Majulah Singapura

Majulah Singapura (Malay for Onward Singapore) is Singapore's National anthem. It reflects, together with the national flag and the state crest, Singapore's identity as a Nation. The anthem echoes the Spirit of Singaporeans in their enduring Hope of Progress, and calls upon Singaporeans to rally together and succeed.

The anthem is sung in Malay, the national language and one of the four official languages of Singapore. With the introduction of the English-medium of instruction in all government schools in the 1970s, there has seen an increase in the number of younger non-Malay Singaporeans who know the lyrics of the anthem, but who need to refer to the English translation to comprehend them.

Origin

The national anthem was written in the wake of nationalism between 1956-1957. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it based on two words, "Majulah Singapura" which means "Onward Singapore". It was unveiled on December 3, 1959, together with the National flag and the Coat of arms, on the steps of City hall at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Encik Yusof Bin Ishak. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's national anthem.

Lyrics

Original Malay Lyrics

MAJULAH SINGAPURA

: 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

English Translation

ONWARD SINGAPORE

: Come, fellow Singaporeans
: Let us progress towards happiness together
: May our noble aspiration bring
: Singapore success

: Come, let us unite
: In a new spirit
: Together we proclaim
: Onward Singapore
: Onward Singapore

Chinese Translation

前进吧，新加坡！

: 来吧，新加坡人民，
: 让我们共同向幸福迈进；
: 我们崇高的理想，
: 要使新加坡成功。

: 来吧，让我们以新的精神，
: 团结在一起；
: 我们齐声欢呼：
: 前进吧，新加坡！
: 前进吧，新加坡！

Tamil Translation

முன்னேறட்டும் சிங்கப்பூர்

[ Tamil Translation]

New recording

A new recording with a grander and more inspiring arrangement was launched on January 19, 2001.

The new anthem recording was the culmination of more than a year's work by the Ministry of Information and the Arts (MITA, now MICA). The main objective was to make the anthem more accessible to all Singaporeans.

Several local composers were invited to re-arrange the national anthem in May 2000 in the key of "F." Cultural medallion winner, Phoon Yew Tien's version was chosen by an evaluation panel, headed by Bernard Tan. The orchestration is in a slower Tempo and uses more instruments to create a majestic rendition of the anthem.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lim Yau, made the new recording at Victoria Concert Hall on November 20, 2000. The new arrangement has been recorded in seven versions including orchestral, Choir/solo and Piano.

Guidelines for Usage

Guidelines for the singing and playing of the national anthem were relaxed in 2004 to encourage the singing of the anthem at all events of national significance.

How it may be used

Public and private organizations can sing or play the national anthem, on any appropriate occasion. Singaporeans are encouraged to sing the anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.
Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by the MITA, other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the anthem are complete and performed with dignity.
Dignity and decorum should be observed whenever it is played or sung. Everyone must stand at attention as a mark of respect.

How it cannot be used

It may not be incorporated into any other composition or medley.
It may only be sung following the original lyrics, not any translation of those lyrics.