2008 in Singapore

none April 2013 December 2020 2008 The following lists events that occurred in 2008 in the Republic of Singapore. Incumbents President: S.R. Nathan Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Loong Events January 1 January – All radio stations in Singapore start broadcasting 24/7.All MediaCorp Radio stations to run 24/7 from 1 Jan – Channel NewsAsiaToh Christopher Some radio milestones through the decades https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/some-radio-milestones-through-decades Today 10 December 2019 20 April 2016 2 January – The School of the Arts is opened, making it the first specialised pre-tertiary arts school in Singapore.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/a9ed544a-cdfc-4764-889b-18b65b29b15f School of The Arts is opened NLB 2019-07-01 3 January – The Keppel Bay Bridge is officially opened.Keppel Bay Bridge rises as new icon at Singapore's southern waterfront http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1686&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 Keppel Corporation 5 May 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20080206210146/http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1686&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 6 February 2008 3 January 2008 8 January My Paper is relaunched as a full-fledged bilingual newspaper.my paper, Singapore's first full-fledged bilingual newspaper, is out! https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/548 SPH 18 July 2019 7 January 2008 Asia Netcom and Pacific Internet successfully merged as Pacnet, Singapore's second ISP. This resulted in its delisting from Nasdaq.Asia Netcom and Pacific Internet Launch Merger and Unveil New Corporate Identity The Straits Times Singapore http://pacnet.com/inter/index.asp?pg=about-pacnet_newsroom&view=singlenews&page=25&year=2008 25 August 2019 8 January 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20101128091426/http://pacnet.com/inter/index.asp?pg=about-pacnet_newsroom&view=singlenews&page=25&year=2008 28 November 2010 Reflections at Keppel Bay starts construction works, with completion by 2013.Reflections at Keppel Bay breaks new ground for iconic waterfront residences http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1688&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 Keppel Corporation 5 May 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20080208042711/http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1688&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 8 February 2008 8 January 2008 9 January – Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 starts operations.Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Opens For Operations https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Singapore%20Changi%20Airport%20Terminal%203%20Opens%20For%20Operations(1)/ MOT 18 October 2019 9 January 2008T3 Takes Off http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20080110-1.2.9.3 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 30 August 2019 10 January 2008 14 January – The Athletes Achievement Awards is launched to recognise Paralympians. The awards are 10 per cent that of the Multi-million dollar Award Programme for Olympians, being launched 15 years ago.Low Lin Fhoong Cash boost for disabled athletes https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/today20080115-1.1.37 Today (retrieved from NLB) 17 November 2021 15 January 2008 18 January – The Land Transport Gallery is launched. Several enhancements are announced for buses. Among them, the Land Transport Authority will centrally plan bus routes by 2009 with Public Transport Council overseeing bus networks and service quality, 80% of bus services at timings of 10 minutes or less by August 2009, more seamless transfers, distance-based fares by 2009 to remove transfer penalties, an integrated season pass, more bus lanes, pilot bus priority at traffic junctions and mandatory give-way at bus bays by end-2008, seven more integrated bus interchanges, more information panels at 20 bus stops and SMS for bus arrival times, an enhanced Integrated Public Transport Journey Planner by July 2008 and an Integrated Multi-Modal Travel Information System to be developed. Bus services will be made contestable and more niche services will be provided. A community division is set up in LTA with a new programme soon.Speech by Mr Raymond Lim At The Launch Of The Land Transport Gallery on 18 January 2008 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20by%20Mr%20Raymond%20Lim%20At%20The%20Launch%20Of%20The%20Land%20Transport%20Gallery%20on%2018%20January%202008/ MOT 4 June 2021 18 January 2008Goh Chin Lian Overhaul of bus system for smooth, fast trips https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20080119-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 4 June 2021 19 January 2008Page 57 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes20080119-1.1.57 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 4 June 2021 19 January 2008Page 58 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes20080119-1.1.58 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 4 June 2021 19 January 2008Popatlal Asha Transport minister announces major changes in land transport http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323360/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080327052437/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323360/1/.html 27 March 2008 18 January 2008 19 January – Marina at Keppel Bay is officially opened as a yacht facility with world-class restaurants.Singapore's new luxury waterfront playground premieres http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1693&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 Keppel Corporation 5 May 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20080208042757/http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1693&L=&Y=2008&Q=1 8 February 2008 19 January 2008Majid Hasnita Newly-opened Marina at Keppel Bay welcomes Clipper Race participants http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323623/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 4 June 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20080120114749/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323623/1/.html 20 January 2008 19 January 2008 The Sports Hub project tender is awarded to Singapore Sports Hub Consortium led by Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd.Singapore Sports Hub Preferred Bidder Announcement https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/Newsroom/Media-Releases/2008/1/Singapore-Sports-Hub-Preferred-Bidder-Announcement Singapore Sports Council 26 August 2021 19 January 2008 23 January – The National University Health System is formed as Singapore's third health cluster. 25 January Several new rail lines are announced to double the network from 138 km miles in today to 278 km miles in by 2020 as part of refreshed transport plans. The Thomson Line and Eastern Region Line will finish by 2018 and 2020 respectively, and new extensions on the North South and East West Lines will finish by 2015, serving the new cruise centre in Marina South and Tuas area respectively. Downtown Line Stage 3 will be brought forward by two years from 2018 to 2016 (a year after Stage 2 opens). Circle Line Stage 3 will open a year earlier in mid-2009, with two stations (Thomson and West Coast) opening with the whole line after initial plans as shell stations. The Circle Line extension serving Marina Bay will open in 2012.Popatlal Asha MRT network length to double by 2020; two new lines to be built http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324859/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080405110117/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324859/1/.html 5 April 2008 25 January 2008Tan Christopher Govt to spend $40b to expand rail network http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199935.html The Straits Times 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080128072648/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199935.html 28 January 2008 25 January 20082 new MRT lines & 2 extensions by 2020 http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199957.html The Straits Times 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080128072925/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199957.html 28 January 2008 25 January 2008 There will also be 93 more train trips per week on the North South, East West and North East Lines during peak periods from February 2008, with more train capacity for the North South and East West Lines by 2012. Platform screen doors will be installed on all above ground stations to boost safety and reduce track intrusions, with the installation make more cost-effective after usage in many countries. It will start with test pilots in Yishun, Jurong East and Pasir Ris in 2009 before a rollout to all stations in 2012.Platform screen doors for all above-ground MRT stations by 2012 http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199958.html The Straits Times 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080128072930/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_199958.html 28 January 2008 25 January 2008Wong Siew Ying Above-ground MRT stations to have platform screen doors by 2012 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324989/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080128145616/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324989/1/.html 28 January 2008 25 January 2008 The rail financing framework will also be reviewed for greater rail expansion by allowing a network approach in evaluating feasibility of new lines instead of a line approach, as well as ensure greater contestability of rail operators by having shorter licence terms at 10 to 15 years instead of 30 currently, and having operators compete to run rail lines and meet service obligations. In other transport plans, 86 percent of overhead bridges will be covered by 2010, with all transport walkways made barrier-free too. 40 percent of buses will be wheelchair accessible by 2010, with the entire fleet by 2020. There will also be 17 more lifts for 16 MRT stations to boost convenience, with more than 70 percent of MRT stations having at least two access routes by end 2011. Public transport fares will continue to be regulated for affordability, including for those lower-income. For taxis, Quality of Standards for call bookings will be tightened to ensure availability, along with setting up a common booking number by July. For cyclists, a six-month trial will start from March to allow foldable bikes on trains and buses. Park connectors will be leveraged to allow cyclists to get to public transport interchanges more easily, along with improving bike parking facilities at MRT stations and bus interchanges in housing estates. Signs will also be put up to alert motorists of cyclists in frequently-used routes from March, with trials started to allow cycling on pedestrian walkways in Tampines. Transport fleet standards will be improved for the environment, with all taxis complying with Euro IV by 2014, and 40 percent of public buses doing so in 2010; and the rest by 2020.Speech By Mr Raymond Lim At The Visit To Kim Chuan Depot on 25 January 2008 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Raymond%20Lim%20At%20The%20Visit%20To%20Kim%20Chuan%20Depot%20on%2025%20January%202008/ MOT 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20201119130156/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Raymond%20Lim%20At%20The%20Visit%20To%20Kim%20Chuan%20Depot%20on%2025%20January%202008/ 19 November 2020 25 January 2008 February 1 February – The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) is officially launched to help workers find jobs.Launch of Employment and Employability Institute https://www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/up2/home/searchresultsdetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/Content_Library/NTUC/Home/About%20NTUC/Newsroom/Media%20Releases/4781e080449b9fafa13aa301ca0149bf NTUC 13 August 2019 7 March 2008 In addition, a National Continuing Education and Training (CET) Masterplan is launched too.Opening of Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) https://www.ssg-wsg.gov.sg/speeches/01_Feb_2008.html WDA (now WSG) 25 August 2019 1 February 2008 8 February – Sumatran orangutan Ah Meng, known for a tourism icon of Singapore, dies after 97 Orangutan Years, or 47 years. 21 February- The President of IOC, Jacques Rogge announces that Singapore will host the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, which happened on 14 August 2010.INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE – NEWS http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2491 2008-02-22 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080225113358/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2491 25 February 2008 dead 27 February – Mas Selamat bin Kastari, one of Singapore's wanted fugitive, has escaped from detention under the country's Internal Security Act.JI detainee Mas Selamat Kastari escapes from Singapore detention centre Channel NewsAsia 27 February 2008 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/331477/1/.html 7 March 2008 https://archive.today/20130225232151/http://web.archive.org/web/20080307191435/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/331477/1/.html 25 Feb 2013 dead March 1 March – Opening of Singapore Flyer; at 165 m ft in height, it surpasses Star of Nanchang's height of 160 m ft as the tallest Ferris Wheel at the time until on 31 March 2014, where High Roller's height of 160 m ft surpasses the record. 4 March – A new School of Science and Technology, Singapore will be set up by 2010.FY 2008 Committee of Supply Debate 1st Reply by Minister on Educational Policy http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20080304985.pdf NAS 11 July 2019 6 March – A 43-year-old murder suspect is shot dead by police officers at Outram Park MRT station along the North East MRT line. This comes after the suspect attempted to lunge at two officers with a knife as they checked him.Chong Elena Quek Carolyn Joo Lin Teh Police shot dead murder suspect in Outram MRT https://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Crime/Story/A1Story20080306-53088.html Asiaone 18 September 2019 6 March 2008 7 March – The Underground Ammunition Facility is commissioned for underground storage of ammunition, saving land aboveground.Official commissioning of the Underground Ammunition Facility http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/MINDEF_20080307003.pdf NAS 13 August 2019 7 March 2008 8 March – Playground @ Big Splash opens, replacing the previous Big Splash waterpark.Remaking a big splash' http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20080307-1.2.67.1 Today (retrieved from NLB) 13 August 2019 7 March 2008 30 March – The Land Transport Master Plan 2008 is launched.Launch of the Land Transport Masterplan And Announcement of the Community Outreach Programme https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Raymond%20Lim%20At%20The%20Launch%20Of%20The%20Land%20Transport%20Masterplan%20And%20Announcement%20Of%20The%20Community%20Outreach%20Programme%20on%2030%20March%202008/ MOT 11 July 2019 31 March – Changi Airport Terminal 3's shopping and dining facilities are launched.Cheney Satish Changi Airport celebrates launch of shopping and dining facilities at T3 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/338433/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 30 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20080402003414/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/338433/1/.html 2 April 2008 31 March 2008 April 1 April – The Workplace Safety and Health Council is formed to raise workplace safety and health standards. Alexandra Health is formed as Singapore's fourth healthcare cluster, which moved to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in 2010.Specialist clinics at new Khoo Teck Puat Hospital open https://www.ktph.com.sg/uploads/KTPH%2520Media%2520Advisory.pdf Alexandra Health 26 July 2019 24 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20150327025404/https://www.ktph.com.sg/uploads/KTPH%20Media%20Advisory.pdf 27 March 2015 dead 2 April – The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore is formed to regulate casinos after its legalization in 2005.Casino Regulatory Authority is Operational https://www.cra.gov.sg/news-events/news-releases/Detail/casino-regulatory-authority-is-operational CRA 26 September 2019 1 April 2008 11 April – Wessex Village Square @ one-north is launched, providing a space for art exhibitions and works to be shown.JTC launches new space for the arts http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes20080412-1.2.16.2 The Business Times (retrieved from NLB) 21 August 2019 12 April 2008 28 April – During the Workplace Safety and Health Council launch, a target to reduce fatality rate is announced to bring it down to 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018.Speech at The Launch of The National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign 2008 and The Workplace Safety and Health Council https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2008/speech-by-prime-minister-prime-minister-lee-hsien-loong-at-the-the-launch-of-the-national-workplace-safety-and-health-campaign-2008-and-the-workplace-safety-and-health-council-29-april-2008-300-pm-atriumorchard MOM 26 July 2019 28 April 2008 30 April – SMRT launches the SMRT is Green campaign to promote sustainability, with a new Euro 5 bus launched too. Several new eco-friendly vehicles will be put on the road soon.SMRT Is Green Launch https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Teo%20Ser%20Luck%20At%20SMRT%20Is%20Green%20Launch%20On%2030%20April%202008/ MOT 7 September 2019 30 April 2008 May 10 May – HortPark, Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch are officially opened as part of a plan to link the Southern Ridges.PM Lee Hsien Loong Officially Opens Two Pedestrian Bridges and HortPark – The Gardening Hub at the Southern Ridges https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2008/5/pm-lee-hsien-loong-officially-opens-two-pedestrian-bridges-and-hortpark--the-gardening-hub-at-the-southern-ridges NParks 7 July 2019 10 May 2008 7 July 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190707082130/https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2008/5/pm-lee-hsien-loong-officially-opens-two-pedestrian-bridges-and-hortpark--the-gardening-hub-at-the-southern-ridges dead 23 May – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awards Pedra Branca to Singapore and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, ending a 29-year territorial dispute between the two countries.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7416473.stm Court awards islet to Singapore BBC News 23 May 2008 6 September 2017 28 May – The Land Transport Authority has announced that there are no plans to develop the Jurong LRT for now due to the lack of demand.https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=3&id=51 No plans to develop Jurong LRT for now Land Transport Authority 26 May 2008 5 October 2017 June 23 June – The Singapore National Paralympic Council is formed to focus on para athletes.About https://www.snpc.org.sg/about/ SNPC 19 October 2021 27 June – Phase 2B of Fusionopolis (known as Solaris) starts construction.Fusionopolis Phase 2B Groundbreaking Ceremony https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2008/06/Mr-Lim-Hng-Kiang-at-the-Fusionopolis-Phase-2B-Groundbreaking-Ceremony MTI 7 August 2019 27 June 2008 July 5 July – DigiPen's Singapore campus is officially opened, the first international location.Mr Lim Hng Kiang at the Official Opening of DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2008/07/Mr-Lim-Hng-Kiang-at-the-Official-Opening-of-DigiPen-Institute-of-Technology-Singapore MTI 27 May 2022 5 July 2008 11 July – The Land Transport Authority announced that another platform will be built at Jurong East MRT station called the Jurong East Modification Project. It is targeted for completion by 2012, but eventually opened earlier on 27 May 2011. 17 more trains will also be added.http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start%3D1964 Jurong East Modification Project 31 January 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120212162757/http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1964 12 February 2012 The Reform Party is inaugurated.Inauguration of Reform Party http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/576ced2a-1718-473d-b32f-4540d6e3e321 NLB 14 September 2019 The F1 Pit Building is completed in preparation of the Singapore Grand Prix.Mr S Iswaran at the Completion Ceremony of the Pit Building for the FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2008/07/Mr-S-Iswaran-at-the-Completion-Ceremony-of-the-Pit-Building-for-the-FORMULA-1-SingTel-Singapore-Gran MTI 27 May 2022 11 July 2008 15 July – The locations of the stations along Downtown MRT line Stage 2 are unveiled.http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1969 Downtown Line 2 Station Sites Named LTA 2009-06-17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110527042907/http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1969 2011-05-27"LTA unveils locations of DTL stage 2 stations" https://web.archive.org/web/20080813151257/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_257916.html 13 August 2008 , Christopher Tan, The Straits Times, 15 July 200812 MRT stations for Bukit Timah by 2015 http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20080716-1.2.13.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 8 October 2019 16 July 2008 25 July – Changi Airport Terminal 3 is officially opened. Plans for Terminal 4 are announced to allow Changi Airport to expand its capacity.Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at Official Opening of Changi Airport's Terminal 3, on 25 July 2008 at 3.45 PM https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20080725962.htm NAS 27 May 2022 25 July 2008 31 July – Money No Enough 2 is released, 10 years after Money No Enough is out in cinemas. Radio Singapore International ceases transmission due to declining listenership.Radio Singapore International to stop transmission http://corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1212480863.htm 22 September 2019 MediaCorp 3 June 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20090415070755/http://corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1212480863.htm 15 April 2009 August 8 – 24 August – Team Singapore took part in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The team won only one silver Olympic medal (for the Women's Table Tennis team event) during the run, the first time the nation won a medal after 48 years after its first medal- also a silver—by Tan Howe Liang in the 1960 Summer Olympics, placing 72nd out of 87 NOCs.ir http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/368387/1/.html Olympics: First medal in 48 years for Singapore Channel NewsAsia 2008-08-15 22 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081122051939/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/368387/1/.html deadhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/table_tennis/7562910.stm Singapore into table tennis final BBC 2008-08-15 15 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080819080906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/table_tennis/7562910.stm 19 August 2008 livehttp://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/369089/1/.html https://archive.today/20130225235740/http://web.archive.org/web/20080828155629/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/369089/1/.html dead 25 Feb 2013 Olympics: Singapore paddlers settle for silver in women's team final 2008-08-18 17 August 2008 Channel NewsAsia 20 August – Pro-family policies are enhanced to encourage child-bearing. Several of these measures include tax reliefs, kindergarten education, 16 weeks for maternity leave and six-day childcare leave for each parent from 1 January 2009, a six-day unpaid infant care leave, Government co-funding for assisted reproductive technology from 1 September, among others.http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20080820988.pdf Government doubles budget to provide more support for marriage and parenthood NAS 8 July 2019 20 August 2008 24 August – The MacRitchie Viaduct extension opens to traffic, supposed to open last month.Braddell Road/Thomson Road/Lornie Road Flyover to open in July http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/336291/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 6 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20080323020953/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/336291/1/.html 23 March 2008 20 March 2008Lornie Viaduct opens this Sunday https://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080823-83858.html Asiaone 27 May 2022 23 August 2008 26 August – The Provisional Admission Exercise will be merged into the Joint Admission Exercise after moves to shorten marking of exams, first announced in 2006. The move will take effect in 2009.Single Intake for Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute from 2009 http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2008/08/single-intake-for-junior-colle.php 28 July 2019 MOE 26 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080831060352/http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2008/08/single-intake-for-junior-colle.php 31 August 2008 28 August – Changi Airport Terminal 3's Butterfly Garden is opened.Cheney Satish New butterfly garden opens at Changi Airport Terminal 3 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/372313/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 30 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20080828222953/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/372313/1/.html 28 August 2008 28 August 2008 September 1 September – The Singapore Pharmacy Council is formed, replacing the previous Singapore Pharmacy Board.Singapore Pharmacy Council formed https://www.pss.org.sg/whats-happening/e-bulletin/issue-no-39/singapore-pharmacy-council-formed#.XWubHRhGT3C Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore 1 September 2019 5 September – The Murai Urban Training Facility is officially opened, making it the SAF's first such facility.SAF opens its first urban training facility http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/373950/1/.html 31 July 2019 Channel NewsAsia 5 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080905232435/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/373950/1/.html 5 September 2008 live Murai Urban Training Facility to Hone the SAF's Networked Urban Operations Capability http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/MINDEF_20080905001.pdf NAS 31 July 2019 6 – 17 September – Team Singapore took part in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. 9 September – Equestrian rider Laurentia Tan wins Singapore's first-ever Paralympic medal, a bronze.Ryan Huang http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/374777/1/.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080909232838/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/374777/1/.html dead 9 September 2008 Paralympics: Singapore wins first-ever medal through Equestrian Channel NewsAsia 16 December 2019 9 September 2008 She wins another bronze medal on 11 September.Tan Yo-Hinn http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375273/1/.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080912013617/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375273/1/.html dead 2008-09-12 Paralympics: Singapore's Laurentia Tan wins second Equestrian bronze Channel NewsAsia 2008-09-11 13 September – Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu wins Singapore's first Paralympic silver medal.Lynda Hong http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375683/1/.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080913223011/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375683/1/.html dead 13 September 2008 Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu clinches Singapore's first silver at Paralympics Channel NewsAsia 16 December 2019 13 September 2008 She wins Singapore's first Paralympic gold medal on 15 September.Tan Yo-Hinn http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/376199/1/.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080918023254/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/376199/1/.html dead 18 September 2008 Paralympics: Swimmer Pin Xiu is Singapore's golden girl Channel NewsAsia 16 December 2019 16 September 2008 20 September – The Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway is opened.http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=20080130996.htm Speech by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport, at visit to Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway NAS 30 August 2019 30 January 2008 26 September – Construction starts on a second tower beside OUB Centre, which will be completed by 2011. Weblink to Official Website News http://www.oubcentre.com.sg/commercial/index.html 2009-10-26 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091125090337/http://www.oubcentre.com.sg/commercial/index.html 2009-11-25 The building is officially opened in 2012.Opening of One Raffles Place Tower Two https://www.mof.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/Speech-by-Mr-Tharman-Shanmugaratnam-Deputy-Prime-Minister-and-Minister-for-Finance-at-the-Opening-of-One-Raffles-Place-Tower-Two-on-Tuesday-18-Septemb MOF 20 August 2019 18 September 2012 20 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190820144229/https://www.mof.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/Speech-by-Mr-Tharman-Shanmugaratnam-Deputy-Prime-Minister-and-Minister-for-Finance-at-the-Opening-of-One-Raffles-Place-Tower-Two-on-Tuesday-18-Septemb dead 28 September – Singapore held a leg of the 2008 Formula One World Championship, called the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix; it was the first time the F1 Grand Prix was held in Singapore, and the first F1 race held at night. End September – Singapore slips into the 2008 financial crisis. October thumb|300px|right|Fusionopolis Phase 1 1 October – Bus and train fares are adjusted by 0.7%. 10 October – The first issue of tabla! is launched, an English newspaper that caters to the Indian diaspora.Drumming up a new beat – SPH launches a weekly English newspaper for the Indian diaspora https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/669 SPH 18 July 2019 3 October 2008 29 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190929162557/https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/669 dead 13 October – The Jewel Box's new extension in Mount Faber is officially opened.Launch of the Jewel Box's New Extension https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2008/10/Mr-S-Iswaran-at-the-Launch-of-the-Jewel-Boxs-New-Extension MTI 7 August 2019 13 October 2008 17 October – Phase 1 of Fusionopolis (which have three office towers) is opened.Welcome Remarks at the Official Opening of Fusionopolis @ Genexis Theatre, Fusionopolis https://www.a-star.edu.sg/News-and-Events/News/Speeches/ID/975 A*STAR 18 July 2019 17 October 2008 19 October – MediaCorp launches two free-to-air TV channels, okto and Vasantham, to replace Central.Two more to savour https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20081021-1.2.30.11 30 October 2019 Today (retrieved from NLB) 21 October 2008 30 October – Sing to the Dawn is released. 31 October – Marina Barrage is opened, making it Singapore's 15th reservoir. The Barrage will help to prevent flooding in the city centre, and serves as a place of recreation.31 October 2008 Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at launch of Clean And Green Singapore 2009 and Opening of Marina Barrage https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20081111003.htm 21 June 2023 NAS November 3 November – Keppel Corporation completes building two icebreakers for the Arctic, the first in Asia as well as the first time being done in the tropics.Keppel Singmarine completes Asia's first two icebreakers for the Arctic http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1948&L=&Y=2008&Q=4 Keppel Corporation 5 May 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040408/http://www.kepcorp.com/press/press.asp?RID=1948&L=&Y=2008&Q=4 22 December 2008 3 November 2008 7 November – Bombardier Transportation is awarded a contract for Downtown MRT line trains, part of six contracts awarded for the new line.LTA Awards 6 Downtown Line Contracts Totalling $1.13 Billion http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=2040 LTA 27 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20110527043536/http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=2040 27 May 2011 7 November 2008Downtown train deal goes to Bombardier http://news.asiaone.com/News/the+Straits+Times/Story/A1Story20081108-99201.html Asiaone 27 May 2022 21 September 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160921181444/http://news.asiaone.com/News/the+Straits+Times/Story/A1Story20081108-99201.html 8 November 2008 10 November – A second school for those who did not do well in PSLE, the Assumption Pathway School, will start taking in students from 2009.New school offers boarding stint https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20081108-99202.html Asiaone 11 July 2019 21 November – Awards under the Athletes Achievement Awards scheme are doubled for Paralympians after increased funding announced by Tote Board, which will fund the full sum compared to previously. This comes after a debate on differences in rewarding able-bodied and disabled athletes.Wang Jeanette More for medallists https://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_305474.html The Straits Times 17 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20091202235042/https://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_305474.html 2 December 2009 22 November 2008 December 1 December – Sembawang Shopping Centre is reopened to the public after the renovation in 2007. 23 December – Singapore Flyer stops for six hours due to technical problems.Dozens trapped on Singapore wheel https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7797715.stm BBC 2 August 2019 23 December 2008 Date unknown The 1st phase of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System is completed. The Singapore Totalisator Board is renamed to Tote Board. The Common Services Tunnel is completed. Deaths 4 January – Jimmy Nah, comedian and actor (b. 1967).Local comedian Jimmy Nah dead at 40 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20080105-1.2.42.9 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 28 October 2019 5 January 2008 7 January – Robert Chandran, businessman (b. 1950).Chan Fiona Fang Nicholas Yang Huiwen 9 January 2008 Chemoil chief Robert Chandran dies in copter crash https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20080109-1.2.2?qt=%22robert%20chandran%22,%20dies&q=%22Robert%20Chandran%22%20%22dies%22 21 August 2026 NewspaperSG 22 January – Mofradi bin Haji Mohamed Noor, prominent trade unionist, former Chairman of Masjid Al-Amin and founding member of the People's Action Party (b. 1918).3 February 2008 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20080203-1.2.29.3?qt=%221854%20tak2iah%20t%201%20al-fatihah%22&q=%221854%20TAK2IAH%20t%201%20AL-FATIHAH%22 12 July 2026 NewspaperSG 30 January – Tan Tock San, philanthropist and banker (b. 1925).2 February 2008 Obituary https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20080202-1.2.94.13?qt=%22the%20late%20chairman%20of%20tan%20ean%20kiam%20foundation%20tan%20tock%20san%20jp%20bbm%22&q=%22The%20Late%20Chairman%20of%20Tan%20Ean%20Kiam%20Foundation%20TAN%20TOCK%20SAN%20jp,%20bbm%22 26 January 2026 NewspaperSG 8 February – Chua Ek Kay, artist (b. 1947).Chua Ek Kay http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_431_2005-01-14.html NLB 25 July 2019 8 February - Ah Meng, the iconic Sumatran Orangutan of Singapore Zoo. 28 March – Myint Thein, Burmese activist (b. 1947). 7 April – Sim Boon Woo, former PAP Member of Parliament for Changi Constituency (b. 1938).Lin Keith 9 April 2008 Ex-MP Robin Sim dies at age 72 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20080409-1.2.38.9?qt=%22ex-mp%20robin%20sim%20dies%20at%20age%2072%22&q=%E2%80%9CEx-MP%20Robin%20Sim%20dies%20at%20age%2072%E2%80%9D 30 June 2025 NewspaperSG 12 May – Choo Hwee Lim, music pioneer (b. 1931).Choo Hwee Lim http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-02-17_133946.html NLB 12 August 2019 20 May – Ali Sadikin, Indonesian politician (b. 1926). 28 June Gregory Yong, 2nd Archbishop of Singapore (b. 1925).Gregory Yong http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1029_2010-03-26.html NLB 12 August 2019 Tan Lead Sane, murder victim of Wu Yun Yun (b. 1975).2016-05-18 Guilty As Charged: Man murders lover, her daughter and flatmate after quarrel over money for crab https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/guilty-as-charged-man-murders-lover-her-daughter-and-flatmate-after-quarrel 2024-05-16 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 14 July – Ong Chit Chung, historian and PAP Member of Parliament for the Bukit Batok Division of Jurong GRC (b. 1949).Jurong GRC MP Ong Chit Chung dies https://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080714-76533.html AsiaOne 11 July 2020 14 July 2008 28 July – Syahrir, Indonesian economist (b. 1945). 6 August – Tan Teow Yeow, former Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Singapore (b. 1945).https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20080808-1.2.90.15?qt=%22tan%20teow%20yeow%20ex-dpp%22&q=%22Tan%20Teow%20Yeow%20Ex-DPP%22 Obituary 8 August 2008 2 December 2025 NewspaperSG 4 September – Abdul Samad Ismail, journalist and a founding member of the People's Action Party (b. 1924).Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=db44c0ad-9fb2-4223-bae0-c7328eb9c368 2025-06-30 www.nlb.gov.sg5 September 2008 Veteran journalist and a PAP founder dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20080905-1.2.9.7?qt=%22samad%20ismail%22,%20dies&q=%22Samad%20Ismail%22%20%22dies%22 30 June 2025 NewspaperSG Hong Carolyn 5 September – Constance Mary Turnbull, author of A History of Singapore (b. 1927).Constance Mary Turnbull http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1382_2008-12-31.html NLB 12 August 2019 6 September – Nicole Lai, singer (b. 1974).Nicole Lai had died on Sept 6 after a year-long battle with skin cancer https://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20080925-90038.html AsiaOne 15 August 2020 25 September 2008 18 September – Zhang Meng, Feng Jianyu, and Yang Jie, murder victims of the Yishun triple murders. 30 September – Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, 7th Secretary-General of Workers' Party, former Member of Parliament for Anson Constituency and founder of Reform Party (b. 1926).http://www.todayonline.com/articles/278816.asp J B Jeyaretnam dies of heart failure, aged 82 30 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081003011940/http://www.todayonline.com/articles/278816.asp 3 October 2008 deadOpposition politician dies 30 September 2008 The Straits Times http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_284282.html 30 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080930153745/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_284282.html 30 September 2008 live 3 October – Teo Soo Chuan, Singaporean businessman and President of Ngee Ann Kongsi (b. 1918).https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20081004-1.2.26.1?qt=%22rice%20tycoon%20and%20philanthropist%20dies%22&q=%22Rice%20tycoon%20and%20philanthropist%20dies%22 Rice tycoon and philanthropist dies 4 October 2008 2 December 2025 NewspaperSG Weng Kam Leong April Chong Terence Tan 16 October – Choo Xue Ying, murder victim of Rosli bin Yassin (b. 1961).21 October 2008 WOMAN'S BODY FOUND https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20081021-1.2.9.10.1 16 May 2024 TODAY 8 14 November – Mansor Sukaimi, former PAP Member of Parliament for Kampong Kembangan Constituency (b. 1943).Kian Beng Kor 15 November 2008 Ex-MP Mansor Sukaimi dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20081115-1.2.43.12?qt=%22ex-mp%20mansor%20sukaimi%20dies%22&q=%22Ex-MP%20Mansor%20Sukaimi%20dies%22 2 January 2026 NewspaperSG 28 November – Lo Hwei Yen, Singaporean journalist, was a casualty in the 2008 Mumbai attacks (b. 1980).http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_308041.html S'porean hostage killed Teh Joo Lin Carolyn Quek 28 November 2008 The Straits Times Singapore 28 November 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090204032707/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_308041.html 4 February 2009 5 December – Ho See Beng, union leader and former PAP Member of Parliament for Bras Basah Constituency and Khe Bong Constituency (b. 1918).Ho See Beng http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2014-10-24_153000.html NLB 12 August 20196 December 2008 Former MP dies at 90 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20081206-1.2.10.11?qt=%22ho%20see%20beng%22,%20dies&q=%22Ho%20See%20Beng%22%20dies 30 June 2025 NewspaperSG Date unknown Ong Eng Guan, 1st elected Mayor of Singapore, former Minister for National Development and former PAP and United People's Party legislative assemblyman for Hong Lim Constituency (b. 1925).Weng Kam Leong 22 November 2012 First S’pore mayor ‘died in 2008 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20121122-1.2.45.8?qt=%22first%20spore%20mayor%20died%20in%202008%22&q=%22First%20S%E2%80%99pore%20mayor%20%E2%80%98died%20in%202008%E2%80%99%22 30 June 2025 NewspaperSG Notes 2008 in Category:Years of the 21st century in Singapore