, our visit gave us some rare insights into my dad’s life, and created some special bonding moments between my husband and my dad.” LOIS AMARAL, home maker
President Tony Tan and Mrs Mary Tan with performers at the Open House on 2 Aug 2014.
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“ The first time I went to the Istana was when I was a young staff nurse. I was invited together with my ward supervisors and a few colleagues by the late President Wee Kim Wee to a lunch reception in appreciation of us caring for him while he was hospitalised. I remembered feeling awed, at the ‘stateliness’ of the whole place and sitting in a huge dining room. Even the crockery and cutlery bear the Istana emblem and name. And a butler was there to serve us lunch. My second time at the Istana was when I was there to witness my friend receiving the President’s Award for Nurses as her guest in the mid-1990s. The Istana is a place you never get tired of no matter how often you go there, as it has an aura that is very hard to describe. Calm, beautiful, and the greenery and vastness of the place, just puts you at ease.” TRACY CAROL AYRE, President’s Award for Nurses recipient in 2007
At the Nurses Day Reception at the Istana Lawn on 31 Jul 2013.
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One has no doubt that the Istana will continue to play a role in Singapore’s progress as the nation advances. The children who run on the lawns of the Istana during the Open House may return to receive a prestigious award or be invited to the various events hosted by the President. In time, they too may bring their own families to the place which they had special memories of. Friends from around the world, old and new, will visit the Istana as Singapore continues to engage in international cooperation and seeks to contribute to global development. We look forward to another treasure trove of Istana stories and memories when Singapore celebrates SG100.
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