1998 in Singapore

none March 2020 September 2020 1998 The following lists events that happened during 1998 in Singapore. Incumbents President: Ong Teng Cheong Prime Minister: Goh Chok Tong Events January thumb|The Republic Plaza 1 January – NewsRadio 938, a news radio station, starts broadcasting. The Films and Publications Department (FPD) is set up as part of the Ministry of Information and the Arts. 2 January – The Tuas section of the Ayer Rajah Expressway opens in conjunction with the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link. 15 January – Singapore and United States announce agreement for US ships to use the newly opened Changi Naval Base.Changi Naval Base http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_504_2005-01-19.html National Library Board 15 June 2018 18 January – Republic Plaza is officially opened as City Developments Limited's (CDL) flagship building. Standing at 280 metres, it joins UOB Plaza and OUB Centre (present-day One Raffles Place) as Singapore's tallest buildings until Guoco Tower's completion in 2016, which is 290 metres.Official Opening of Republic Plaza http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998011805.htm NAS 2 December 2019 18 January 1998 February 2 February – Singapore-based Asia Business News completes its on-air merger with CNBC Asia.Sullivan Maureen 1998-03-03 CNBC Asia enlists U.S. feed https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/cnbc-asia-enlists-u-s-feed-1117468315/ 2024-04-17 Variety en-USTV18 lays off staff as part of worldwide merger of NBC and Dow Jones https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/story/19980209-tv18-lays-off-staff-as-part-of-worldwide-merger-of-nbc-and-dow-jones-825627-1998-02-08 2024-04-17 India Today en 10 February – The designs for Expo and Changi Airport stations are unveiled as part of the Changi Airport Extension Line.Changi Airport MRT station designed for travellers https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980211-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 29 December 2019 11 February 1998 21 February – The last section of the Seletar Expressway is officially opened.Official Opening of Seletar Expressway (SLE) Phase II http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19980221_0001.pdf NAS 18 August 2019 21 February 1998 27 February – Party political films are banned after amendments to the Films Act are passed. The amended law also toughens penalties for distribution of pornography, protects minors from pornography and expands 'films' to cover digital films. Censorship procedures will be streamlined into Films and Publications Department in MITA from 1 April.Speech by BG George Yeo, Minister for Information and the Arts, at the second reading of the Films (Amendment) Bill 1998, 27 February 1998 http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998030905.htm NAS 3 October 2020 27 February 1998 28 February – The Ministry of Education launches the Learning Journeys programme for students to learn about Singapore outside the classroom.Launch of "Learning Journeys" http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1998/280298a.htm MOE 28 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127111701/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1998/280298a.htm 27 November 2011 28 February 1998Launch of Learning Journeys http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/f3a07da7-06b5-4720-9ac1-daffbfbbc469#1 NLB 25 July 2019 March alt=|thumb|The ICA Building. 3 March – The Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) Building (now the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Building) is officially opened. During the opening, several new initiatives are announced, which are "Citizen Services Centre" handling passports, NRICs and citizenship applications, as well as same-day NRIC collection instead of a seven-day period previously. In addition, the blue IC and Re-Entry Permit will soon be combined, doing away with the need for separate REP applications by the end of this year. Services will also be enhanced to better serve foreigners.Official Opening of Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) Building http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998030301.htm NAS 14 April 2020 3 March 1998 14 March – The Treetops Trail is officially opened at the Singapore Zoo, giving young children the chance to learn about ecosystems.Official Opening of Treetops Trail at the Singapore Zoological Gardens http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1998/140398.htm MOE 28 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20120518235153/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1998/140398.htm 18 May 2012 14 March 1998 21 March – The Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) is officially launched. The system allows a faster response to accidents and informs drivers about current traffic conditions, which will be available on all expressways from 2000. The system is completely rolled out in 2001.Up-to-date information on all expressways from year 2000 http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980322-1.2.7.1 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 7 October 2019 22 March 1998Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_507_2005-01-05.html NLB 7 October 2019 23 March – Kallang Gasworks ceases operation after operating continuously for 137 years except during the world wars. The facility is subsequently demolished.Kallang Gasworks http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_750_2005-01-11.html National Library Board 7 June 2019 28 March – The new Changi General Hospital is officially opened.Official Opening of Changi General Hospital http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998032805.htm NAS 14 April 2020 28 March 1998 April thumb|The Malaysia–Singapore Second Link thumb|An ERP gantry 1 April – The Electronic Road Pricing, a traffic control scheme begins operations.Electronic Road Pricing system http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_832__2009-01-05.html National Library Board 27 May 2019 The Ministry of Manpower is formed to better support workers, replacing the previous Ministry of Labour. The move is first announced on 24 February.Ministry of Manpower http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998022502.htm NAS 14 April 2020 25 February 1998Launch of the new Ministry of Manpower https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998033104.htm NAS 14 April 2020 31 March 1998 Singapore Immigration and the National Registration Department have combined to form the Singapore Immigration and Registration (present-day Immigration and Checkpoints Authority), handling both citizenship and immigration matters in Singapore. 15 April – The Singapore Film Commission is established to support local films.Establishment of Singapore Film Commission http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/d7a1c07f-584b-4599-9142-b02c7988150d National Library Board 30 June 2019 18 April – The Malaysia–Singapore Second Link is officially opened.Official Opening Ceremony of the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998041802.htm NAS 14 April 2020 18 April 1998 23 April – The Telecommunications Authority of Singapore announced that StarHub is awarded a licence to operate both a Public Basic Telephone Service (PBTS) and Public Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (PCMTS). In addition, P2P is awarded only a PCMTS licence. These services will be launched by 1 April 2000, with full liberalisation of telecommunication services in 2002.Successful tenderers for one Public Basic Telecommunication Services and two Public Cellular Mobile Telephone Services Licences http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998042303.htm NAS 14 April 2020 23 April 1998 May 17 May – Jack Neo releases his very first movie, Money No Enough, that starred Neo, himself together with Mark Lee and Henry Thia. 22 May – In the Taw Cheng Kong case, for the first time in Singapore's history the High Court strikes down a statutory provision as unconstitutional, holding that it is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution. (The decision is reversed by the Court of Appeal later that year.) 25 May – Edwin Siew and Khoo Swee Chiow successfully conquer Mount Everest as part of the Singapore Everest Team, following a failed attempt on 19 May. This makes it the first Singapore team to climb Mount Everest.First successful ascent of Mount Everest by Singapore team http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/9cd7a075-1e05-4265-aed6-c557000250fb NLB 14 August 2019 June 12 June – The Marina MRT line is announced, which will be 13 km miles in long and have 20 stations. It was to have been completed in 2004, but it merged as Stage 1 of the Circle MRT line in 2001. In addition, another 46 trains will be bought, with 25 for the North East MRT line, five for Changi Airport Line (CAL) and 16 more for the North South and East West lines.Signing of E&M contracts ceremony http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998061201.htm NAS 23 November 2019 12 June 1998Marina Line gets go-ahead https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980613-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 2 October 2020 13 June 1998 July 1 July Four Seas Bank merges with OCBC Bank.OCBC-Four Seas Merger on July 1 http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980606-1.2.92.53.3 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 6 August 2019 6 June 1998 24 July – The Ministry of Finance announced the acquisition of POSBank by DBS Bank in a push to consolidate Singapore's banks into stronger banks, as well as cater to changing consumer profiles. The acquisition will make DBS Bank the largest Southeast Asian bank and largest retail bank in Singapore with S$93 billion in assets. The POSBank brand will be retained too.Ministry of Finance Press Statement: Privatisation of POSBank http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998072402.htm NAS 3 October 2020 24 July 1998 16 January 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210116054314/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998072402.htm dead The Development Bank of Singapore Ltd to acquire the business undertaking of the Post Office Savings Bank of Singapore strengthening its position as the largest Southeast Asian bank with total assets of approximately $93 billion http://www.dbs.com/newsroom/1998/press980724.html DBS Bank 29 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20061019135904/http://www.dbs.com/newsroom/1998/press980724.html 19 October 2006 24 July 1998 The acquisition is completed on 16 November 1998.DBS Bank completes POSBank and credit POSB acquisition http://www.dbs.com/newsroom/1998/press981116.html DBS Bank 29 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018000855/http://www.dbs.com/newsroom/1998/press981116.html 18 October 2006 16 November 1998 August August – Raintree Pictures is launched. 1 August – The Woodlands Train Checkpoint is opened.Relocation of Singapore CIQ To Woodlands And Arrangements For Malaysian CIQ For Train Service, 24 July 98 http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=493&type=4&root=0&parent=0&cat=0&mode=arc MHA 26 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20060819180212/http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=493&type=4&root=0&parent=0&cat=0&mode=arc 19 August 2006 24 July 1998 4 August – A new jetty and suspension bridge is officially opened in Tanjong Rhu. This makes it the first suspension bridge to be built in Singapore.Official Opening Ceremony for the jetty/tower and suspension footbridge Tanjong Rhu http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19980804_0001.pdf NAS 18 August 2019 4 August 1998 21 August – A road interchange to link the Pan Island Expressway and Tampines Expressway is officially opened.Official Opening of the PIE/TPE Interchange http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19980821_0001.pdf NAS 18 August 2019 21 August 1998 26 August – SingTel successfully launches Singapore's first commercial satellite, ST-1, into orbit following a lift-off from Kourou, French Guiana.Singapore's first satellite (ST-1) http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1866_2012-01-27.html NLB 18 July 2019 September 3 September – Saving Private Ryan becomes the first film in Singapore to be rated NC-16.Saving Private Ryan passed under NC-16 https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998090302.htm NAS 2 February 2021 3 September 1998 5 September – The Singapore national football team wins the 1998 Tiger Cup, winning Vietnam with a 1–0. 15 September – During TechVenture 98, it is announced that a Science Hub will be built in Buona Vista (now known as one-north), costing about S$5b with a completion time of 15 years.one-north http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2015-02-18_100010.html NLB 30 July 2019Coming: $5b Science Hub http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980916-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 30 July 2019Techventure 98 http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998091502.htm NAS 3 October 2020 15 September 1998 16 September – The Singapore Story, the first volume of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is launched.SPH Annual Report 1999: Significant Events https://www.sph.com.sg/system/misc/annualreport/1999/events.pdf SPH 18 July 2019 30 September – The HDB Centre starts construction as part of the Estate Renewal Strategy for Toa Payoh, first announced in 1995. The centre, which will serve as the Housing and Development Board, is completed in 2002.Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new HDB Centre in Toa Payoh http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998093001.htm NAS 3 October 2020 30 September 1998 October 5 October – SembCorp is formed from a merger between Singapore Technologies Industrial Corporation and Sembawang Corporation, first announced on 1 June.SembCorp Industries Ltd is formed http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/9c50a40e-d82c-4c26-8cb3-f4fa418087ba#4 NLB 25 July 2019STIC and Sembawang to merge https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980602-1.2.5 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 8 January 2022 2 June 1998 12 October – FM 96.3 – The International Channel (renamed to XFM 96.3) is launched as a radio station for expatriates.Launch of FM 96.3 – The International Channel https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998101201.htm NAS 10 December 2019 12 October 1998 November November – Causeway Point opens to the public. 4 November – Johns Hopkins Medicine and the then National Science and Technology Board (NSTB) established Johns Hopkins Singapore (JHS), which consisted of separate clinical and research units.Johns Hopkins Singapore http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1838_2011-09-07.html NLB 21 July 2019Johns Hopkins hospital in Singapore http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19981105.2.42.11 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 21 July 2019 27 November – Singapore aims to qualify in the FIFA World Cup by 2010, a target known as "Goal 2010".Tiger Beer S-League Awards Nite 98 https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998112705.htm NAS 21 November 2019 27 November 1998 28 November – The Grassroots Club is officially opened, which will strengthen grassroots engagement in Singapore.Official Opening of The Grassroots' Club http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1998112806.htm NAS 23 November 2019 28 November 1998 December 4 December – The newly refurbished Plaza Singapura reopens its doors after 18 months of renovations. 26 December – Keppel TatLee Bank is formed after a successful merger between Keppel Bank and Tat Lee Bank.Keppel TatLee Bank Reports Record Profit https://www.kepcorp.com/en/media/media-releases-sgx-filings/news/?sid=228 Keppel Corporation 7 October 2019 14 February 2000 Date unknown West Mall and Bukit Panjang Plaza are opened. The Paragon shopping centre at Orchard Road is opened. Births 2 May – Ng Jia Xin, Malaysian figure skater 6 September – Sheryl Ang, Singaporean actress 31 October – Amos Yee, Singaporean convicted offender and former blogger, YouTuber, and child actor Deaths 6 January – Dini Haryati, murder victim of an unsolved case (b. 1978).8 January 1998 Gadis 19 tahun ditemui terbunuh A 19-year-old girl was found dead https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/beritaharian19980108-1.2.5 17 May 2024 Berita Harian 1 ms NewspaperSG 13 January – Iordanka Apostolova, murder victim of Shaiful Edham Adam and Norishyam Mohamed Ali (b. 1972).Lee Min Kok 2016-01-19 Former detective Richard Lim Beng Gee, 65, dies: 5 high-profile cases he helped crack https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/former-detective-richard-lim-beng-gee-65-dies-5-high-profile-cases-he-helped 2024-05-17 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 18 January – Wang Sa, comedian (b. 1925).Comedian Wang Sa dies from lung disease https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980119-1.2.6.3 NewspaperSG 17 November 2020 19 January 1998 Yeo Geraldine 8 February – Percy McNeice, former President of the City Council of Singapore (b. 1901).12 February 1998 Ex-City Council head Sir Percy McNeice dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980212-1.2.38.13?qt=%22loke%20wan%20tho%22,%20dies&q=%22Loke%20Wan%20Tho%22%20dies 22 July 2025 NewspaperSG 21 February – Syed Ali Redha Alsagoff, former UMNO City Councillor for Telok Blangah Constituency and 6th President of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (b. 1927).22 February 1998 Malay Chamber's honorary president dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980222-1.2.31.4?qt=%22city%20councillor%22,%20dies&q=%22City%20Councillor%22%20%22dies%22 15 February 2026 NewspaperSG 21 March – Seah Mui Kok, former PAP Member of Parliament for Bukit Ho Swee Constituency and 4th Secretary-General of the National Trade Union Congress (b. 1923).24 March 1998 Ex-union chief dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19980324-1.2.6.5.4?qt=%22seah%20mui%20kok%22&q=%22seah%20mui%20kok%22 14 May 2025 NewspaperSG 25 March – Cheng An Lun, educator and former Principal of the Chinese High School (b. 1910).25 March 1998 前华中校长郑安仑逝世 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/lhwb19980325-1.2.28.3?qt=%22%E4%B8%8E%20%E4%B8%96%20%E9%95%BF%20%E8%BE%9E%22&q=%22%E4%B8%8E%E4%B8%96%E9%95%BF%E8%BE%9E%22 12 February 2026 NewspaperSG28 March 1998 Ex-principal of Chinese High dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980328-1.2.59.15?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 12 February 2026 NewspaperSG 28 March – Raphael Alfred Gonzales, former PAP Member of Parliament for Serangoon Gardens Constituency (b. 1922).29 March 1998 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980329-1.2.59.1?qt=%22raphael%20alfred%20gonzales%22&q=%22raphael%20alfred%20gonzales%22 24 June 2025 NewspaperSG 20 April – Sally Poh Bee Eng, murder victim in the Rolex watch murder (b. 1955–1956).2016-05-16 Guilty As Charged: Jonaris Badlishah killed to get a Rolex for girlfriend https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/guilty-as-charged-jonaris-badlishah-killed-to-get-a-rolex-for-girlfriend 2024-05-17 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 26 April – Halford Boudewyn, long-serving police officer (b. 1921).Halford Boudewyn http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1710_2010-10-12.html NLB 12 November 2019 10 May – Jaranjeet Singh, murder victim of Saminathan Subramaniam and S. Nagarajan Kuppusamy (b. 1958).Singh Jasbir 11 May 1998 Prison warden slashed to death https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19980511-1.2.7.7 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 3 NewspaperSG 18 May – Wang Sui Pick, prominent Chinese calligrapher (b. 1904).Weng Kam Leong 23 May 1998 Spore's oldest calligrapher dies at 95 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19980523-1.2.6.3?qt=dies,%20%22leong%20weng%20kam%22&q=%22dies%22%20%22Leong%20Weng%20Kam%22 4 September 2026 NewspaperSG 26 June – Wong Chooi Sen, former Secretary to the Cabinet (b. 1920).4 July 1998 Former Cabinet secretary dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19980704-1.2.7.3?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 23 September 2026 NewspaperSG 11 August – Ooi Ang Yen, murder victim in the Bukit Merah stabbing (b. 1955).5 November 1999 杀了心爱女友 自己也上绞台 41岁男子被判处死刑 A 41-year-old man who killed his beloved girlfriend and went to the gallows himself was sentenced to death https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/shinmin19991105-1.2.6.8.1 17 May 2024 Shin Min Daily 8 zh NewspaperSG 26 August – Tan Eng Yan, murder victim in the Tampines flat murder (b. 1948).13 November 1999 Man to hang for killing fruitseller https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19991113-1.2.67.12 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 59 NewspaperSG 26 November – Rajabali Jumabhoy, prominent businessman and former legislative assemblyman for Telok Ayer Constituency (b. 1898).Rajabali Jumabhoy https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=af046cc9-a994-478f-b9b3-d9e1ef3bfb0d 2024-12-27 www.nlb.gov.sgMathi Braema 27 November 1998 Rajabali Jumabhoy dies at 101 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19981127-1.2.61.10?qt=rajabali,%20jumabhoy&q=Rajabali%20Jumabhoy 27 December 2024 NewspaperSG 7 December – Tann Wee Tiong, founder of Rajah & Tann and founding member of the People's Action Party (b. 1915).9 December 1998 行动党发起人之一陈维忠逝世 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/lhzb19981209-1.2.15.2?qt=%E6%9E%97,%20%E6%B8%85,%20%E7%A5%A5,%20%E9%80%9D,%20%E4%B8%96&q=%E6%9E%97%E6%B8%85%E7%A5%A5%E9%80%9D%E4%B8%96 2 December 2024 NewspaperSG10 December 1998 PAP founder member dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19981210-1.2.48.17?qt=%22tann%20wee%20tiong%22,%20dies&q=%E2%80%9CTann%20Wee%20Tiong%E2%80%9D%20dies 17 August 2026 NewspaperSG 27 December – Jalil Haron, 5th President of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (b. 1934).29 December 1998 Malay chamber's former chief dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19981229-1.2.51.49?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 23 September 2026 NewspaperSG References 1998 Singapore Category:Years in Singapore