2006 in Singapore explained
The following lists events that happened during 2006 in Singapore.
Incumbents
S. R. Nathan
Lee Hsien Loong
Events
January
February
March
- 1 March – A case of child rape and murder by drowning occurred at Pipit Road. The victim, Nurasyura binte Mohamed Fauzi, was killed by her stepfather Mohammed Ali bin Johari, who was charged with murder and sentenced to death. Mohammed Ali was hanged on 19 December 2008.
- 3 March –
- 10 March – An airport hotel, called Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel at Changi Airport Terminal 3 will open by 2008.[20]
- 11 March – Construction starts on the Boon Lay Extension of the East West MRT line, with the station names unveiled.[21]
- 13 March – The updated Singapore Green Plan 2012 is released, with new targets for clean air, emissions, water consumption, among others.[22]
- 16 March – British monarch Elizabeth II visits Singapore.
- 20 March – The Police Coast Guard's new headquarters on Pulau Brani, called the Brani Regional Base, starts operation, moving from its previous headquarters in Kallang Basin.
- 24 March – ITE College East is officially opened.[23]
- 25 March – The West Coast Highway viaduct is officially opened.[24]
- 26 March –
- 31 March – The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority launches the BioPass, a biometric passport that promises higher security.[27] These passports were rolled out on 15 August.[28]
April
- 1 April –
- 13 April
- OCBC Bank proposes to sell its stake in Robinsons & Co. to Auric Pacific, a Lippo Group firm.[32] [33]
- The old Clifford Pier is officially closed, with the pier conserved as part of a future development. Awards to recognise the maritime industry's contributions are announced.[34]
- 16 April – Former National Kidney Foundation's CEO T.T. Durai was arrested for fraud in the wake of the National Kidney Foundation Singapore scandal. Singapore Democratic Party's secretary-general Chee Soon Juan and his party members went to make public backlash to the ruling People's Action Party, but were sued for defamation by the latter on 22 April, and tasked to pay damages by 26 April.
- 19 April – The Straits Times Index sets a high of 2585.84 points,[35] surpassing the former record of 2582.94 points from 2000.[36] These record highs continued until 2007.
- 22 April – The Heritage Trees Register and the Young Arborist Programme are launched for the public to learn about the histories of Heritage Trees and raise awareness on conservation, and foster appreciation of trees in the younger generation respectively. At the same time, the number of Heritage Trees has increased from 35 to 161.[37] [38]
May
June
- 1 June –
- 8 June – Emperor of Japan Akihito visits Singapore for three days with Empress Michiko.
- 14 June – STOMP is launched as a citizen journalism service.[45]
- 26 June – The first wheelchair-accessible bus service is launched.[46]
- 30 June – Marina South Pier is officially opened.[47]
July
August
September
- 1 September – Bishan Public Library is officially opened.
- 2 September – The Home Team Academy is officially opened.[50] [51]
- 11–20 September – The 61st Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group took place at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- 13 September – Upgrades to Changi Airport Terminal 2 are completed, resulting in improvements to the Terminal's design and more commercial space. Upgrades to Changi Airport Terminal 1 are in the pipeline.[52]
- 24 September – St James Power Station opens as a nightclub.
- 25 September – The second season of Singapore Idol ends with Hady Mirza winning the honour of being the second Singapore Idol.
- 28 September – The Ministry of Education announced that EM3 and other streams will be abolished, leading to Subject-Based Banding in primary schools. The change takes effect in 2008.[53]
- 29 September – Changi Airport's CIP Terminal opens as a facility for commercially important people, managed by JetQuay.[54]
October
November
- 5 November – The first refurbished C151 train enters service, with the whole project completed by 2008.[62]
- 8 November – The Ministry of Home Affairs announced several proposed changes to the Penal Code,[63] including modifying the marital immunity currently enjoyed by a husband against raping his wife, and to decriminalise oral and anal sex by a consenting heterosexual couple aged 16 years and above. A one-month consultation is subsequently held.[64]
- 10 November - Jurong West Sports and Recreation Centre is progressively opened, but officially opened on 28 October the following year.
- 30 November – IKEA opens a new store in Tampines Retail Park.[65]
December
- 1 December –
- VivoCity is officially open to the public.
- Wireless@SG is officially launched at several hotspots, allowing for free WiFi connections in public spaces.
- 6 December – Phase 2A of Fusionopolis starts construction.[66]
- 8 December –
- 16 December – Courts opens Courts Megastore in Tampines,[70] followed by Giant Hypermarket opening in Tampines in 2007.
Births
Deaths
- 15 February – Lim Hock Soon, Singaporean nightclub owner and murder victim
- 22 February – Sinnathamby Rajaratnam (formally known as S Rajaratnam), former Deputy Prime Minister and Senior Minister (b. 1915).[72]
- 27 February – Lai Kew Chai, judge (b. 1941).
- 1 March – Nurasyura binte Mohamed Fauzi, murder victim of Mohammed Ali bin Johari (b. 2003).[73]
- 30 May – Wan Cheon Kem, murder victim of Nakamuthu Balakrishnan, Daniel Vijay Katherasan, and Christopher Samson Anpalagan (b. 1960).[74]
- 18 June – Yu Hongjin, murder victim in the Ang Mo Kio massage parlour murder (b. 1977).[75]
- 19 June – Arthur Yap, poet (b. 1943).[76]
- 12 July – Humphrey Morrison Burkill, director of Singapore Botanic Gardens from 1957 to 1969 (b. 1914).[77]
- 20 July – Lim Kim San, former Cabinet Minister (b. 1916).[78]
- 25 July – Chen Jin Lang, former songwriter (b. 1961).
- 2 September – Anthony Poon, artist (b. 1945).[79]
- 14 September – Elizabeth Choy, educator, war heroine, politician (b. 1910).[80]
- 5 December – Lim Chor Pee, lawyer, playwright (b. 1936).[81]
Notes and References
- Web site: NRF Milestones. 2019. 30 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190421081100/https://www.nrf.gov.sg/about-nrf/national-research-foundation-singapore/nrf-milestones. 21 April 2019. live.
- Web site: Official Opening of the new Supreme Court Building . Istana . 11 August 2019 . 7 January 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190811112005/https://www.istana.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2006/01/07/S-R-Nathan-at-the-Official-Opening-of-the-new-Supreme-Court-Building . 11 August 2019 . live .
- News: Wong . Siew Ying . Single intake for junior colleges, centralised institutes from 2009 . Channel NewsAsia . 11 August 2019 . 9 January 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060111082136/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/187347/1/.html . 11 January 2006 . live .
- Web site: MAS Issues $2 Polymer Notes. MAS. 15 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190715180154/https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2005/mas-issues-2dollars-polymer-notes. 15 July 2019. live.
- News: Teens' white elephant T-shirt venture gets police attention . Today (Singapore newspaper) . 14 January 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060116035840/http://www.todayonline.com/articles/95206.asp . 16 January 2006 .
- News: Ng . Julia . Police overreacted to white elephant T-shirt incident: DPM Wong . Channel NewsAsia . 21 January 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235446/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/189327/1/.html . 30 September 2007 .
- Web site: Buangkok NEL Station Commences Revenue Service Amid Great Fanfare. SBS Transit. 29 August 2019. 15 January 2006.
- Web site: Ministerial statement on National Service defaulters . NAS . 2 April 2022 . 16 January 2006.
- Web site: Workplace Safety & Health Act. AGC. 27 July 2019.
- Web site: News release: Bigger, better Somerset skate park opens in Orchard. . National Youth Council . 1 September 2019 . 19 January 2006 .
- Web site: National Youth Council . NLB . 1 September 2019.
- Web site: Singapore Management University celebrates Official Opening of City Campus. 20 January 2006. 30 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190630115224/https://www.smu.edu.sg/news/2006/01/20/singapore-management-university-celebrates-official-opening-city-campus. 30 June 2019. live.
- Web site: Temasek-SCB led investor group acquires Shinawatra and Damapong Families' stakes in Shin Corp . Temasek Holdings . 23 January 2006 . 20 September 2019.
- Web site: Temasek buys Shin Corp . The Star . 22 July 2019 . 24 January 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190722015730/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2006/01/24/temasek-buys-shin-corp/ . 22 July 2019 . live.
- Web site: Shin-bid Consortium Partners Complete Tender Offer for AIS . Temasek Holdings . 24 March 2006 . 20 September 2019.
- Web site: Establishment of Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation Limited . MAS . 20 April 2020 . 8 February 2006.
- News: Teo. Wan Gek. Donor 'designated kidney expressly' for Tang. The Straits Times. Singapore. 25 January 2015. 11 January 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20160131175029/http://news.asiaone.com/News/the+Straits+Times/Story/A1Story20090111-113780.html. 31 January 2016. live.
- News: The suspected murderer who shocked Singapore. 25 January 2015. Taipei Times. 22 January 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20140607153720/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/01/22/2003345842. 2014-06-07. live.
- Web site: MediaCorp Online Broadband TV – Decide when, where and what you want for your TV entertainment. MediaCorp. 31 July 2019. 16 February 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060904144212/http://www.corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1140163968.htm. 4 September 2006.
- Web site: Law . Valerie . Sleep in and still catch your flight . Today . 11 February 2022 . 11 March 2006.
- Web site: Speech By Mrs Lim Hwee Hua At The Boon Lay MRT Extension Construction Commencement Ceremony on 11 March 2006 . MOT . 11 February 2022 . 11 March 2006.
- Web site: MEWR releases Singapore Green Plan 2012 (2006 Edition) after extensive consultation . MEWR . 18 August 2019 . 13 March 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190818111750/https://www.mewr.gov.sg/news/mewr-releases-singapore-green-plan-2012-2006-edition-after-extensive-consultation . 18 August 2019 . live .
- Web site: SPEECH BY MR LEE HSIEN LOONG,PRIME MINISTER, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF ITE COLLEGE EAST, 24 MARCH 2006, 6.00 PM AT ITE COLLEGE EAST . 2023-06-20 . www.nas.gov.sg.
- Web site: Opening of West Coast Highway Extension And Upgraded Jalan Buroh. MOT. 25 March 2006. 11 July 2019. 3 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200903184904/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Speech%20By%20Mr%20Yeo%20Cheow%20Tong%20At%20The%20Opening%20Of%20West%20Coast%20Highway%20Extension%20And%20Upgraded%20Jalan%20Buroh%20on%2025%20March%202006/. dead.
- Web site: Singapore's Budget Terminal Opens For Scheduled Flight Operations . 6 September 2019 . MOT . 26 March 2006 . 3 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200903200230/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/Singapore%27s%20Budget%20Terminal%20Opens%20For%20Scheduled%20Flight%20Operations/ . dead .
- News: New hospital in Woodlands . 11 August 2019 . Today (retrieved from NLB) . 27 March 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190811112000/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20060327-1.2.10.4 . 11 August 2019 . live .
- Web site: 31 March 2006 . Unveiling of "BioPass" – The Singapore Biometric Passport . 20 June 2023 . NAS.
- Web site: 25 July 2006 . Public Introduction of Singapore Biometric Passport . 20 June 2023 . NAS.
- Web site: 12 April 2005 . NUS, NTU, SMU to become autonomous universities . 27 June 2019 . NAS.
- Web site: Launch of Deposit Insurance Scheme in Singapore . MAS . 20 April 2020 . 28 March 2006.
- Web site: Relocation of Ferry and Launch Services from Clifford Pier to Marina South Pier . MPA . 11 February 2022 . 27 March 2006.
- Web site: OCBC Group divests 29.9% stake in Robinsons for S$203 million to Red Oasis Pte. Ltd. . 13 April 2006 . 25 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101128161519/http://ocbc.com/download/media_releases/2006/April/Press%20Release%20130406.pdf . 28 November 2010.
- Web site: Corporate Finance – Lippo Group consortium acquires 29.90% of Robinson and Company, limited for €100m . 27 June 2006 . 22 July 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190722023034/http://www.bnpparibas.com.sg/en/2006/06/27/corporate-finance-lippo-group-consortium-acquires-29-90-of-robinson-and-company-limited-for-eur100m/ . 22 July 2019 . live.
- Web site: SPEECH BY MR PETER ONG CHAIRMAN, MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF CLIFFORD PIER THURSDAY, 13 APRIL 2006, 5.30 PM - THE CROSSING . MPA . 11 February 2022 . 13 April 2006.
- Web site: ST Index at all-time high after 26-pt surge . The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) . 28 January 2020 . 20 April 2006.
- Web site: STI blazes past 2,500 to new high . The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) . 28 January 2020 . 4 January 2000.
- Web site: NParks Announces the New Heritage Trees Register . NParks . 3 November 2019 . 22 April 2006 . 3 November 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191103125326/https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2006/4/nparks-announces-the-new-heritage-trees-register . dead .
- Web site: Heritage Tree Scheme . NLB . 23 August 2019.
- Web site: About Families for Life . Families for Life . 22 August 2021.
- News: Other gruesome murders that took place in Singapore. 27 December 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150104164706/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Crime/Story/A1Story20120403-337375.html. 4 January 2015.
- Web site: Government Awards Marina Bay IR Project to Las Vegas Sands Corporation . STB . 7 August 2019 . 26 May 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190807193215/https://www.stb.gov.sg/content/stb/en/media-centre/media-releases/government-awards-marina-bay-ir-project-to-las-vegas-sands-corporation.html . 7 August 2019 . live .
- News: Las Vegas Sands wins bid to build Singapore's first integrated resort . 7 August 2019 . Channel NewsAsia . 26 May 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060528204532/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/210501/1/.html . 28 May 2006.
- Web site: Singapore Press Holdings' Chinese freesheet – my paper – hits the streets. 31 May 2006. 22 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190722015728/https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/313. 22 July 2019. live.
- Web site: Community Court . 17 September 2019.
- Web site: The Straits Times extends its reach with bold new platform STOMP. 14 June 2006. 22 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190722015734/https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/318. 22 July 2019. live.
- Web site: SBS Transit Launches Singapore's First-Ever Wheelchair Accessible Buses, Offers One Month Free Rides. 26 June 2006. 27 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20160219234355/http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/2006jun_26-1.aspx. 19 February 2016. live.
- Web site: Speech By Mr Raymond Lim At The Official Launch Of Marina South Pier on 30 June 2006 . MOT . 11 February 2022 . 30 June 2006.
- Web site: Key dates. The Straits Times. 25 July 2006. 22 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190722015728/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20060725.2.39.5. 22 July 2019. live.
- Web site: Tougher action against Subutex abuse . NAS . 3 March 2020 . 10 August 2006.
- Web site: Official Opening Ceremony of The Home Team Academy . MHA . 26 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070617020333/http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=2074&type=4&root=0&parent=0&cat=0&mode=arc . 17 June 2007 . 2 September 2006.
- Web site: Cheney . Satish . New Home Team Academy to bring all agencies under one roof . Channel NewsAsia . 26 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070311095411/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/225578/1/.html . 11 March 2007 . 18 August 2006.
- Web site: Address By Mr Raymond Lim At The Changi Airport Terminal Two Upgrading Project Completion Ceremony on 13 September 2006 . MOT . 11 February 2022 . 13 September 2006.
- Web site: Refining how we deliver ability-driven education. 28 September 2006. 7 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190607132248/http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20060928996.pdf. 7 June 2019. live.
- Web site: Opening Address By Mr Raymond Lim At The Changi Airport CIP Terminal Grand Opening Ceremony on 29 September 2006 . MOT . 11 February 2022 . 29 September 2006.
- Web site: Unveiling of the Marina Bay Financial Centre . NAS . 31 January 2020 . 5 October 2006.
- Web site: Like S'pore's Canary Wharf (Page 6) . Today (retrieved from NLB) . 31 January 2020 . 6 October 2006.
- Web site: Haze worsens in Singapore, PSI hits new high for the year. https://archive.today/20061023005348/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/234369/1/.html. dead. 23 October 2006. 8 October 2006. Channel NewsAsia.
- Web site: Reaching out better (Todayonline). 13 October 2006. 17 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190717040956/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20061013-2.2.5.2. 17 July 2019. live.
- News: Biopolis booster for local biomed scene . 2 August 2019 . Today (retrieved from NLB) . 31 October 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190802054552/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20061031-2.2.9.3 . 2 August 2019 . live .
- Web site: Orchard Turn Groundbreaking Ceremony . NAS . 30 July 2019 . 31 October 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190730110104/http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20061031989.pdf . 30 July 2019 . live .
- Web site: Address By Mr Raymond Lim At The Budget Terminal Official Opening Ceremony on 31 October 2006 . MOT . 11 February 2022 . 31 October 2006.
- News: Rajan . T. . MRT trains get $145m overhaul . The Straits Times . 5 November 2006.
- .
- Web site: Public consultation on proposed amendments to the Penal Code . NAS . 29 September 2020 . 8 November 2006.
- Web site: Opening Ceremony of IKEA Tampines . NAS . 29 September 2020 . 30 November 2006.
- Web site: Groundbreaking Ceremony of Fusionopolis Phase 2A Site . NAS . 27 April 2021 . 6 December 2006.
- Web site: Opening of the National Museum . MICA (now MCI) . 1 August 2019 . 8 December 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190801185700/https://www.mci.gov.sg/pressroom/news-and-stories/pressroom/2006/12/speech-by-dr-lee-boon-yang-at-the-opening-of-the-national-museum . 1 August 2019 . live .
- Web site: Remarks by DPM Prof S Jayakumar at Press Conference on Award of Integrated Resort at Sentosa, 8 Dec . MinLaw . 7 August 2019 . 8 December 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190807193220/https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/content/minlaw/en/news/speeches/remarks-by-dpm-prof-s-jayakumar-at-press-conference-on-award-of-integrated-resort-at-sentosa-8-dec.html . 7 August 2019 . dead .
- Web site: Award of the Integrated Resort on Sentosa . MTI . 7 August 2019 . 8 December 2006.
- Web site: Opening of Courts Megastore . Courts Singapore (Facebook) . 12 August 2019 . 28 July 2016.
- Web site: Kwek . Kimberly . Singapore kitefoiler Max Maeder wins Olympic bronze on National Day . The Straits Times . 9 August 2024 . en . 9 August 2024.
- Web site: S. Rajaratnam . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329103341/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_644_2005-01-10.html . 29 March 2019 . live .
- News: Hussain . Amir . 2016-05-18 . Guilty As Charged: Man dunked stepdaughter Nonoi, 2, in pail of water, killing her . 2024-05-17 . The Straits Times . en . 0585-3923.
- News: 6 June 2006 . Driver's death turns $1.5m robbery into murder case . 17 May 2024 . . 4 . NewspaperSG.
- News: Tan . Hui Leng . 20 June 2006 . Ang Mo Kio murder suspect to be charged in hospital . 17 May 2024 . . 4 . NewspaperSG.
- Web site: Arthur Yap . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190412003713/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_641_2005-01-10.html . 12 April 2019 . live .
- Web site: Humphrey Morrison Burkill . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181205200123/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1477_2009-02-26.html . 5 December 2018 . live .
- Web site: Lim Kim San . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190721193803/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_645_2005-01-11.html . 21 July 2019 . live .
- Web site: Anthony Poon . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190718051108/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1356_2008-12-30.html . 18 July 2019 . live .
- Web site: Elizabeth Choy . NLB . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190417081245/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_816_2005-01-25.html . 17 April 2019 . live .
- Web site: Lim Chor Pee . NLB . 29 October 2019.