Singapore — A Decade of Independence

Publication of essays on Singapore to commemorate its 10th anniversary

Designer
Client				Alumni International Singapore
Year				1975

Back of book featuring a memorial design

Foundation Stone in the grounds of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. CREDIT: Smuconlaw

Dimensions: 205 x 152 mm
Printer: Koon Wah Lithographers

A book featuring essays by graduates from the alumni of various universities. The association founded in 1969 put together the book after Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Rajaratnam's called for graduates to respond to criticisms of Singapore by foreigners. The association noted that its essays were "not meant to be a eulogy of Singapore and its achievements", but a "critical re-appraisal" of the country in time for its 10th anniversary as a nation.

Contributors include the likes of Robert Yeo, William S. W. Lim, Goh Chok Tong and Professor S. Jayakumar. The book was sold at $10 and proceeds were donated to construct a Monument to the Early Pioneers on the reclaimed land in front of Queen Elizabeth Walk. The association had organised a contest to solicit designs in 1971, which ended in controversy as they did not select a winner.

The association eventually abandoned the plan in 1985 as not enough money was collected. What remained was a foundation stone that President Yusof Ishak had laid along Collyer Quay in 1970. The stone was later moved to the grounds of the National Archives of Singapore in 2000.

References				"Alumni regrets stand taken by sculptors." The Straits Times, 29 July 1973, 15. "Contest for artists, sculptors." New Nation, 21 September 1971, 2. "Homage to a pioneer." The Straits Times, 19 January 1970, 10. Shen, Swee Yong. "Never again, say 5 angry sculptors." The Straits Times, 13 July 1973, 7. Ng, Charles. "AIS waits for green light to launch the early pioneers monument project." The Straits Times, 23 September 1975, 11. "Plan for $250,000 monument to honour local pioneers." The Straits Times, 20 February 1972, 11. "Singapore Monuments." The Straits Times, 21 February 1988, 9.