On 9 August 2022, the Padang will officially become Singapore’s 75th National Monument. It will be the first green, open space to join the list of National Monuments.
The Padang has a long history and borne witness to many significant events in the country’s past such as the victory parade marking the formal surrender of the Japanese in Singapore on 12 September 1945, the victory rally of the first fully elected Legislative Assembly on 3 June 1959, the installation of Mr Yusof Ishak as the first Malayan-born Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head of state) and the inaugural National Day Parade on 9 August 1966.
It continues to be an important social and community space to this day.
Padang Gazetted as Singapore’s 75th National Monument
The gazette was officiated by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, who said, “The Padang will be the first green, open space to join our list of National Monuments. Together with our 74 other National Monuments, it preserves and celebrates the stories that define Singapore and our people. Generations of people have gathered here and witnessed key milestones in Singapore’s history. It stands as a testament to Singapore’s historical journey, anchoring our Singaporean identity and reflecting our place in the world. The gazette of the Padang as a National Monument will protect it, as it is now, from alteration and change which would affect its character and significance, while allowing it to continue to be a social and community space enjoyed by Singaporeans.”
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Mr Zoher Motiwalla, President of the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), said, “The gazette has been long overdue in recognising the Padang’s position as the site of many significant national events, and its importance as one of the roots of our country’s history and heritage. The SCC has been privileged to have been a part of the Padang since we were established in 1852, and to have been able to witness Singapore’s growth and development around the field into a sovereign nation and our home.”
The Singapore Cricket Club sits on one end of the Padang while the other is occupied by the and Singapore Recreation Club.
Following the gazette, the National Heritage Board (NHB) will promote greater awareness and appreciation of the Padang’s significance in Singapore’s history through various commemorative initiatives to be launched from August, including tours and interactive games for students and members of the public.
These initiatives include Maze@Padang, a Minecraft game for upper primary school students where players will be transported to a virtual underground maze beneath the Padang.
