The National Anthem was written over 1956-57 just before Singapore gained self-rule from the British.. The composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, wrote the anthem around the two words, "Majulah Singapura" or "Onward Singapore". It was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and the State Crest.

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Majulah Singapura (sung in Malay)

Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura
Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura

Onward Singapore (English translation)

We, the people of Singapore
Together march towards happiness
Our noble aspiration
To make Singapore a success
Let us all unite
In a new spirit
Together we proclaim
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore

For a jazzier version, try this.

The National Flag

For 140 years (1819-1959), the Union Jack flew over Singapore. Then, on 3 December 1959, the National Flag, an important symbol of independence, was unveiled together with the State Crest and National Anthem at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.  The flag was conceived and created by a committee headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye.
The Flag consists of two horizontal halves, red above white. Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of men; white, purity and virtue. In the upper left corner, a white crescent moon and five white stars form a circle. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise. The five stars stand for Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

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