1997 in Singapore

none April 2013 September 2020 1997 The following lists events that happened during 1997 in Singapore. Incumbents President: Ong Teng CheongHow Singapore's presidents have been honoured https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-singapores-presidents-have-been-honoured The Straits Times 21 May 2018 en 20 August 2014 Prime Minister: Goh Chok TongSenior Minister Goh Chok Tong presenting book http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/9229b253-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad www.nas.gov.sg 21 May 2018 2 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200902034209/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/9229b253-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad dead Events January January – The Singapore Kindness Movement is officially launched. 2 January – In the 1997 General Election, the People's Action Party team led by Goh Chok Tong won 81 out of 83 seats (including 47 uncontested seats) with a vote share of 65.0%. The opposition won the remaining two, with one seat going to the Workers' Party and the Singapore People's Party winning the other seat. Meanwhile, the Singapore Democratic Party lost all three seats.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/da8cdbc4-2e44-4aa0-a423-cddacffe259d 1997 Parliamentary General Election National Library Board 26 July 2019 18 January - Eastpoint Mall was officially opened by Minister for National Development Lim Hng Kiang. 25 January – Temasek Polytechnic's new campus is officially opened.Official Opening of Temasek Polytechnic's new campus http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997012702.htm NAS 14 August 2019 25 January 1997 February 1 February – 3 new cinemas were opened: Studio City Cinemas Central Mall, Studio City Cinemas Eastpoint and, White Sands Cineplex, managed by Eng Wah Organisation. 15 February – The Battle Box museum is officially opened.Official opening of The Battle Box http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1997021502/tkyt19970215bs.pdf NAS 11 July 2019 15 February 1997 The Toa Payoh Hospital and Changi Hospital are closed and merged into New Changi Hospital. 24 February – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the Home Team concept, which aims to strengthen collaboration between agencies of MHA.Home Team Launching Workshop http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997022404.htm NAS 7 August 2019 24 February 1997 March 1 March – The National Dental Centre Singapore starts operations. 7 March – The Senoko Gasworks officially opened. That facility replaced Kallang Gasworks (which closed in 1998).Official opening of the Senoko Gasworks on Fri 7 March 1997 at 10.30 am at 26 Senoko Avenue http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997030701.htm NAS 30 June 2019 7 March 1997 April 1 April – M1 launches cellular services. It is the second telco after SingTel. 14 April – Neptune Orient Lines announced that it will buy APL Logistics in a merger.Neptune Orient to Buy APL in $825-Million Deal https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-14-fi-48586-story.html Los Angeles Times 14 August 2019 14 April 1997 21 April – The Asian Civilisations Museum is officially opened.About ACM https://www.acm.org.sg/about-acm ACM 1 August 2019 May 17 May – National Education is launched to encourage national cohesion and national identity.Launch of National Education http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1997051607/lhl19970517s.pdf NAS 10 July 2019 17 May 1997 19 May – SingPost launches the SAM machines, allowing people to buy stamps on the go.S.A.M. issues http://www.ateeme.net/anglesw/asingapur.htm Ateeme 27 August 2019 30 May – The Singapore Expo starts construction to replace World Trade Centre Halls 1 and 2, first announced on 24 July 1996. The MTI will appoint PSA to run the centre.Ground-breaking ceremony of the mega exhibition centre http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997053001.htm NAS 24 July 2019 30 May 1997 June June – A new standard for grading food stalls is launched, with hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping standards taken into account. There are four grades, mainly A, B, C and D.Hawker centres http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1637_2010-01-31.html NLB 6 September 2019 2 June – The Ministry of Education unveiled a new strategy known as 'Thinking Schools, Learning Nation'. The new strategy aims to encourage lifelong learning and creativity.Opening of the 7th International Conference on Thinking http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19970602_0001.pdf NAS 10 July 2019 2 June 1997 9 June – The Singapore ONE broadband network is launched with new interactive features, making Singapore the first country in the world to have such a system. The network is launched commercially in 1998.Opening Ceremony of the Asia Telecom 97 http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997060903.htm NAS 16 August 2019 9 June 1997Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong launches the Singapore ONE Pilot Network and Services at the Asia Telecom '97 at the World Trade Centre Auditorium http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/1b067427-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad NAS 16 August 2019 9 June 1997 2,000 people were enrolled as part of the first trial, a quarter of which had successful connections.9 June 1997 The ONE you're waiting for https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19970609-1.2.3.4 17 December 2025 The New Paper 12 June – 12 Storeys, a local films, is released in cinemas. It becomes the first-ever Singapore film to be shown during the Cannes Film Festival.Eric Khoo http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-02-17_134007.html NLB 28 August 2019 25 June – Changi Business Park is launched by JTC.JTC launches Changi Business Park http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970626-1.2.77.3 NLB 2 July 2019 26 June 1997 July July – Singapore slips into recession during the Asian financial crisis. 21 July – Racial Harmony Day is celebrated for the first time, commemorating the 1964 Race Riots. 22 July – Suntec City, a mixed-use development with a convention centre officially opened. 28 July – Dover MRT station is announced to link commuters to Singapore Polytechnic, with completion by 2001.New MRT station at S'pore Poly to be ready by Year 2001 http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970729-1.2.40.16 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 28 August 2019 29 July 1997 August 2 August – The Esplanade Bridge and the Nicoll Highway extension is opened to traffic,Mouth of the Singapore River http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_929_2004-12-16.html NLB 11 July 2019 2016 after its official opening held the day before.Opening of the Nicoll Highway Extension and Esplanade Bridge https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1997080102.htm NAS 7 June 2021 1 August 1997 5 August – The Land Transport Authority awards SMRT the licence to operate the Bukit Panjang LRT line due to its experience with the MRT.SMRT 10th Anniversary Dinner http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997080502.htm NAS 18 August 2019 5 August 1997 20 August – A landmark appeal of Abdul Nasir Amer Hamsah led to the definition of life imprisonment to change from "life" to "natural life" from the day after 20 August 1997 onwards for future offences. At that time before 20 August 1997, life imprisonment in Singapore was defined as a jail term of 20 years, entitled with the usual practice of one-third remission for good behaviour. Chief Justice Yong Pung How, in the Court of Appeal, also decided that life imprisonment should be considered as a term of incarceration for the remainder of a convicted prisoner's natural life, with the possibility of parole after serving at least 20 years.http://lwb.lawnet.com.sg/legal/lgl/rss/landmark/%5B1997%5D_SGCA_38.html#91;1997%5D_SGCA_38.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120426071248/http://lwb.lawnet.com.sg/legal/lgl/rss/landmark/%5B1997%5D_SGCA_38.html#91;1997%5D_SGCA_38.html dead 26 April 2012 Abdul Nasir bin Amer Hamsah v Public Prosecutor Webcite 21 March 2021https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Search?ST=1&AT=advanced&DF=06%2f06%2f1994&DT=31%2f12%2f1998&NPT=&L=&CTA=&k=Abdul+Nasir+Amer+Hamsah%26ka%3dAbdul+Nasir+Amer+Hamsah&P=1&Display=0&filterS=0# Trie issue: CJ: What is life imprisonment? National Library Board 21 March 2021https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Search?ST=1&AT=advanced&DF=06%2f06%2f1994&DT=31%2f12%2f1998&NPT=&L=&CTA=&k=Abdul+Nasir+Amer+Hamsah%26ka%3dAbdul+Nasir+Amer+Hamsah&P=1&Display=0&filterS=0# Not so lucky third time round National Library Board 21 March 2021 September 2 September – Senoko Fishing Port starts operations, moving from Punggol for the construction of Punggol New Town. It officially opened on 6 December.Senoko Fishing Port http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_396_2005-01-18.html NLB 13 August 2019Punggol fishing port to move to Senoko next month http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970805.2.39.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 13 August 2019 5 August 1997More fish from different places http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19971207.2.4 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 13 August 2019 7 December 1997 3 September – Construction starts on the Automobile Megamart, a car hub in Ubi.Automobile Megamart Foundation Laying Ceremony http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997090303.htm NAS 24 August 2019 3 September 1997 12 September – Raffles Medical Group and Pidemco Land (now CapitaLand) formed a joint-venture company to convert Blanco Court into a hospital, which is the second-largest private hospital in Singapore. The hospital will be later known as Raffles Hospital.Raffles Hospital http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_338_2004-12-27.html NLB 24 August 2019RMG, Pidemco pair up for $200m project http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970913.2.89.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 24 August 2019 13 September 1997 15 September – Singapore Airlines launches KrisWorld, the world's first airline to have an inflight system.Blast from the past: Launch of AVOD (15 September 1997) https://m.facebook.com/singaporeair/posts/259580424072992 https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/6352578678/259580424072992 2022-02-26 limited Singapore Airlines (Facebook) 5 August 2019 15 September 2011 18 September – The haze came to Singapore, which caused the Pollutant Standards Index to reach a record of 226 then (since surpassed by 401 during the June 2013 haze).Haze hits pollution index record of 226 https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2015/10/02/haze_hits_pollution_index_record_of_226.pdf The Straits Times 5 September 2019 19 September 1997 19 September – The Ministry of the Environment announced a haze management plan. In it, schools and sports complexes will shut when the Pollutant Standards Index reaches past 300. Sirens will sound when levels reach past 400.ENV unveils haze action plan https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2015/10/02/env_unveils_haze_action_plan_sept_20_1997.pdf The Straits Times 5 September 2019 20 September 1997 October October – Great World City opens to the public. Cathay Cineleisure Orchard opens on the former site of Orchard Cinema. 1 October – PSA Corporation (present-day PSA International) is formed as a result of corporatisation of port activities. The Community Involvement Programme is launched.Introduction of Community Involvement Programme http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/c78526c6-decf-4b79-b4ca-421739464884 NLB 24 July 2019 10 October – The new KK Women's and Children's Hospital building is officially opened.Official opening of KK Women's and Children's Hospital http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997101006.htm NAS 10 July 2019 10 October 1997 November 8 November – The first i-Weekly issue is published.Cover to cover http://www.nlb.gov.sg/biblioasia/2016/04/10/cover-to-cover/ NLB 9 August 2019 12 November – SBS Limited is now known as DelGro Corporation (present day ComfortDelGro).SBS Limited changes its name to DelGro http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19971113-1.2.51.12 The Straits Times 25 September 2019 13 November 1997 15 November – SingTel launches Magix, a broadband network.Launch of Magix day http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=1997111501.htm NAS 24 July 2019 15 November 1997 17 November – The Ayer Rajah Expressway extension to Tuas is officially opened, formed by the expansion of Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim into an expressway. The route will cater for the opening of the Second Link in 1998.Completion Ceremony for the AYE Extension http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/19971117_0001.pdf NAS 16 August 2019 17 November 1997 19 November – The Singapore Tourism Promotion Board is renamed the Singapore Tourism Board.Singapore Tourism Board http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_31_2005-01-31.html NLB 30 June 2019 25 November – Construction of the North East MRT line starts. In addition, the Land Transport Authority has been conducting studies on potential MRT extensions.Speech by Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for Communications at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the NEL 25 Nov 97 at 5.30 pm at Farrer Park Station site (junction of Owen and Race Course Road) https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1997112502.htm NAS 14 March 2021 25 November 1997Drilling begins for N-E line...at the push of a button https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19971126-1.2.4 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 14 March 2021 26 November 1997 December 8 December – ST Engineering was created from a merger of four companies, namely ST Aerospace, ST Electronics, ST Kinetics and ST Marine. The merger was announced earlier on 28 August.ST Engineering is created http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/8cbe1a98-2caf-40e5-b0f8-24fb788aca16#2 NLB 24 July 2019Joint Announcement – Singapore Technologies Engineering Companies Amalgamating for Strength http://www.stengg.com/pressroom/press_releases_read.aspx?paid=480 ST Engg 19 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20080202135452/http://www.stengg.com/pressroom/press_releases_read.aspx?paid=480 2 February 2008 28 August 1997 19 December – SilkAir Flight 185 crashes into Musi River near Palembang, Sumatra, killing all 104 people on board.Suicide pilot caused SilkAir crash https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1071848.stm BBC News 21 May 2018 15 December 2000 31 December – The National Arts Council launched Passion 99.5FM, a radio station focused on the arts. Date unknown Hougang Mall and Anchorpoint are opened. Births 24 January – Samantha Yeo, swimmerSamantha YEO – Olympic – Singapore https://www.olympic.org/samantha-yeo International Olympic Committee 21 May 2018 en 25 June 2016 24 December – Marina Chan, swimmerGlasgow 2014 – Nur Marina Chan Si Min Alif Abdullah Profile http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/swimming/1018077/nur_marina_chan_si_min_alif_abdulla.html https://web.archive.org/web/20180521082747/http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/swimming/1018077/nur_marina_chan_si_min_alif_abdulla.html usurped 21 May 2018 results.glasgow2014.com 21 May 2018 es Deaths 27 January – Abdul Wahab Ghows, former judge of the Supreme Court (b. 1921).Li Hsien Lim 6 February 1997 Retired Supreme Court judge dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970206-1.2.26.7 21 August 2026 NewspaperSG 13 February – Hajjah Halijah A. Hamid Almunawarah, founder and former managing director of Halijah Travels (b. 1959).14 February 1997 Muslim businesswoman known for charity dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970214-1.2.37.3?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 23 September 2026 NewspaperSG 12 March – Tan Tiong Huat, murder victim of Lim Thian Lai (b. 1954).13 March 1997 血染美芝路停车场 杂货店老板 头穿洞丧命 Grocery store owner dies with head pierced in blood-stained Beach Road parking lot https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/lhwb19970313-1.2.4 17 May 2024 Lianhe Wanbao 1 zh NewspaperSG 13 March – Sivapackiam Veerappan Rengasamy, murder victim in the Kallang landlady murder (b. 1944).Lim Seng Jin 21 October 1997 Tenant's friend jailed for role in landlady's murder https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19971021-1.2.43.6 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 34 NewspaperSG 26 March – Lloyd Valberg, sole competitor for 1948 Summer Olympics (b. 1922).Lloyd Valberg http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1229_2010-08-03.html NLB 29 October 2019 15 May – Ong Soo Chuan, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former PAP Member of Parliament for Nee Soon Constituency (b. 1938).16 May 1997 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970516-1.2.70.1?qt=%22ong%20soo%20chuan%22&q=%E2%80%9COng%20Soo%20Chuan%E2%80%9D 12 February 2026 NewspaperSGThiam Seng Chua 17 May 1997 外交部前政务次长王书泉因病去世 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/lhzb19970517-1.2.9.13?qt=%22%E7%8E%8B%20%E4%B9%A6%20%E6%B3%89%22&q=%22%E7%8E%8B%E4%B9%A6%E6%B3%89%22 12 February 2026 NewspaperSG 20 June – Philip Low, murder victim in the Duck Den murder (b. 1932).21 June 1997 Elderly man found murdered in private flat off Balestier Road https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970621-1.2.43.5 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 35 NewspaperSG 23 September – Rahim Hamid, singer (b. 1929).Sapawi Tuminah 24 September 1997 Singapore's Nat King Cole dies at age 69 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970924-1.2.48.19?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 23 September 2026 NewspaperSG 26 September – Lim Ngee Hong, founder and Chairman of the Kwan-In Welfare Society (b. 1936).3 October 1997 Charity pioneer dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19971003-1.2.113.17.2.2?qt=buddhist,%20dies&q=%22Buddhist%22%20%22dies%22 17 February 2026 NewspaperSG 9 October – Ang Kok Peng, former PAP Member of Parliament for Crawford Constituency and Buona Vista Constituency (b. 1927).11 October 1997 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19971011-1.2.89.8?qt=%22ang%20kok%20peng%22&q=%22Ang%20Kok%20Peng%22 2 December 2025 NewspaperSG 12 October – Lee Chin Koon, storekeeper for Shell and father of Lee Kuan Yew (b. 1903).Lee Chin Koon http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1552_2009-08-28.html NLB 29 October 2019 19 December – Bonny Hicks, model and writer (b. 1968).A Jet Crash That Defies Resolution http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/05/news/mn-42336/2 https://web.archive.org/web/20140314165000/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/05/news/mn-42336/2 dead 14 March 2014 Los Angeles Times 21 May 2018 5 September 2001 References 1997 Singapore Category:Years of the 20th century in Singapore Category:1990s in Singapore Singapore