Many Singaporeans grew up singing the National Anthem Majulah Singapura (Malay for “Onward, Singapore”) with pride every morning during school assemblies. Every year, during the National Day Parade celebrations, we are also treated to a grander version with a 100-strong symphony orchestra. While the story of the orchestration is not widely known, the evolution of the various arrangements mirrors the story of Singapore. Join us as we tap on the resources of the National Archives, unveil this part of our history and unpack a tale of how the orchestral versions of Majulah Singapura kept pace with Singapore’s progress. Bernard Tan is an Emeritus Professor of Physics at the National University of Singapore. He is a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra Council and was Chairman of the Musicians’ Guild, the Singapore Youth Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Music Makers and the Singapore Arts Festival Steering Committee, and served on the boards of the Singapore Symphonia Company and the Esplanade. His Guitar Concerto was premiered in 2013 by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra with Kevin Loh and his Cello Concerto was premiered in 2016 by the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra with Noella Yan. He was the Project Advisor of the 2019 re-recording of the National Anthem, and also Head of the Evaluation Panel for the 2001 re-arrangement of the National Anthem. Jessica Yeo is an Audiovisual Archivist at the National Archives of Singapore (NAS). She has helped in the curation of NAS’ online access initiatives: Sounds of Yesteryear, 1903−1941, featuring pre-war sound records; Preserving Memories: 50 Moments in Time, showcasing audiovisual recordings from 1968 to 2017; and Blast from the Past, which recounts Singaporeans’ shared experiences through archival collections. Chng Hak-Peng is the Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Symphony Group (SSG). His involvement with the Orchestra began in 2008 as a volunteer, working with the management team on a number of strategic projects. This eventually led to his appointment as Deputy Chairman of the Board, where he focused on strategic and organisational reviews, including heading a team that integrated the government-run Singapore National Youth Orchestra into the company. In his youth, Hak-Peng actively participated in school orchestras, wind bands and choirs. He has a keen interest in music and Chinese history. Community histories unfold in this series that traces Singapore’s social past with help from the archives. FOLLOW US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalArchivesSG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalarchivessg