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National flag. Flag ratio: 2:3

The Flag of Singapore consists of two horizontal halves, red above white. Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man; white stands for pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. In the upper left corner, a white crescent moon and five white stars form a circle. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise. The five stars stand for the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

The flag was also carefully designed to please the community. Red was chosen, as it symbolised good fortune for the Chinese and courage for the Malays. White was chosen as it was the traditional Malay and universal colour for purity. The Chinese, who were influenced by Communist China, wanted stars on the flag, while the Malays wanted a crescent moon to symbolise Islam. So, the government came to a compromise with five stars and a moon instead of the traditional star and crescent representing Islam.^[1]

For over 140 years (1819-1959), the Union Flag flew over Singapore. Then, on 3 December 1959, the National Flag was unveiled at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, when Singapore was granted self-government (but not complete independence) by the British Government. Also unveiled that day were the State Crest and the National Anthem. The flag was conceived and created by a committee headed by then Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye.

Guidelines for the use of the Flag have been relaxed in recent years to encourage greater usage.

Singaporeans and non-governmental buildings may display or fly the national flag to identify with the nation. Singaporeans are encouraged to do this during occasions of national celebration or national significance.

1. When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building. Outside the National Day celebrations period (month of August), it must be flown only from a flagpole, and if it is displayed or flown at night, it should be properly illuminated. In 2006, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts allowed citizens to begin displaying the flag from middle July until the end of August. This change, which was requested by Singaporeans, is on a trial basis. ^[2]
2. Within Singapore, it should take precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice. When displayed or flown with another flag, it must be in a position of honour. This means it should be positioned where practicable, either above all other flags or to the flag's own right (the left of the other flags, as seen by a person facing the flags).
3. It may be reproduced in reduced size representations and displayed at all times, but it must be in its true form and colours, regardless of size.

1. The flag cannot be used:
   • in any trademark or for any commercial purpose;
   • as a means, or for the purposes, of advertisement;
   • as, or as part of, any furnishings, decoration, covering or receptacle;
   • at any private funeral activity;
   • incorporated or worn as part of any costume or attire; or
   • on any private vehicle.
2. No person shall produce or display any flag which bears any graphics or word superimposed on the design of the flag.
3. The flag should be cleaned when dirty, and replaced if it has faded. After any washing, it should not be hung out to dry outdoors together with other laundry. Any worn out or damaged flag should be disposed properly, not left visible in dustbins. Torn or worn-out flags should be packed into a sealed black trash bag before being disposed.

Civil ensign. Flag ratio: 1:2

Government ensign. Flag ratio: 1:2

Naval ensign. Flag ratio: 1:2

1. ^ Lee, Kuan Yew (1998). The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore: Times Editions Pte Ltd. Pg. 342-343
2. ^ Noor Mohd Aziz, Channel NewsAsia, 10 July 2006.

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