2023 in Singapore

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2023
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Singapore

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The following lists events that happened during 2023 in the Republic of Singapore.

Incumbents[edit]

Events[edit]

January[edit]

  • 1 January – The Goods and Services Tax is raised from 7 to 8 per cent.[1]
  • 3 January – Jurong Bird Park is officially closed exactly 52 years after it was first opened.[2]
  • 4 January –
    • HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir clubhouse is officially opened. The clubhouse features an indoor water theme park.[3]
    • CP: Appointments are no longer needed for individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters at any Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVC) or Children Vaccination Centre (CVC).[4]
  • 9 January – SPH Media Trust's circulation figures were reported to be inflated by about 10 to 12 per cent during a review triggered by the restructuring of the company. It comes a day after an online news media source leaked out.[5]
  • 10 January - The revamped Admiralty Place in Woodlands, Singapore officially reopens with Singapore's sixth A&W outlet and a Kopitiam Cantine foodcourt after 4 years of renovation.
  • 13 January – Construction starts on the Jurong Region Line.[6][7]
  • 16 January –
    • Mediacorp begins soft-launching its new unified branding across television, radio and digital media products (except CNA and CNA938) while also being teased on their social media accounts, with the inclusion of the "M" prefix to signify their recognition in the digital-first environment. The Mplifier branding takes effect full-time on 1 February.[8]
    • Grab relaunches carpooling service GrabShare for a two-week period from certain locations.[9]
  • 18 January – Construction starts on the first phase of the Cross Island Line.[10][11]
  • 19 January – New support centre, SheCares@SCWO, for girls and women who face online harassment opens in Waterloo Street.[12]
  • 31 January – SMSes from organisations not in central registry to be labelled as 'likely scam'.[13]

February[edit]

  • 7 February – CapitaLand announced plans to redevelop JCube into a 40-storey residential complex with two levels of commercial shops by 2027. As a result, JCube closed down on 6 August.[14]
  • 9 February –
    • Singapore is announced as the host of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships after Russia was stripped of the rights to host the event.[15]
    • CP: Plans are announced to move Singapore from DORSCON Level Yellow to Green from 13 February. There will be no mandatory masking on public transport and some healthcare areas, unless if visiting vulnerable patients. There will be no negative tests and insurance required for unvaccinated travellers, with the Popular Places Passes system in four locations for migrant workers scrapped. TraceTogether and SafeEntry are discontinued with all data deleted (with the exception of a murder case in 2020), with the possibility of reactivation if necessary. A token return scheme will be conducted from 13 February to 12 March. People can isolate in dormitories from 1 March. Protocols 1-2-3 are also scrapped, with fees for tests and treatment to start 1 April (no more full subsidies), as well as fees for using Community Treatment Facilities. Vaccinations will continue to be free for citizens, permanent residents, long-term and some short-term pass holders. New vaccination guidelines are also released, with a minimum of three doses (two primary and one booster) and children only requiring two doses. Those vulnerable are encouraged to get boosters. MCs will no longer differentiate between COVID and other respiratory diseases. There will also be an after-action review, with a report on COVID-19 pandemic management to be released and debated in Parliament. Finally, the Multi-Ministry Task Force will stand down, with the Ministry of Health taking charge. Should there be a need, a new multi-agency crisis management structure can be reactivated.[16]
  • 13 February – CP: DORSCON Level Yellow reduced to Green.[16]
  • 17 February - The revamped Peranakan Museum is officially reopened to the public after nearly four years of renovation works.[17]
  • 19 February - The new Tampines Viaduct is officially opened after a delay caused by a collapse in 2017 which killed one worker and injured ten workers.[18][19]

March[edit]

  • 6 March - Sengkang Grand Mall which is located outside Buangkok MRT station is officially opened. Buangkok Integrated Transport Hub will be opened in the third quarter of the year.[20]
  • 8 March - CP: A White Paper on Singapore's Response to COVID-19 is released, setting out seven recommendations to boost preparedness for a future pandemic.[citation needed]
  • 22 March - Jetstar begins operations at Changi Airport T4.[21]
  • 26 March - Chong Pang City starts construction and will be completed in 2027.
  • 29 March
    • DBS Bank suffers an outage, which affected its digital services for up to 10 hours.[22]
    • Disney announced that it will start cruise services in Singapore from 2025 for a period of five years.[23]
  • 31 March - The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority systems suffer an outage affecting clearance at land checkpoints and Changi Airport for four hours.

April[edit]

  • 1 April - The new Shaw Plaza and Theatres at Balestier is officially reopened after 4 years of renovation with amenities like shopping malls and a cinema theatre.
  • 5 April - Singapore's newest five storey regional library at Punggol is officially opened at One Punggol.

May[edit]

June[edit]

  • 1 June
    • Stricter measures against table littering and not clearing crockeries in foodcourts, coffeeshops and hawker centres kicks in with offenders facing immediate warnings and fines.[29]
    • Amendments to the Misuse Of Drugs Act kick in, with increased punishments and caning for possession of selected controlled drugs above certain weight thresholds.[30]
    • SAFRA opened its seventh clubhouse, also known as its 'fitness oasis' at Choa Chu Kang.[31]
  • 4 June — The first new set of Alstom Movia R151 train debuts on the East West Line.[32]
  • 8 June — Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announces his resignation from the People's Action Party and his respective offices in order to announce his candidacy for the Presidential Elections. The resignations take effect on 7 July.[33]
  • 12 June — Harvey Norman Ossia founder George Goh Ching Wah announces his candidacy for the Presidential Elections.
  • 15 June — Parts of Fuji Xerox Towers collapses during demolition works, killing a worker trapped inside.[34]
  • 24 June — The 15th edition of Pink Dot SG is held at Hong Lim Park. It is the first edition since the repeal of Section 377A.[35]
  • 30 June
    • Cathay Cineplexes closes its Cineleisure branch after operating for almost 26 years.
    • library@esplanade closes its doors after operating for almost 21 years.[36]

July[edit]

August[edit]

  • 2 August – Seah Kian Peng is elected Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore.
  • 11 August – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issues the Writ of Election for the presidential elections. After the dates are announced, Teacher's Day and several exams for N Levels will be moved to 11 September, as well as 12 and 20 September respectively.
  • 15 August – In what was then known as the worst money laundering scandal to hit Singapore, 10 foreign nationals were arrested and over S$1 billion worth of cash and assets seized, frozen or slapped with prohibition of disposal orders.[51] The value of assets involved would later balloon to S$2.8 billion, making it one of the world's largest money laundering scandals.[52]
  • 16 August – The 10 foreign nationals who were arrested for their involvement in the worst money laundering scandal to hit Singapore are charged in court.[53]
  • 17 August – At the close of forms, six candidates have filed Certificates of Eligibility, with 16 applications for Community Declarations.
  • 18 August – Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian are awarded Certificates of Eligibility, with George Goh Ching Wah among three who did not succeed in a Certificate of Eligibility. The reason is later revealed that the five companies listed did not meet the S$500 million shareholders equity requirement. Only six of the 16 Community Declarations are accepted.
  • 20 August – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his National Day Rally 2023 speech.[54]
  • 22 August – Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian confirmed their nominations for the presidential elections.

September[edit]

October[edit]

  • 25 October – 4 cars belonging to one of the 10 accused in one of the world's largest money laundering scandals are impounded. At the same time, Singaporean police officers confiscated Bearbricks linked to one of the accused in the same scandal.[59]
  • 27 October – The Forward Singapore Report is released, detailing seven major shifts in Singapore's social compact and several new policy changes, including ComLink+ and Singapore Government Partnerships Office.
  • 28 October - Trifecta Sports Complex, a sports centre in Somerset is opened.

November[edit]

Predicted and scheduled events[edit]

  • 1 December – The Bus Collective, a resort hotel in Changi Village featuring 20 retired public buses transformed into accommodations, opens to the public.[65][66]
  • 4Q 2023 – Cosford Container Park will open.[67]

Deaths[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Goh Yan Han (18 February 2022). "Budget 2022: Singapore to raise GST from 7% to 9% in two stages in 2023 and 2024 | The Straits Times". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Rain fails to dampen spirits on Jurong Bird Park's last day of operations". CNA. Archived from the original on 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  3. ^ "HomeTeamNS opens new clubhouse at Bedok Reservoir, featuring Singapore's longest indoor water slide". CNA. Archived from the original on 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  4. ^ "No prior appointment needed at COVID-19 vaccination centres from Jan 4: MOH". CNA. 3 January 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Daily circulation numbers of SPH Media titles found to have been inflated by 10% to 12% in internal review". CNA. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Construction of Jurong Region Line begins, MRT stations to open in three stages from 2027 to 2029 | The Straits Times". The Straits Times. 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  7. ^ "Work Commences for Jurong Region Line". Land Transport Authority (Press release). 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  8. ^ "MEDIACORP STRENGTHENS BRAND PRESENCE WITH LAUNCH OF REFRESHED LOGOS AS PART OF VIBRANT NEW VISUAL IDENTITY". Mediacorp (Press release). 16 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  9. ^ Grace Yeoh (10 January 2023). "Carpooling service GrabShare to return for two-week trial from Jan 16; for peak periods from certain locations". CNA. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Construction of Cross Island Line begins, with 12 stations in Phase 1". CNA. 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Construction Commences on the Cross Island Line". Land Transport Authority (Press release). 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  12. ^ cue (11 January 2023). "Women and girls facing online attacks, harassment can seek help from new centre | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  13. ^ "SMSes from organisations not in central registry to be labelled as 'likely scam' from Jan 31". CNA. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  14. ^ Koh, Sarah (7 February 2023). "JCube mall to close down on Aug 6, site to make way for 40-storey residential development | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  15. ^ Lee, David (9 February 2023). "Swimming: S'pore to host World Aquatics C'ships in 2025 after Russia stripped of event". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Mask-wearing no longer mandatory on public transport from Feb 13, as Singapore steps down COVID-19 restrictions". CNA. Archived from the original on 14 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  17. ^ Boonlong, Pailin (17 February 2023). "The Peranakan Museum finally reopens after four years". Time Out Singapore. Archived from the original on 20 February 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  18. ^ "Fatal PIE viaduct collapse: Or Kim Peow Contractors, project director and engineer found guilty". CNA. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  19. ^ "Tampines Viaduct to open on Feb 19 after 3-year delay". CNA. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  20. ^ "New mall on the block: Sengkang Grand Mall now open, here's a sneak peak". AsiaOne. 7 March 2023. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  21. ^ cue (22 March 2023). "Jetstar begins operations at Changi Airport T4; terminal spruced up with new offerings | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  22. ^ "DBS' second outage in 16 months 'unacceptable', bank has 'fallen short' of expectations: MAS". TODAY. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  23. ^ cue (29 March 2023). "New Disney cruise ship to set sail from Singapore from 2025 | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  24. ^ Vivienne Tay (13 April 2023). "SMRT's Strides Taxi, Premier Taxis merging to form Singapore's second-largest cab operator". The Business Times. SPH Media Limited. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  25. ^ "Avian wonders of the world nest in new homes in Singapore's Bird Paradise". Singapore Zoological Gardens. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  26. ^ Ho, Grace (23 May 2023). "Review to be carried out on Ridout Road properties; Shanmugam, Vivian requested it: PM Lee". The Straits Times. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  27. ^ "President Halimah Yacob will not stand for re-election in 2023 poll". CNA. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  28. ^ Goh, Yan Han (29 May 2023). "President Halimah Yacob will not run for second term in upcoming election". The Straits Times. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  29. ^ Hamzah, Aqil (18 April 2023). "Stricter measures against table littering in foodcourts, hawker centres from June 1: NEA". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 22 June 2023. Diners who fail to return used trays and crockery after finishing their meal at coffee shops, foodcourts and hawker centres may face tougher action from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) from June 1.
    Instead of merely being advised to clean up after themselves, first-time offenders will be given written warnings, NEA said on Tuesday (April 18).
    Repeat offenders will face the possibility of a fine or getting charged in court.
  30. ^ "Commencement of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2023". Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore). Retrieved 22 June 2023. The Misuse of Drugs Act (Amendment) introduces increased punishments, including caning, for the possession of selected controlled drugs above certain weight thresholds. The drug types for which the punishment for the possession offence will be increased are morphine, diamorphine, opium, cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabis mixture and methamphetamine. The maximum punishment for the drug possession offence will now be 30 years' imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane for these eight drug types.
  31. ^ cue (27 January 2023). "New Safra clubhouse in Choa Chu Kang to open in May | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  32. ^ Ng Keng Gene (4 June 2023). "'Open, open, open': Launch of first 7th-generation MRT train draws more than 100 fans". The Straits Times.
  33. ^ Goh, Yan Han (8 June 2023). "SM Tharman to run for President, will resign from Govt and PAP on July 7". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  34. ^ Hamzah, Aqil; Wong, Andrew (15 June 2023). "Tanjong Pagar structure collapse: Worker found dead at demolition site; SCDF ends search efforts". The Straits Times. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  35. ^ "Supporters of LGBTQ community gather at first Pink Dot event after 377A repeal". CNA. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  36. ^ Wong Shiying (2 May 2023). "'Library@esplanade to close on June 30, arts resources will be moved to National Library Building'". The Straits Times.
  37. ^ "Plastic bag charge at most Singapore supermarkets to start on Jul 3". CNA. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  38. ^ Ang, Hwee Min (28 June 2023). "Ridout Road properties: Investigations, including by CPIB, find no wrongdoing or preferential treatment for ministers". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  39. ^ "Transport Minister S Iswaran assisting in CPIB investigation, instructed to take leave of absence by PM Lee". CNA. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  40. ^ "HPL billionaire boss Ong Beng Seng implicated in CPIB probe over S Iswaran, given notice of arrest and posted S$100,000 bail". TODAY. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  41. ^ "Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran was arrested and released on bail as part of CPIB probe". CNA. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  42. ^ "Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, MP Cheng Li Hui resign over 'propriety and personal conduct'". CNA. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  43. ^ Min, Ang Hwee (17 July 2023). "Tan Chuan-Jin, Cheng Li Hui continued 'inappropriate relationship' even after being told to stop: PM Lee". CNA. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  44. ^ "Leon Perera, Nicole Seah resign from Workers' Party over extramarital affair". CNA. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  45. ^ "Former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song announces bid to run for President". CNA. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  46. ^ Ervin Ang (16 May 2023). "Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern to headline Singapore's inaugural Festival of Football". The Straits Times. SPH Media Limited.
  47. ^ "Singapore executes woman for the first time in 20 years". BBC News. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  48. ^ "New Brickland Station to Enhance Rail Connectivity in Western Singapore". LTA. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  49. ^ "Construction on new Brickland MRT station along North-South Line to start in 2024". CNA. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  50. ^ Kok, Yufeng (28 July 2023). "New Brickland MRT stop between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak set to open in 2034". The Straits Times. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  51. ^ Wong, Shiying; Sun, David (16 August 2023). "About $1b in cash, assets seized and frozen in one of S'pore's biggest anti-money laundering operations". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  52. ^ Chua, Nadine (3 October 2023). "S'pore money laundering case among world's largest with assets seized worth over $2.8b". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  53. ^ Chua, Nadine; Alkhatib, Shaffiq (17 August 2023). "$1b anti-money laundering blitz: 10 foreigners charged hold passports from places like China, Cambodia". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  54. ^ "National Day Rally 2023 (Pre-event press release)". Prime Minister's Office Singapore. Government of Singapore. 13 June 2023.
  55. ^ "Singaporeans vote in first contested Presidential Election in 12 years". CNA. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  56. ^ "Tan Kin Lian loses presidential bid again, but keeps deposit this time". AsiaOne. 2 September 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023. When Tan ran for president back in 2011, he garnered fewer than five per cent of the votes and lost his deposit of $48,000.
  57. ^ Esther Loi (28 September 2023). "Changi Airport starts operations at revamped T2's northern wing". The Straits Times. SPH Media Limited. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  58. ^ "Engineering and expansion works at Changi Airport Terminal 2 completed". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  59. ^ Chua, Nadine; Wong, Andrew (25 October 2023). "Porsche, 2 Rolls-Royces among 4 cars seized from Bukit Timah bungalow in $2.8b money laundering case". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 26 October 2023. On Wednesday (25 October), the police said they seized items issued with prohibition of disposal orders relating to the money laundering case at two locations. Four cars and 56 Bearbrick ornaments were confiscated.
  60. ^ Woo, Alyssa (28 July 2023). "Banks to start charging customers for Singdollar cheques by Nov 1". The Straits Times. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  61. ^ "Terminal 2 fully reopens, boosting Changi Airport's operating capacity to 90 million passengers annually". CNA. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  62. ^ "ERP 2.0 unit installation to start with company vehicles on Nov 1; motorists can opt out of touchscreen display". CNA. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  63. ^ "The Earthshot Prize is heading to Singapore". The Earthshot Prize. 15 May 2023.
  64. ^ "Britain's Prince William to visit Singapore for Earthshot prize". CNA. Mediacorp Pte Ltd. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  65. ^ Hazeeq Sukri (6 November 2023). "Fancy staying in a bus? The Bus Collective at Changi Village offers 20 suites made from repurposed buses". CNA Lifestyle. Mediacorp Pte Ltd. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  66. ^ David Sun (6 November 2023). "Repurposed bus hotel in Changi Village opens for bookings for stays from December". The Straits Times. SPH Media Limited. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  67. ^ "Cosford Road site overlooking Changi Airport to be turned into F&B container park". CNA. Mediacorp Pte Ltd. 13 April 2023. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  68. ^ 杨浚鑫 Jun Xin, Yang (4 January 2023). "后港前基层组织顾问 刘锡明去世享年74岁" (in Chinese (Singapore)). 联合早报 Lianhe Zaobao. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  69. ^ "DEMISE OF CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER". 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  70. ^ Ang, Prisca (5 January 2023). "Creative Technology founder Sim Wong Hoo dies aged 67 | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  71. ^ "Celebrated architect William Lim dies aged 90". CNA. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  72. ^ "Local celebs mourn death of actor Timothy Nga, 49: 'So many flashbacks of us doing charity together'". AsiaOne. Asiaone. 10 January 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  73. ^ "新加坡早期左派社阵中委陈新嵘 泰国合艾逝世 | 早报". www.zaobao.com.sg (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  74. ^ "Veteran actor Wahid Satay passes away at 93". The Star. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  75. ^ Dermawan, Audrey (9 June 2023). "Malaysian independence fighter Lim Kean Chye dies".
  76. ^ "Law Society president Adrian Tan dies aged 57". CNA. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  77. ^ "SDP Youth Leader Passes Away After Collapsing While Playing Football, Party Members Mourn Loss". Must Share News - Independent News For Singaporeans. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  78. ^ "Former Workers' Party MP Yaw Shin Leong dies aged 47". CNA. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
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