2023 National Day - Sec 4 Classroom Activity

On which dollar note is Singapore's National Anthem printed on the back?

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Answer explanation

It's not common for one to keep a thousand-dollar note in their wallet, but if you did, you'd notice that the National Anthem is printed at the back of the note!

Pretty cool, right?

When was the National Anthem first introduced to the public?

(Hint: it's the same year when Singapore attained self-government.)

• 1942

• 1945

• 1959

• 1965

Answer explanation

"Majulah Singapura" was initially written for the City Council to commemorate the newly renovated Victoria Theatre.

It was later performed on 3 Dec 1959 as Singapore's National Anthem!

Who wrote / composed Singapore's National Anthem?

• Mr Lee Kuan Yew

• Mr Toh Chin Chye

• Mr Yusof Ishak

• Mr Zubir Said

Answer explanation

Mr Zubir Said pursued his passion for music although his father was not keen on it.

When asked about his philosophy when composing the anthem, he cited the Malay proverb "Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung", which means: "You should hold up the sky of the land where you live."

Why was the National Anthem written in Malay Language?

• It was because Singapore was located closely to Malaysia, whose National Anthem is also in Malay.

• It was a requirement to do so after the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.

• Malay was the local / indigenous language of the region.

• Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister, had a strong command of the Malay language.

Answer explanation

Dr Toh Chin Chye, Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister, wanted the Anthem to be in Malay as this is the local / indigenous language of the region.

"A Malay version of the National Anthem would appeal to all races", he stated.

(Now, take some time to recap the meaning behind the lyrics as it would probably be helpful for the next few questions!)

Complete the lyrics!

Marilah kita __ (Come, let's ____)

Dengan semangat yang baru (In a new spirit)

Semua kita __ (Let _____)

Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) x2

• bersatu (unite)

  bersatu (us unite)

• berseru (our voices soar as one);

  bersatu (unite)

• bersama (unite);

  berseru (our voices soar as one)

• bersatu (unite);

  berseru (our voices soar as one)

Answer explanation

The Malay words 'satu' and 'seru' may seem similar, but they have different meanings!

'Satu' means 'one';

'Seru' means 'to exclaim'.

This graphic should help illustrate the differences!

What does the title "Majulah Singapura" mean?

• Democratic Singapore

• Onward Singapore

• Successful Singapore

• Unite Singapore

Complete the lyrics!

Mari kita rakyat Singapura (Come, fellow Singaporeans)

Sama-sama menuju __ (Let us progress towards __ together)

Cita-cita kita yang mulia (May our noble aspiration bring)

__ Singapura (Singapore __)

• berjaya; (Success)

  Majulah (onward)

• berjaya; (Success)

  Bersama (together)

• bahagia; (progress)

  Berjaya (success)

• bahagia; (progress)

  Majulah (onward)

Complete the lyrics!

Mari kita rakyat Singapura (Come, fellow Singaporeans)

Sama-sama menuju __ (Let us progress towards __ together)

Cita-cita kita yang mulia (May our noble aspiration bring)

__ Singapura (Singapore __)

• berjaya; (Success)

  Majulah (onward)

• berjaya; (Success)

  Bersama (together)

• bahagia; (progress)

  Berjaya (success)

• bahagia; (progress)

  Majulah (onward)