Monument to the Early Founders of Singapore

artist unknown

First placed in Singapore: 1970

within Fullerton Heritage District

Originally located on Clifford Pier, it was moved to make way for the gentrification of the Fullerton Building. For many years it was located in rather cramped quarters at the National Archives HQ. On July 9th it was unveiled in a new position within the Fullerton Heritage District. Excerpts from the speech of the Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts: "The return of the Foundation Stone is equally significant. Mooted by the Alumni International Singapore and originally erected outside the Fullerton Building in 1970 by the late Mr. Yusof bin Ishak, the first President of the Republic of Singapore, the Foundation Stone for the proposed monument, which is intended to pay homage to our many forefathers who built this land, will now be returned to its rightful place. Bringing the Stone back to the waterfront area will make it more accessible to visitors, and enable them to get a better understanding of Singapore‰ЫЄs early history."

Patron: not sure

“This simple memorial, erected in 1970, is a reminder that the immigrants of all races are the greatest contributors to Singapore's acheivements. The foundation stone was laid by Encik Yusof bin Ishak, the 2nd Yang diPertuan Negara from 1959 to 1965 (and President from 1965 to 1970). What the memorial lacks in design quality is made up for by the sincere thoughts of its authors.” (this according to the Singapore Knowledge Net website - now defunct). Despite the sincerity, the monument was moved to make way for the gentrification of the Fullerton Building, to rather cramped quarters at the National Archives HQ. In 2010 it was then returned “to its rightful place” within the Fullerton Heritage District, to “make it more accessible to visitors”. Said the Minister “Ultimately, no monument can pay a more fitting tribute to our early forefathers than the vibrant city and impressive skyline that we enjoy today. This is the best testament to the blood, sweat and toil of our forefathers. This living city that we will continue to develop and grow is the most appropriate tribute to the noble contributions of our early founders.”

Last updated: Dec-5-2020