Government Files

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity Materials

  • Period: 02/07/1984 - 15/11/1984
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 676 D01.006.01V2

  
  

  1984 was a time of celebration for Singapore. The "25th Anniversary of Nation Building" evoked a sense of pride and joy in the nation's past achievements. 'Stand Up For Singapore', the first ever national day song, calling on Singaporeans to do the best they can for the country, galvanised everyone with its evocative lyrics. It remains a favourite clarion call at every National Day Parade. See an early draft of the song here .

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity Materials: Info Sheets: Total Defence

  • Period: 06/11/1985 - 01/01/1988
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 675 D01.006.004

  
  

  A country can survive all odds only if its people are united as one and resilient. For small nations like Singapore, this is crucial. The concept of Total Defence, introduced in 1984, is a key strategy to achieve this. Find out what the first five aspects of Total Defence were and what they mean to Singapore and Singaporeans .

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity Materials: Essential Reading Materials on Singapore

  • Period: 03/02/1986 - 03/02/1986
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 675 D01.006.003

  
  

  Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in an address to school principals in 1966, "New Bearings in Our Education System", spoke about why daily oath taking was introduced in schools . This practice was a means to build national consciousness and produce a community that feels together - this is "our country, our flag, our President, our future; together we are going to protect it". Read Mr Lee's full address on what his vision was for Singapore and its people.

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity Materials: Audio Visual Production

  • Period: 05/02/1986 - 14/04/1987
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 0675 D01.006.011

  
  

  Psychological Defence is part and parcel of building a nation. Singapore had embarked on this journey when she first achieved independence. In 1986, Singapore took a bold step forward, introducing Psychological Defence as one of the pillars of Total Defence, to build resilience in her people to overcome adversities during challenging times . The other pillars are Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Military Defence, Social Defence. The sixth pillar of this Total Defence concept, Digital Defence, was added in 2019, recognising people's vulnerability to social threats caused by fake news and subtle negative manipulative propaganda.

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  Advisory Council On Social & Psychological Defence

  • Period: 06/11/1987 - 15/02/1988
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 665 D01.001.003V2

  
  

  Countries thrive and survive only if their people stay united and live in harmony. In a multiracial society like Singapore, this means the willingness of our citizens to help one another regardless of race, language or religion through good times and bad .

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity & Sponsorship Committee

  • Period: 26/04/1988 - 07/05/1988
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 669 D01.001.009

  
  

  A nation's strength lies in strong partnership with its people, private and public sectors. Nowhere is this more evident than at island-wide national celebrations such as National Day events where MNCs and local companies participate via sponsorship , flood lighting their buildings fronting the parade ground and participating in marching contingents and floats.

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  Psychological Defence: Publicity Materials: Original Background Materials

  • Period: 25/11/1989 - 25/11/1989
  • Microfilm and File Reference: AP 675 D01.006.002

  
  

  Mr Lim Boon Heng, Assistant General Secretary of the National Trades Union Congress, in his foreword for a National Day publication, noted that as the country turned 21, the new leadership aimed to build a nation of self-reliant people guided by a set of core values, and developed to their fullest potential . This was to enable them to meet the challenges of the next decades. What are these core values which are similar to those of the first generation of leaders? Check them out here.