2002 in Singapore

none April 2013 September 2020 2002 The following lists events that happened during 2002 in Singapore. Incumbents President: S.R. Nathan Prime Minister: Goh Chok Tong Events January 1 January – The re-registration of NRICs starts for those aged 30 and above. Those turning 30 on or after 1 January 2002 are required to re-register for a new NRIC if they had not replaced their NRIC within the past 10 years. 2 January – City Gas is formed from PowerGas.Our Milestones https://www.citygas.com.sg/about-us/our-milestones/ City Gas 20 July 2019 28 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180628125055/https://www.citygas.com.sg/about-us/our-milestones/ dead 5 January – The National Science and Technology Board is renamed to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star).A*Star is born, Boon comes on board as MD http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20020105-1.2.8.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 10 September 2019 5 January 2002 9 January – A Passenger Security Service Charge will be introduced for passengers who use Changi Airport from 1 March. This is so as to cover security costs incurred in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.Changi Airport to Impose Security Levy (Page 5) https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes20020110-1.1.5 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 3 September 2019 10 January 2002 In addition, Changi Airport will upgrade Terminal 2 for S$200 million.Foo Serene http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020110-1.2.7.3 $200m upgrade for Terminal 2 Today (retrieved from NLB) 23 September 2019 10 January 2002 11 January – The new building housing the Family and Juvenile Court is officially opened, having been brought together in September 2001.History https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/who-we-are/history Family Justice Courts of Singapore 16 September 2019 12 January – MediaCorp channel CityTV ceases transmission after two years due to lack of viewership and poor economic climate.Foo Serene http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020110-1.2.7.2 MediaCorp announces City TV closure Today (retrieved from NLB) 23 September 2019 10 January 2002 13 January – Singapore and Japan signed the Japan–Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership, making it Singapore's first free-trade agreement FTA with a major trading partner.Japan–Singapore Economic Arrangement for a New Age Partnership http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2017-11-01_095249.html NLB 18 July 2019 14 January – Reclamation works around Chek Jawa area will be deferred as long as development works are not required, with plans made to conserve the island instead.Deferment of reclamation works at Pulau Ubin http://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/newsreleases/news140102.htm MND 23 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20031014104658/http://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/newsreleases/news140102.htm 14 October 2003 14 January 2002 dead 25 January – Osim's new headquarters is officially opened.Opening Ceremony of OSIM HQ https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002012501.htm NAS 21 November 2019 25 January 2002 Three statutory boards under Ministry of Trade and Industry are renamed to International Enterprise Singapore, SPRING Singapore and Agency for Science, Technology and Research respectively to deal with a changing economy.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020126-1.2.6.3 New names for boards Today NLB 6 June 2019 26 January 2002 February thumb|Changi Airport MRT station 8 February – Changi Airport MRT station is opened for revenue service.Next stop: Changi Airport http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20020209-1.2.7.1 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 30 August 2019 9 February 2002 The SAF's new clubhouse, The Chevrons is officially opened.https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/MINDEF_20020208001.pdf Dr Tony Tan Opens the Chevrons MINDEF 24 July 2019 8 February 2002 Singapore's first elected President Ong Teng Cheong dies from lymphoma cancer at 8:14pm.Ex-President Ong dies http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20020209-1.2.2 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 30 August 2019 9 February 2002Ong Teng Cheong http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_161__2008-11-24.html National Library Board 10 January 2015 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141222142828/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_161__2008-11-24.html 22 December 2014 9 February – Jack Neo's I Not Stupid is released. The film triggered a discussion on education streaming, which led to the merging of EM1 and EM2 streams in 2004, with abolishment of EM3 streams by 2008. The Opera Estate Drainage Scheme is completed, having a storage tank during rains.Completion Ceremony for the Opera Estate Drainage Scheme https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002020905.htm NAS 26 May 2020 9 February 2002 11 February – The Singapore flags flew at half mast as a mark of respect to mourn the passing of the nation's first elected President Ong Teng Cheong, who died from lymphoma cancer three days earlier at 8:14pm. It was considered very inauspicious by Chinese people since it coincided with Chinese New Year's Eve.State Flags to Fly at Half-mast on Monday 11 February 2002: Prime Minister's Office Press Statement, 10 February 2002 https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002021003.htm 2024-05-30 www.nas.gov.sg The Government has announced earlier that state flags on all public buildings will be flown at half-mast on the day of Mr Ong Teng Cheong's funeral as a mark of respect. This day, 12 February 2002, coincides with the first day of the Chinese New Year. Feedback shows that many people are uncomfortable to have the nation's flag at half-mast on an auspicious day like the first day of the Chinese New Year. The Government has now decided to fly all state flags at half-mast a day earlier, on Monday 11 February 2002 instead of on 12 February 2002. 12 February – 371 staff members of Singapore Press Holdings moved from their old office at Times House to SPH News Centre at Toa Payoh.Times House https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=bad35de9-3582-4057-9bac-1bc2a452ff14 2024-05-30 www.nlb.gov.sg On 12 February 2002, 371 staff from the Singapore Press Holdings moved from Times House to their new and spacious office at the News Centre at Toa Payoh North. A state-assisted funeral was held for Ong Teng Cheong.Demise of Former President Ong Teng Cheong: Prime Minister's Office Press Release, 8 February 2002 https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002020804.htm 2024-05-30 www.nas.gov.sg As a mark of respect to ex-President Ong, the State flag on all Government buildings will be lowered to half-mast on the day of his funeral i.e. Tuesday, 12 February 2002. 16 February – The Upper Serangoon Viaduct is opened.https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Khaw%20Boon%20Wan%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20Upper%20Serangoon%20Viaduct%20On%2016%20February%202002/ Opening of Upper Serangoon Viaduct MOT 11 July 2019 16 February 2002 2 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155307/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Khaw%20Boon%20Wan%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20Upper%20Serangoon%20Viaduct%20On%2016%20February%202002/ dead 25 February – Keppel TatLee Bank merges into OCBC Bank.OCBC BANK AND KEPPEL TATLEE BANK ARE LEGALLY AND OPERATIONALLY ONE 25 February 2002 OCBC Bank http://www.ocbc.com/assets/pdf/Major%20Regulatory/2002/Acquisition%20of%20Keppel%20Capital%20Holdings%20Limited/250202%20OCBC%20Bank%20and%20Keppel%20TatLee%20Bank%20are%20legally%20and%20op.pdf 5 March 2013 27 February – During the official opening of the Changi Airport line, 15 out of 16 stations along the North East MRT line (including Potong Pasir and Punggol) will open after a review, leaving Woodleigh closed.Opening of the Changi Airport MRT Extension https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Yeo%20Cheow%20Tong%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20The%20Changi%20Airport%20MRT%20Extension%20on%2027%20February%202002/ MOT 1 October 2019 27 February 2002 24 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200724140032/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Yeo%20Cheow%20Tong%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20The%20Changi%20Airport%20MRT%20Extension%20on%2027%20February%202002/ dead MRT trains to stop at Potong Pasir after all https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20020228-1.2.3 The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 28 December 2019 28 February 2002MRT's next stop: Potong Pasir https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020228-2.2.2.2 Today (retrieved from NLB) 28 December 2019 28 February 2002 28 February – Construction starts on National Trades Union Congress's new building, with completion by 2004.Speech by Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development and Chairman of the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new NTUC building, Thursday, 28 February 2002, 10.30 AM https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002022801.htm NAS 10 February 2022 28 February 2002Work starts on NTUC Centre in heart of city https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20020301-1.2.63.20 The Straits Times 10 February 2022 1 March 2002 Golden Village closes its Eastpoint cinema due to poor performance and was subsequently replaced by a bunch of tuition and enrichment centres.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Search?ST=1&AT=search&k=Golden%20Village%20closes%20cinema%20at%20Eastpoint# Golden Village closes cinema at Eastpoint The Straits Times March 5, 2002 April 6, 2018 March 1 March – The prefix '6' is added to all landline phones.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20010120-1.2.4.11 Phone numbers to get extra digit Today (retrieved from NLB) 10 September 2019 20 January 2001 The Changi Business Aviation Centre is opened for business travellers who fly via executive jets. Plans are announced to strengthen the aviation industry, including a future dedicated Business Aviation Centre in Changi Airport subject to demand and research and development projects via AIRport Systems Technology, Research, and Innovation Platform (AIRSTRIP).Speech By Mr Yeo Cheow Tong For The Official Opening Of The Changi Business Aviation Centre On 1 March 2002 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-For-The-Official-Opening-Of-The-Changi-Business-Aviation-Centre-On-1-March-2002 MOT 10 February 2022 1 March 2002 10 February 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220210010348/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-For-The-Official-Opening-Of-The-Changi-Business-Aviation-Centre-On-1-March-2002 dead 3 March – TV Works is renamed to Channel i.i – Your choice for Movies and Action on Singapore's Terrestrial TV! http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 SPH MediaWorks 2 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20020814101457/http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 14 August 2002 25 February 2002 live 5 March – Construction of the five-stage Circle MRT line starts, spanning 34 km miles in orbitally. The first two stages are scheduled for completion by 2006 with the rest by 2010.Speech By Mr Yeo Cheow Tong At The Groundbreaking Ceremony For The Circle Line On 5 March 2002 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-Groundbreaking-Ceremony-For-The-Circle-Line-On-5-March-2002 MOT 10 February 2022 5 March 2002 10 February 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220210012417/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-Groundbreaking-Ceremony-For-The-Circle-Line-On-5-March-2002 dead Faster MRT routes with new Circle Line https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020305-2.2.2.2 Today (retrieved from NLB) 10 February 2022 5 March 2002 8 March – Singapore Press Holdings's new headquarters (named 'News Centre' on 11 November) is officially opened.https://www.mci.gov.sg/pressroom/news-and-stories/pressroom/2002/3/speech-by-mr-david-t-e-lim-at-the-official-opening-of-singapore-press-holdings-building-at-1000-toa-payoh-north Speech by Mr David T E Lim at the Official Opening of Singapore Press Holdings Building at 1000 Toa Payoh North MITA (now MCI) 5 August 2019 8 March 2002https://www.sph.com.sg/media_releases/56 SPH names new HQ News Centre SPH 5 August 2019 11 November 2002 16 March – Raffles Hospital is officially opened.Opening of Raffles Hospital https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002031603.htm 26 May 2020 NAS 16 March 2002 20 March – PSA Corporation acquires logistics company CWT.PSA acquires CWT http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020321-1.2.18.10.2 23 August 2019 Today (retrieved from NLB) 21 March 2002 27 March – Singapore Management University's new campus starts construction. Targets for primary cohort in universities will be raised from 21 percent now to 25 percent in 2010.Speech by RADM Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and 2nd Minister for Defence, at SMU Groundbreaking Ceremony, 27 Mar 2002 at 4.30 PM, Bras Basah Park https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002032706.htm NAS 10 February 2022 27 March 2002 April 1 April – The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore stops issuing 1-cent coins.https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2002/no-more-1-cent-coins-from-bccs--27-feb-2002 No More 1-Cent Coins from BCCS BCCS (now MAS) 6 October 2019 27 February 2002 The Singapore Business Federation is launched to represent businesses in Singapore.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/fd81e01e-b290-4ffb-8b16-99deccb25f9f Singapore Business Federation is formed NLB 22 July 2019 10 April – The Singapore Tyler Print Institute (now STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery) is officially opened in Clarke Quay.http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=2002041002.htm Launch of Singapore Tyler Print Institute NAS 5 August 2019 10 April 2002 13 April – A contact-based card system used for travel, EZ-Link, is launched for sale.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1566_2009-09-09.html Ez-link card NLB 28 August 2019 15 April – The Health Sciences Authority orders a stop on Slim 10 sales in a suit caused by one death and a high-profile liver failure case.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1815_2011-06-30.html Slim 10 saga NLB 10 July 2019 25 April – The Merlion is relocated to Merlion Park, 30 years since it first launched. May 5 May – Khoo Swee Chiow reaches the North Pole, becoming the first Singaporean to do so. As a result, he conquered both the North Pole and the South Pole.https://singaporerecords.com/first-to-reach-both-north-pole-and-south-pole/ First To Reach Both North Pole And South Pole Singapore Book of Records 4 September 2019 15 May – StarHub and Singapore Cable Vision agree to merge with the new entity starting operations on 1 October.https://www.starhub.com/about-us/newsroom/2001/june/14062001_starhubandscvagreedtomerge.html StarHub and SCV Seal Merger Agreement StarHub 6 June 2019 15 May 2002https://www.starhub.com/about-us/newsroom/2002/september/26092002_starhubstrengthensbrandidentitywithnewproductnames.html StarHub Strengthens Brand Identity with New Product Names StarHub 6 June 2019 26 September 2002 19 May – The Toa Payoh Bus Interchange opens, the first air-conditioned interchange.https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Yeo%20Cheow%20Tong%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20The%20First%20Airconditioned%20Bus%20Interchange%20At%20Toa%20Payoh%20Sunday%20on%2019%20May%202002/ Opening of the First Airconditioned Bus Interchange at Toa Payoh MOT 9 August 2019 19 May 2002 24 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200724140854/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Yeo%20Cheow%20Tong%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20The%20First%20Airconditioned%20Bus%20Interchange%20At%20Toa%20Payoh%20Sunday%20on%2019%20May%202002/ dead June June – Zhenghua Nature Park is completed. 1 June – SIA's SpaceBed is launched to enhance travellers' comfort.https://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews2002/31May2002SIA.shtml SIA'S First Spacebed Equipped Aircraft Takes to The Air Asia Travel Tips 5 August 2019 31 May 2002 8 June – The Housing and Development Board closes their Bukit Merah headquarters. 10 June – The Housing and Development Board moves into HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, being their new headquarters. 16 June – The merger of Overseas Union Bank into United Overseas Bank is completed.UOB, OUB merger complete http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes20020617-1.2.15.1 The Business Times (retrieved from NLB) 20 August 2019 17 June 2002 July 1 July – The National Environment Agency is launched to tackle environmental issues. 10–21 July – The 2002 ACC Trophy is held. August 1 August – Republic Polytechnic is established, which teaches with Problem-Based Learning. Compass Point in Sengkang opens its doors to the public. 8 August – Soon Lee Bus Depot is officially opened as a new multi-storey depot, replacing the former Jurong Bus Depot. A second depot in Bedok is expected by 2004.Speech By Mr Yeo Cheow Tong At The DELGRO NTWU National Day Observance Ceremony Cum Official Opening For SBS Transit Soon Lee Bus Depot On 8 August 2002 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-DELGRO-NTWU-National-Day-Observance-Ceremony-Cum-Official-Opening-For-SBS-Transit-Soon-Lee-Bus-Depot-On-8-August-2002 MOT 10 February 2022 8 August 2002 8 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211208194845/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-DELGRO-NTWU-National-Day-Observance-Ceremony-Cum-Official-Opening-For-SBS-Transit-Soon-Lee-Bus-Depot-On-8-August-2002 dead 24 August – The Singapore Green Plan 2012 is launched.https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002082405.htm Launch of the Singapore Green Plan 2012 NAS 26 May 2020 24 August 2002 September 5 September – A new Automated People Mover system (now the Changi Airport Skytrain) is announced. The system will link all three terminals, which was completed in 2006.https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/New%20Automated%20People%20Mover%20System%20To%20Link%20Changi%20Airport%27s%20Three%20Terminals/ New Automated People Mover System To Link Changi Airport's Three Terminals MOT 16 July 2019 5 September 2002 24 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200724143505/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/New%20Automated%20People%20Mover%20System%20To%20Link%20Changi%20Airport%27s%20Three%20Terminals/ dead https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020906-1.2.5.3 Linking Changi's three terminals Today 6 October 2019 6 September 2002 12 September – library@esplanade is opened in Esplanade as a performing arts library.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_670_2005-01-24.html Library@Esplanade NLB 25 July 2019Opening of Library@Esplanade https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002091202.htm NAS 26 May 2020 12 September 2002 15 September – The Merlion is reopened in the new Merlion Park.Inauguration of the Merlion Park http://www.stb.com.sg/media/press/20020915.stm STB 7 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20031013051250/http://www.stb.com.sg/media/press/20020915.stm 13 October 2003 15 September 2002 23 September – The Heritage Trees Scheme is officially launched to conserve trees of historical value, with some of them ranging 80 to 100 years old. An initial list of 36 trees has been drawn up.Official Launch of Heritage Trees Scheme https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2002092302.htm NAS 26 May 2020 23 September 2002Heritage Tree Scheme http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2015-09-28_143310.html NLB 23 August 2019 30 September – NRICs will not display blood types from today due to quick blood tests that can be obtained easily. ElderShield is launched as an insurance plan for those with severe disabilities. It will pay S$300 over 5 years.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20020909-2.2.20.1 ElderShield: NTUC Income Today (retrieved from NLB) 21 July 2019 October thumb|The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay 1 October – The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore (BCCS) merges with Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS),https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2002/bccs-merges-with-mas-on-1-october--30-september-2002 BCCS Merges with MAS on 1 October BCCS (now MAS) 6 October 2019 30 September 2002 first announced on 1 March.https://www.mof.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/Merger-Of-The-Board-Of-Commissioners-Of-Currency-Singapore-(BCCS)-With-The-Monetary-Authority-Of-Singapore-(MAS) Merger of the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore (BCCS) With The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) MOF 6 October 2019 1 March 2002 6 October 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191006143111/https://www.mof.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/Merger-Of-The-Board-Of-Commissioners-Of-Currency-Singapore-(BCCS)-With-The-Monetary-Authority-Of-Singapore-(MAS) dead 11 October – Virgin Mobile Singapore ceases operations as a mobile virtual network operator after gaining just 3% of the mobile market in Singapore.Virgin, SingTel Close Venture After Mobile Flop in Singapore (premium) https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1026165926595913080 The Wall Street Journal 6 July 2019 9 July 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20190425055030/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1026165926595913080 25 April 2019 live Last call for Virgin Mobile https://www.cnet.com/news/last-call-for-virgin-mobile/ CNET 29 August 2019 11 October 2002 12 October – The Esplanade is officially opened by President S. R. Nathan.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20021013-1.2.3 It's showtime at the Esplanade The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 13 October 2002 10 September 2019http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/8ba459a5-e180-4c42-945e-f0c9da12b5fb Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay opens NLB 26 August 2019 November 2 November – After several accidents and two deaths, Fantasy Island in Sentosa is closed. 11 November – The Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway is officially launched, with the 12 km miles in expressway scheduled by 2007.Speech By Mr Yeo Cheow Tong At The Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway Contract Signing Ceremony On 11 November 2002 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-Kallang-Paya-Lebar-Expressway-Contract-Signing-Ceremony-On-11-November-2002 MOT 10 February 2022 11 November 2002 10 February 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220210012418/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech-By-Mr-Yeo-Cheow-Tong-At-The-Kallang-Paya-Lebar-Expressway-Contract-Signing-Ceremony-On-11-November-2002 dead 20 November – A large Chengal Pasir tree was felled by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung. After a court hearing, it was fined in 2003.Felling of the Chengal Pasir tree http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2015-03-06_094924.html NLB 18 July 2019 21 November – Comfort Group and DelGro Corporation announced a merger between the biggest taxi operator and the largest public bus operator in Singapore respectively, creating a S$1 billion company.Comfort, DelGro merger to create $1b company http://ir.zaobao.com/comfortdelgro/news/comfort221102_e.html The Business Times (Zaobao) 20 July 2019 22 November 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20101209084701/http://ir.zaobao.com/comfortdelgro/news/comfort221102_e.html 9 December 2010 live The merger results in the formation of ComfortDelGro on 29 March 2003.Corporate Profile https://www.comfortdelgro.com/web/guest/corporate-profile ComfortDelGro 20 July 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190720131730/https://www.comfortdelgro.com/web/guest/corporate-profile 20 July 2019 live December 1 December – Magnetic-stripe cards for use on Singapore's public transport system are completely phased out, completing the switchover to EZ-Link cards.https://www.ezlink.com.sg/2002/10/public-transport-system-gears-up-for-switchover-to-ez-link-card Public transport system gears up for switchover to EZ-Link card EZ-Link 28 August 2019 17 October 2002 28 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190828091411/https://www.ezlink.com.sg/2002/10/public-transport-system-gears-up-for-switchover-to-ez-link-card dead http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1566_2009-09-09.html Ez-link card NLB 28 August 2019 5 December – A gender-quota for admission of medical school students will be abolished from the 2003 batch, allowing men and women to pursue medicine as they wish.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20021206-1.2.4 Lifted: Quota on women in medicine The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) 10 September 2019 6 December 2002 21 December – The Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Transport announced that an air marshals unit will be stationed in Singapore Airlines and SilkAir for security, with the first stationed in 2003.https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Joint%20Statement%20From%20Ministry%20Of%20Home%20Affairs%20And%20Ministry%20Of%20Transport/ Joint Statement From Ministry of Home Affairs And Ministry of Transport MOT 5 August 2019 21 December 2002 24 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200724140239/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Joint%20Statement%20From%20Ministry%20Of%20Home%20Affairs%20And%20Ministry%20Of%20Transport/ dead https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2003/05/25/sia-and-silkair-to-deploy-air--marshals-soon#mMzGx5VV7GzJ0ZJ7.99 SIA and SilkAir to deploy air marshals soon The Star 5 August 2019 25 May 2003 27 December – Two police officers, on normal supervisory rounds from the Changi Neighbourhood Police Centre of Bedok division were killed when their patrol car was overrun from the rear by a large garbage truck along Tanah Merah Ferry Road. 30 December – The Integrated Programme is announced, allowing students to proceed directly to Junior Colleges without taking the O Level exams. The scheme takes its first students in 2004.http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/d0420404-d15f-43d5-bc74-48ac95254c06 Integrated Programme is announced NLB 10 July 2019 Births 28 March – Kiki Lim, Singaporean actress Deaths 2 January – Kho Nai Guan and Lan Ya Ming, murder victims in the Orchard Towers double murders.2016-05-16 Guilty As Charged: Michael McCrea killed a woman and a man he called his brother https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/guilty-as-charged-michael-mccrea-killed-a-woman-and-a-man-he-called-his 2024-05-17 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 3 January – Fong Oi Lin, murder victim in the Quek Loo Ming case (b. 1940). 29 January – Ng Quee Lam, rubber magnate, philanthropist, Chinese community leader and former Chairman of Thong Chai Medical Institution (b. 1920).2 February 2002 同济医院前主席黄桂楠逝世 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/search?q=%22%E5%90%8C%E6%B5%8E%E5%8C%BB%E9%99%A2%E5%89%8D%E4%B8%BB%E5%B8%AD%E9%BB%84%E6%A1%82%E6%A5%A0%E9%80%9D%E4%B8%96%22 31 July 2026 NewspaperSG 4 February – Wang Hong, murder victim in the Rangoon Road murder (b. 1970).5 February 2002 Chinese national stabbed to death in Rangoon Road flat The Straits Times NewspaperSG 8 February – Ong Teng Cheong, 5th President of Singapore (b. 1936).Ong Teng Cheong http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_161__2008-11-24.html National Library Board 10 January 2015 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141222142828/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_161__2008-11-24.html 22 December 2014 23 April – Gopal Baratham, neurosurgeon and writer (b. 1935).Gopal Baratham http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_452_2005-01-22.html NLB 11 August 2019 30 April – Soon Peng Yam, businessman, Chinese community leader and founder of Sim Lim Group of Companies (b. 1912).2 May 2002 Tycoon dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/search?q=%22Tycoon+dies%22+%22Soon+Peng+Yam%22 26 January 2026 NewspaperSG 10 May – Teo Cheng Guan, former Chairman of OCBC Bank (b. 1921).11 May 2002 Ex-OCBC chief dies https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20020511-1.2.9.5?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 22 September 2026 NewspaperSG 18 July – Lee Siew Choh, former Chairman of Barisan Sosialis, former legislative assemblyman for Queenstown Constituency and 1st Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) (b. 1917).Lee Siew Choh http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_706_2005-01-12.html NLB 21 August 2019 24 July – Rafeah Buang, singer of Malay traditional and contemporary music (b. 1948).Jailani Ainin Alfiyani Rafeah binti Buang https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=acf81ac3-d77a-4306-81aa-0747ec1c3190 2026-02-03 www.nlb.gov.sg 5 August – Anjeli Elisaputri, murder victim in the Anjeli Elisaputri rape and murder (b. 2002).4 April 2003 Mum says she panicked when she couldn't find infant https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20030404-1.2.36.24 17 May 2024 The Straits Times 12 NewspaperSG 27 August – Brother Joseph McNally, arts pioneer and founder of LASALLE College of the Arts (b. 1923).Brother Joseph McNally http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_682_2005-01-12.html NLB 18 July 2019 10 September – Kuo Pao Kun, theatre director (b. 1939).Kuo Pao Kun http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1098_2007-11-19.html NLB 18 July 2019 26 December – Steven Lee, former broadcaster (b. 1938).28 December 2002 Steven Lee, pioneering broadcaster, dies at 64 https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20021228-1.2.6.5?qt=former,%20dies&q=%22former%22%22dies%22 22 September 2026 NewspaperSG 29 December – Linda Chen, linguist, writer and feminist (b. 1928).2007-04-10 In Memory of Linda Chen (1928-2002) https://s-pores.com/2007/04/linda-chen/ 2025-05-31 s/pores journal en-US References 2002 in Category:Years of the 21st century in Singapore Singapore Singapore Category:2000s in Singapore