1996 in Singapore

none April 2013 September 2020 1996 The following lists events that happened during 1996 in Singapore. Incumbents President: Ong Teng Cheong Prime Minister: Goh Chok Tong Events January 1 January – The old laminated NRICs are no longer valid for identification in Singapore.http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/wks19941022s.pdf NRIC Re-registration Exercise Closing Ceremony at the Chua Chu Kang Community Club NAS 27 August 2019 22 October 1994 2 January – The Land Transport Authority releases the White Paper on A World Class Land Transport System, setting out plans to improve land transport in Singapore. 19 January – Minister for Communications Mah Bow Tan announced the immediate construction of the North East MRT line during the parliamentary debate on the White Paper on A World Class Land Transport System, initially targeted by December 2002.Immediate start for north-east line http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960120-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 6 September 2019 20 January 1996 However, automation problems pushed back the date to 20 June 2003. 20 January – The Singapore Art Museum is officially opened.Singapore Art Museum is officially opened http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/1857d701-7ac2-4c3b-b67e-a47ba0e662c6 NLB 18 July 2019 February 2 February – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is formed from a merger between the Marine Department (under the then Ministry of Communications), National Maritime Board and the Regulatory departments of the former Port of Singapore Authority (PSA). This helps to streamline maritime operations.Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is formed http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/b1272c7c-0587-4a9b-9195-ec276eb1ee44 NLB 18 July 2019 9 February – Tampines Mall is officially opened.Official Opening of Tampines Mall http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/mbt19960209s.pdf NAS 11 August 2019 9 February 1996 10 February – The Woodlands extension of the North South MRT line opens. On the same day, the Bukit Panjang LRT line is announced, with completion in 1999. The Buona Vista LRT line will not go ahead as it is unfeasible, even with a new funding arrangement used. A new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Checkpoint for the Malayan Railway will be built in Woodlands as well, in preparation for a train network linking Asia, particularly with Malaysia.Opening of Woodlands MRT Line http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19960210_0001.pdf NAS 14 July 2019 10 February 1996 Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange opens as Singapore's first underground bus interchange. March 4 March – 16 stations will be built on the 20 km miles in North East MRT line. Construction will start in the middle of 1997 and will finish by 2002. All the stations will be finished by then except for Sennett (present day Potong Pasir), Woodleigh and Punggol, which will open when the surrounding areas develop.Leong Chan Teik 16 MRT stations for 20-km North-East line https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960305-1.2.5 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 19 November 2019 5 March 1996 5 March – The Singapore Gamma Knife Centre is officially opened. The centre, a privately owned facility, uses gamma knife for brain surgeries, resulting in less pain than conventional brain surgery, as well as a much safer alternative.Opening of the Gamma Knife Centre http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/yybg19960305s.pdf NAS 31 August 2019 5 March 1996 10 March – Several bus services running parallel to the Woodlands MRT extension were either withdrawn or amended. 22 March – Cyberway Internet is officially launched as Singapore's third ISP.Cyberway Internet Service Launch http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19960322_0001.pdf NAS 7 August 2019 22 March 1996 April 1 April – The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (renamed SPRING Singapore) is formed from the merger of three agencies, namely National Productivity Board (NPB), Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) and the SME development function of the Economic Development Board (EDB). The agency aimed to encourage productivity and growth in the economy.SPRING Singapore http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_301_2005-02-02.html NLB 18 July 2019 6 April – The Gleneagles Hospital is officially opened.Official Opening of the new Gleneagles Hospital http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19960406_0001.pdf NAS 26 August 2019 6 April 1996 14 April – The S.League, a professional tournament, is launched.Launch of S.League http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/75e83ec5-3019-4558-a45e-6cdc371e3457#1 NLB 18 July 2019 May 2 May – The Advance Medical Directive Act is passed to allow people to apply for a Directive should they not want to continue treatment. The law came into effect in 1997.Advance Medical Directive http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_543_2004-12-18.html NLB 30 June 2019 11 May – The Government announced that it will end SingTel's monopoly on the mobile network by 2000 as part of a move to start competition in the telecoms industry.Govt ending SingTel's monopoly in year 2000 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960512.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 17 April 2020 12 May 1996 21 May – A debate happened in Parliament over the HPL saga.Nassim Jade and Scotts 28 http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/066-1996-05-21.pdf NAS 2 July 2019 21 May 1996 June 20 June – The National Youth Centre and Youth Park are officially launched.PM to launch National Youth Centre and park http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960620-1.2.45.14 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 1 September 2019 20 June 1996 24 June – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra is launched as Singapore's second orchestra.Inauguration of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996062406.pdf NAS 1 August 2019 24 June 1996 July 1 July – The National Parks Board (NParks) is formed, building on the vision of a 'City in a Garden'. 5 July – Plans to replace the Causeway are announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.1996-07-06 Malaysia 'may replace Causeway with bridge' https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960706-1.2.2 The Straits TimesMalaysia announces plans to replace the Causeway http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/5c92f680-de9c-4194-93f2-fd75e42a0019#3 NLB 18 July 2019 12 July – In response to mobile liberalisation, a sum of $1.5 billion is approved as compensation to SingTel for the early end of its monopoly.House approves $1.5b payment for ending monopoly rights early https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960713-1.2.37.4 The Straits Times 17 April 2020 13 July 1996 20 July – New finger piers are opened in Changi Airport's Terminal 2.Official Opening Ceremony of the new finger piers of Terminal 2, Changi Airport http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/mbt19960720s.pdf NAS 18 August 2019 20 July 1996 24 July – The Tourism 21 plan is unveiled.Tourism 21 Blueprint is unveiled http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/d7b9c291-d48b-4a48-9ee2-34468124e390#2 NLB 18 July 2019 August August – Lot One opens to the public. 11 August – Construction starts on The Esplanade, which will enhance the arts in Singapore.Ground-Breaking Ceremony of The Esplande – Theatres on the Bay http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/041-1996-08-11_tt.pdf NAS 18 August 2019 11 August 1996 18 August – Plans to develop Punggol are announced known as Punggol 21. The town will incorporate residential areas, clustered community areas linked up by an LRT system. However, the plan did not fully materialise after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, low demand of flats and construction troubles plagued the project. On the same day, the formation of Community Development Councils (CDCs) are announced, which numbered nine in 1997.Community Development Councils are envisaged http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/27e53f92-2b03-4e63-9b0b-4dbf127008ed#8 NLB 18 July 2019Full map of CDCs released for first time http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970821-1.2.39.1 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 21 August 1997 18 July 2019 September 3 September – The third phase of the Tampines Expressway opens. More roads are planned for upgrading and widening, including on stretches of the Pan Island Expressway and East Coast Parkway, the PIE/TPE flyover and Upper Bukit Timah Road. The ERP system is still being tested.Speech by Minister for Communications Mr Mah Bow Tan at the Opening of Tampines Expressway (Phase III) on 3 September 1996 at 9.00 am at Punggol Bridge https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/mbt19960903s.pdf NAS 9 August 2022 3 September 1996 9 September – The Singapore government launched the year-long "Smile Singapore" campaign.Smile, it's a campaign https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19960910-1.2.6.1 20 October 2024 The New Paper 10 September 1996 27 September – The Sengkang LRT line is unveiled during a ceremony to start construction on the Bukit Panjang LRT line, to be completed by 1999.Ground-breaking ceremony for Bukit Panjang Light Rapid Transit (LRT) http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/tkyt19960927s.pdf NAS 10 July 2019 27 September 1996 28 September – Construction starts on the Opera Estate Drainage Scheme to relieve floods in the area, targeted for completion by 2000.Launching Ceremony for the Opera Estate Drainage Scheme http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/at19960928s.pdf NAS 30 July 2019 28 September 1996 October 18 October – St Luke's Hospital is officially opened in Bukit Batok, being the first hospital to cater for the elderly. The hospital also has inpatient rehabilitation facilities and long-term residential care services as well.Official Opening of St Luke's Hospital for the Elderly http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996101803.htm NAS 18 October 2020 18 October 1996 19 October – The Cantonment Complex (now Police Cantonment Complex) starts construction. It will have state-of-the-art features, housing the Central Narcotics Bureau, Criminal Investigation Department and Central Police Division, strengthening cooperation between the agencies. The building will retain the historic Fairfield Methodist Girls' school as an anti-crime and drug education and exhibition centre, and covered walkways will be built for comfort. The Complex is completed in 2001.Ground Breaking Ceremony for Cantonment Complex http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996101808.htm NAS 18 October 2020 19 October 1996 November 8 November – SingTel opens the new Telepark building in Tampines as a state-of-the-arts telecommunications facility.Opening Ceremony of Telepark http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996110803.htm NAS 18 October 2020 8 November 1996 15 November The Changi Airport Extension Line (CGL) is announced to serve Changi Airport, with another station in future. The extension will be finished by 2001.Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Employees' Union (SMRTEU)'s annual Dinner and Dance http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996111503/lhl19961115s.pdf NAS 10 July 2019 15 November 1996 10 July 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190710173937/http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996111503/lhl19961115s.pdf dead Eastpoint Mall's soft opening to the public. 16 November – The Selegie Arts Centre is officially opened.Official Opening of Selegie Arts Centre http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996111502.htm NAS 18 October 2020 16 November 1996 23 November – The S'pore Discovery Centre is officially opened.Our History https://www.sdc.com.sg/history.php SDC 30 July 2019 30 July 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190730174020/https://www.sdc.com.sg/history.php dead 26 November – The CashCard is officially launched.Official launch of CashCard http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996112603.htm NAS 18 October 2020 26 November 1996 December 2 December – The Government announced the building of Terminal 3 in Changi Airport to handle more passengers, with completion initially targeted by 2004. However, several crises have delayed the project, which started operating on 9 January 2008. An airport hotel is also considered for travellers, which is ultimately built as Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.Annual Airport Reception 1996 http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996120201.htm NAS 18 October 2020 2 December 1996 5 December – The SCORE Counselling Centre is officially opened, in operation since 1995. The centre aims to help drug addicts steer clear of drugs.Official Opening Ceremony of SCORE Counselling Centre http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1996120404.htm NAS 18 October 2020 5 December 1996 9–13 December – The World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 1996 took place in Singapore, the first Ministerial Conference to be held.Inaugural WTO Ministerial Conference is held http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/94032d24-83f8-4b81-bd6b-fb5f92e7d375 NLB 18 July 2019 23 December – Nomination day for 1997 General Election: The People's Action Party wins 47 uncontested seats and hence returns to power.PAP is back in power https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19961224-1.2.3 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 5 December 2019 24 December 1996 Date unknown The Fort Canning Aquarium closes.Van Kleef Aquarium http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-11-18_133428.html NLB 20 October 2019 14 May 1991 Births 12 January – Adam Swandi, footballer 20 February – Zong Zijie, actor 19 March – Tyler Ten, Singaporean actor 14 May – Herman Keh, Singaporean actor 20 September – Shanti Pereira, track and field athlete. 29 September – Quah Zheng Wen, swimmer. 27 October – Hannah Delisha, actress and singer 5 November – Zhai Siming, Singapore based actor Deaths 5 February – Lim Chin Siong, former PAP legislative assemblyman for Bukit Timah Constituency and Secretary-General of Barisan Sosialis (b. 1933).Lim Chin Siong http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1462_2009-02-18.html NLB 29 October 2019Hui Ling Wang 10 February 1996 Lim Chin Siong, 62, dies of heart attack https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19960210-1.2.5.1?qt=%22chin%20siong%22,%20dies&q=%22Chin%20Siong%22%20%22dies%22 17 February 2026 NewspaperSG 17 February – Ly Singko, writer, journalist and editor of Nanyang Siang Pau (b. 1913).Fernandez Walter 24 February 1996 Veteran editor Ly Singko dies of stroke in Sydney https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19960224-1.2.7.10?qt=%22veteran%20editor%20ly%20singko%20dies%20of%20stroke%20in%20sydney%22&q=%22Veteran%20editor%20Ly%20Singko%20dies%20of%20stroke%20in%20Sydney%22 30 June 2025 The Straits Times 7 10 March – Chan Ah Kow, swimming coach (b. 1912).Seet Fun Chan 11 March 1996 'He never slowed down' https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19960311-1.2.13.2?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 24 September 2026 NewspaperSG 13 March – T. T. Rajah, short time Secretary-General of the People's Action Party (b. 1919).14 March 1996 Ex-Barisan Sosialis leader T. T. Rajah dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960314-1.2.33.4 31 July 2023 NewspaperSG 15 March – V. P. Abdullah, former Labour Party politician and journalist (b. 1913).26 March 1996 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960326-1.2.119.1.4?qt=%22v%20p%20abdullah%22&q=%22V.%20P.%20Abdullah%22 10 October 2026 NewspaperSG 3 April – Mohamed Ali bin Alwi, former UMNO legislative assemblyman for Kampong Kembangan Constituency (b. 1924).4 April 1996 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19960404-1.2.23.1?qt=%22md%20ali%20alwi%22,%20%22bekas%20ap%22&q=%22Md%20Ali%20Alwi%22%20%22Bekas%20AP%22 28 February 2026 NewspaperSG 25 April – Cyril Neville Watson, British naval architect and corporate executive (b. 1931).26 April 1996 Pioneer of Singapore's marine sector dies of cancer https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960426-1.2.114.5?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 24 September 2026 NewspaperSG 22 May – Wong Peng Soon, badminton player (b. 1917).Wong Peng Soon https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=7e17e12b-9956-49a6-a0e1-4160487de7e1 2025-06-17 www.nlb.gov.sg 23 May – Benny Probocemdana Oen, murder victim in the Pacific Plaza stabbing (b. 1958).Miller David 24 May 1996 Indonesian dies after being stabbed https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960524-1.2.6.7 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 3 NewspaperSG 26 August – Neo Lam Lye, murder victim in the Bedok Reservoir flat murder (b. 1986–1987).29 August 1996 Man charged with murder The Straits Times NewspaperSG 9 September – Kum Teng Hock, former PAP city councillor for Geylang East Constituency and later opposition politician in the United People's Party, Workers' Party and co-founder of the National Solidarity Party (b. 1932).11 September 1996 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960911-1.2.81.25.1?qt=%22kum%20teng%20hock%22,%20deaths&q=%22Kum%20Teng%20Hock%22%20%22deaths%22 17 February 2026 NewspaperSG 14 September – E. J. H. Corner, botanist and assistant director of Singapore Botanic Gardens (b. 1906).E. J. H. Corner http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-05-14_144213.html NLB 12 November 2019 4 October – Phang Ai Looi, murder victim of Kwan Cin Cheng (b. 1973).23 April 1997 'I tried to hang myself, but failed' https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970423-1.2.28.17 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 26 NewspaperSG 10 November – Venerable Yen Pei, 3rd Chief Abbot of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and founder of the Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services (b. 1918).Miller David 12 November 1996 Buddhist leader, the Venerable Yen Pei, dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19961112-1.2.9.6?qt=buddhist,%20dies&q=%22Buddhist%22%20%22dies%22 17 February 2026 NewspaperSG 29 November – Bani Buang, Malay director and producer (b. 1929).Sapawi Tuminah 3 December 1996 Haji Bani Buang dies after coma https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19961203-1.2.66.16?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 24 September 2026 NewspaperSG 4 December – Albert Winsemius, economic advisor (b. 1910).Albert Winsemius http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1457_2009-02-11.html NLB 12 November 201910 December 1996 PM pays tribute to Dr Albert Winsemius https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19961210-1.2.7.8?qt=%22albert%20winsemius%22&q=%22Albert%20Winsemius%22 30 June 2025 NewspaperSG References 1996 Singapore Category:Years of the 20th century in Singapore Singapore Category:1990s in Singapore