Army Museum of Singapore

The Army Museum of Singapore takes you on a journey from the turbulent days of our pre-independence period to the current-day capabilities of the 2nd Generation Army. It celebrates the extraordinary contributions of ordinary men who play an integral part in defending our nation.Experience the power and might of our army as its full force is unleashed onto the adversary when diplomacy and deterrence fails. Immerse yourself in this battle scenario and feel the downwash of the UH1H, the explosive impact of the M114 artillery gun and the punch of the AMX13 tanks, in our special effects Object Theatre.

Honour the Past. L.I.V.E the Present. Inspire the Future.

All Black Reflection
1st Generation

What was the purpose of setting up the 1st army in Singapore? (1960s - 1970s)

"We had just broken up with Malaysia. What is going to happen to us?" - Tien Chao Heng, enlistee in 1966.

With the separation in place from Malaysia, Singapore was left on its own to survive. What was she going to do to ensure her survival? Therefore, security played a huge role in building the nation and out survival in the global world.

Singaporeans need to have an in built awareness to protect their own country and create a legacy. The over reliance on the British during world war 2 has showed that it is perhaps dangerous to leave our security in external hands.

As a result, the army was started and gradually grew in size and strength to what it has become today - a global powerhouse in the Southeast Asia region.


Pinkies & the Brains Reflection
2nd Generation

“Our Army is to deter aggression, and should deterrence fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory. Our Army is to be ready and capable of conducting a spectrum of operations to protect our national interests and the well being of our citizens.” (Singapore’s Army Mission Statement)

Due to physical and resource constrains, it is paramount for Singapore to emphasise on the importance of an effective deterrence against potential enemy. Thus, after achieving her independence in 1965, the government decided to evaluate a handful of small state models and sought for assistance in the building of a credible deterrence force. As a result, our defense military or better known as the Singapore Armed Forces evolved from having just about 27,000 men in 1971 to a tri-service force which is capable of mobilizing 350,000 active and reservist troops within six hours of crisis. In fact, SAF was described as “one of the best forces in Southeast Asia,” (Mauzy and Milne, p. 171).

We; Singaporeans have always regarded the Singapore Army as our defense armour which protects and guards our nation from potential threat. Upon reading their mission statement, it developed within us a strong nationalistic value of pride and a sense of security. As we were embarking on our journey at the Army Museum, the second generation struck as one of the generation which contributed an elaborated amount of strength not only for the benefit of our country but also other nations which needed further assistance.

This was the generation which was awarded with the UN Medal for having to provide an extensive amount of support to the UN mission all around the world in various countries such as Angola, Ethiopia, Iraq and Guatemala. In addition, they had also swiftly handled the incident of removing the pipe bomb discovered in the U.S. Embassy thus preventing the loss of countless lives. On 20 January 1991, the SAF did not hesitate to send a medical team to the General Hospital in Riyadh so as to provide support for the Coalition forces liberating Kuwait.

The information obtained from the Singapore Army museum has provide us with ample awareness on the measures taken by our country in establishing a renowned defense force which is generally seen as the best equipped and trained in the region in addition to the well-developed defense industry. Together with the efficient military system, it is also wise to note that Singapore has been active in establishing good foreign relationship and has always been a foreign policy activism since the 1990s in order to maximise its deterrence competency.

Green & Clean Reflection
3rd Generation



The 3rd Generation exhibitions show us the importance of sustaining and improving the areas in our defense forces for the future. The areas are divided into

Soldiers Performance

1. Networked Force
2. Capability
3. Advanced Technology

Under this section, we are made aware of how the Army made used of cutting edge technology for military use. We saw how technology is used to create high-tech army gears for protection. However, not all creations were used. An example would be the titanium helmet which was created in 1968. It proved to be too costly. Therefore, there was a need to continue to pursue the best available options. There is also a need to create platforms so that soldiers are networked against one integrated force. The exhibitions also show us a glimpse into the future in which robotics can be used to support our defense forces. The use of advanced and sophisticated machinery shows how our Army is committed to keeping with the times to constantly improve our weapons and strategies.



‘We cannot count on others to protect us. We must have a capable armed forces of our own to do so.’
Daryl Tung of Victoria School.

Well said, indeed!

Police Heritage Centre

Evolvement of Police

From the pre 1819 Singapore, the role of the police in Singapore has evolved and become of utmost importance for the security of our nation. Its contributions to nation building are also crucial to establish a relationship between the community and the police. The three concepts of peace, safety and security are evident through the establishment of a police force in Singapore.


Early Years (1800s)
With trade and immigration, there is a need for law and order. In 1819, the first police district was found in the Temmenggong district. The 1820s – 40s saw the threat of the secret societies. Thomas Dunman was appointed the first commissioner of Singapore.

1900s
The first Police headquarters was located in 1905 at South Bridge Road. Technology was developing in terms of criminal investigation. Riots was a main problem to the nation. But there was a bigger problem arising from the horizon in the form of the Japanese invasion.

Post War (1948)
There was a need to re-establish the police force in light of the brutal Japanese Occupation and the return of the British to rule once again. Singapore had realized that it needed to be dependent on itself and security was an important issue. Riots posed by threats from communists, political activists, racial tension and secret societies became major problems.

Independency and Modernizing the Force (1965 onwards)
Singapore had to stand on its own and took great efforts to safeguard itself and the people. It was integrated into Interpol in 1968. Full time police national service was in place and the police began to modernize its force to keep up with the technological advancements in time.


Final Thoughts
The Police Heritage Centre played a crucial role in nation building where it raises awareness of the importance of the police force to the public. The artefacts showed the evolvement of the police force in Singapore over the years that have taken great efforts to safeguard our nation to its very best abilities. From the names of the great police figures to the different weapons and uniforms, we can see that no matter how the police has changed in terms of its outlook, personnel and equipments, peace, security and safety in Singapore will never change.

Land Transport Gallery

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport, that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. LTA plans the long-term transport needs of Singapore, taking care of those who drive as well as those who take public transport. The ultimate goal - a smooth and seamless journey for all.


Green & Clean Reflection
System

The trip to LTA was an eye opening experience, whereby we learnt that land constraint is the main problem that the land transportation system in Singapore is faced with. As such, the Singapore government works extremely closely with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to decide the best way to integrate land use and transportation planning. Fidah and I found out that the government has been rather successful working around the problem of land shortage by using technology to create expressways, flyovers and underground tunnels.

Expressways
The development of expressways has made effective use of what little land Singapore has as it cuts down travelling time, significantly. The first and the longest expressway is called the PIE (Pan-Island Expressway). It is about 42.8 kilometres and it connects Tuas to the Singapore Changi Airport. Of course, the PIE is not the only expressway that Singapore has constructed. If you look at the picture to the right, you would be able to learn about other expressways that have been built after the PIE. There are also several expressway projects that are currently on going. The Marina Coastal Expressway is a 5 kilometres expressways crucial for the economic development of Singapore. It would be built by 2013. The other would be the North South Expressway that would cut down travelling time to the city from the north by a third.

Flyovers
While the creation of expressways may cut down travelling time, we cannot continue building expressways alone because it still uses up a significant amount of land. Hence, the construction of flyovers is crucial because it increases the amount of land that Singapore has. It is also very interesting to note that in the past, as technology was less advanced, bridges were used instead of flyovers.

Underground Tunnels
It is interesting to note that besides creating excess land space in the air by building flyovers, Singapore has also overcame the problem of land constraints by creating extra land space by building underground transportation tunnels. Take the KPE for example, cutting under the Geylang River, and built at the cost of roughly 1.8 billion, it is an extremely intricate project that has significantly increased the land space for transportation. Another interesting project that we would like to share is the Fort Canning Tunnel. Using the mining method, a tunnel was dug through a hill, and 35 trees were saved in the process.


These underground tunnels all employ the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) technology to create underground tunnels. It is favoured because using the traditional “cut and cover” technique, it does not disrupt the existing roads and buildings on the surface, thus minimising the tunnel construction in the busy downtown area. For example, the MRT interchange between City Hall and Raffles Placewas created through the use of TBM technology.



All Blacks Reflection
Public Transport
Singapore is a cosmopolitan and densely populated urban country with more than a million trips made over roads and railways daily. Thus, there is an emphasis on designing an efficient land transport system to meet the people’s needs.

In the 1960s, bus companies and private cabs were not regulated, and traffic was chaotic. There wasn’t any structured and efficient transport system in place. This would change gradually over the years, helping to transport out people in a more safe and efficient environment.

Private vehicle ownership

As Singaporeans become more affluent due to the development of the country, the demand for private transport increased. In the 1960s, forecasts showed that the car population was set to triple by 1990. If left unmanaged, rapid growth in the car population will lead to many problems such as high traffic volumes which will ultimately affect Singapore’s economy. In order to counter these problems, the government had to devise innovative measures such as the following:

1. Vehicle Quota System (VQS)
2. Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF)
3. Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
4. Off-peak car schemes
5. Traffic Management such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
6. Regular Vehicle Inspection Schemes
7. Emphasis on Public Transportation
   

Commercial vehicles
Working machines such as bulldozers, cement mixers and many other types of construction vehicles are the building blocks of our landscape today. Even the refuse collection vehicle plays an important role in our daily lives by clearing the trash from households and keeping Singapore clean.

Due to the scarcity of land in Singapore and fast growth of the population, there are many competing uses for our limited land. Therefore, public transport was emphasized to ease the problems of traffic congestion.

Forms of Public Transportation in Singapore
These are the main forms of transportation in Singapore:

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)
2. Commercial vehicles
3. Taxis
4. Bus
5. Private vehicles ownership – cars and motorcycles

MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)

In the early 1970s, the government realized the need for a rail transit system to cater to Singapore’s growing transport needs. After many debates on the matter, the government decided to implement the project. Now, the MRT forms the backbone of the railway system in Singapore, with an average ridership of 1.8 million commuters daily. It is one of the fastest ways to get around Singapore as the MRT operates through the most densely-populated areas. In addition, numerous measures have been taken by the authorities to ensure the safety of passengers. Most of the underground stations can also serve as bomb shelters for the masses in case of aerial bomb attacks.


Taxi

This is a popular form of public transport, with fares considered relatively low as compared to that of other developed countries. All taxis are fitted with meters and are air-conditioned and serviceable.

Bus

In the 1970s, there was a consolidation of bus companies from ten companies to three, each serving a different geographical sector. Now, the bus is considered as the most comprehensive and affordable means of public transport for the masses, with over 2 million rides taken daily. There are more than 300 bus services covering most parts of Singapore.

Benefits of Public Transportation in Singapore

• Travelling made easy

The MRT and bus routes cover most parts of Singapore, operating through the densely populated areas and linking people to the city with ease and in air-conditioned comfort. These forms of transportation are also cost -efficient, thus making it a good alternative to private transport.

• Technology on the go

The fare you pay is based on the distance which you travel on bus, rail, or both, irrespective of the transfer you make. Thus, this form of system is fair for all. In addition, travel information is easily accessible and one can know the arrival timing of the bus or rail due to the advanced technology. With the advantages brought about by the advanced technology, one can also plan his or her journey more efficiently, thus saving cost and time.

Commuting is a breeze, a quality travelling experience, safe and reliable journeys

Authorities will constantly get feedback from the public regarding the service standards of the public transport. This is done so as to ensure a quality travelling experience and provide a safe and reliable journey for the public.


Pinkies & the Brains Reflection
Swift & Efficient Transportation System

Have you ever wondered how Singapore accommodates to the increasing number of motorists on the road year after year despite our limited land area? Or how the EMAS towing crew seems to appear from nowhere when your vehicle breaks down along the expressway?

Well, the Land Transport Authority or LTA in short is a major player ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and vehicles on the road every single day. Being the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s land area measures to about 699.1sq km, merely a fraction of the land size as compared to our direct neighbour, Malaysia. As such, it is paramount for the government to embark on a first class transportation system to ensure that any congestion on the road is quickly eased up.

During our visit to the LTA Headquarters at Hampshire Rd, we were awed by the capability of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) adopted by LTA to ensure smooth flowing traffic, which function as the ‘eyes’ of LTA, watching over our roads and expressways. The constant monitoring and regulating of traffic condition ensures a safe and efficient transportation system. We were told that to reduce the amount of breakdowns and accidents on the road, LTA conducts regular mandatory vehicle inspection schemes. Additionally, our visit also shed some light on LTA’s upcoming projects for the construction of the Bradell, Thomson, Lornie and Woodsville interchange facilitates to further ensure a smooth journey for motorists and other road users.

There are numerous ITS operating in Singapore, harnessing the use of advanced technological equipments within our transportation network. These systems include the Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS), Junction Electronic Eyes (J-Eyes), Traffic Scan, Signalised Pedestrian Crossing, Parking Guidance System, Trial on Traffic Prediction Tool, Traffic Information Platform, Electronic Regulatory Signs, Green Link Determining (GLIDE) System and Electronic Road Pricing System (ERP.

Junction Electronic Eyes (J-Eyes)
Have you ever noticed the surveillance-like cameras attached to the poles and pillars along the expressways? Well, those cameras are known as the J-Eyes, which serve as the remote eyes for the operation executives at the Traffic Control Centre. With J-Eyes, the operation executives are able to efficiently spot and rectify causes for traffic congestions and built up. It also assists in the deterrent of illegal parking as well as performing loading and unloading along the expressways or any major roads.

How does it work?

1. Special poles, street lampposts and selected traffic lights at major road junctions are mounted with surveillance cameras to capture images of traffic situation at junctions.

2. The operation executives would monitor images that are sent to the traffic control centre.


Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS)
With the Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS), vehicle breakdowns and accidents are quickly detected and motorists would be immediately alerted of the current traffic conditions and incidents along the expressways through its display system. Thus, with EMAS, motorists may choose to avoid the affected areas and prevent unnecessary congestions.

How does it work?

1. The Operations Executives from the control centre would frequently pan the surveillance cameras so as to detect any vehicle breakdown and congestion.
   
2. If any incident were detected, vehicle recovery crew would be activated.
   
3. Electronic signboards along expressways and adjacent major roads would display messages on traffic situations ahead.
   
4. Traffic information is also dispatched to TrafficWatch (Mediacorp Radio) for broadcasting.
   
5. Vehicle recovery crew arrives within 15 minutes.
   
6. Motorists would be assisted and obstruction would be removed.
   
7. Traffic would be restored to normalcy with the vehicle recovery service crew – LTA Traffic Marshals and Traffic Police.

Access this document for more interesting facts!
(Source:http://www.onemotoring.com.sg )


The Green Link Determining (GLIDE) System
As we cross the pedestrian crossing equipped with the traffic lights, we could not help but wonder how this intelligent traffic control actually works, synchronizing the green and red lights. Apparently, it is the Green Link Determining (GLIDE) System which controls all traffic signals along the arterial roads with the green ‘air’ time adjusted as traffic flow changes. Do you know that GLIDE also ensures that motorists travel from one junction to another with minimal stops by linking and adjusting the neighbouring junctions? GLIDE also ensures that green time is allocated based on traffic volumes in each direction and signal faults are quickly rectified.

How does it work for vehicles?

1. Vehicles are sensed through the detector loops, which are laid beneath the road surface at junctions.
   
2. There would be changes in the magnetic field each time a vehicle moves over the loop.
   
3. Local controller is activated.
   
4. Traffic light timing would be adjusted so as to allow more green time to the direction with higher traffic volume.

How does it work for pedestrians?

1. The presence of pedestrians is detected via the push buttons placed at traffic signal poles.
   
2. The green man only appears when the button is pushed.

TrafficScan
All taxis are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) where information such as their speeds as they ply along roads are recorded. These data are then processed at the back end of LTA’s system to provide the average speeds along a specific road.

Parking Guidance System (PGS)
The Parking Guidance System (PGS) refers to the electronic information panels containing information on the availability of the parking spaces in the vicinity. With (PGS), motorists can easily find available parking areas while reducing the amount of time and need to keep circulating the area looking for a place to park. A total of twenty-three PGS panels are installed at key locations leading into the Marina Centre area, Orchard area and Harbourfront area.
Electronic Road Pricing System (ERP)

To avoid road congestion during peak hours, LTA initiated the Electronic Road Pricing System, which charges motorists a certain amount of fee depending on the volume of traffic plying that area.

Intelligent Transport System Centre

These systems are controlled by a central communication centre; the Intelligent Transport System Centre which operates 24 hours a day in order to keep track of the traffic flow via the data gathered from the various ITS.

Through the learning journey to LTA, we are now able have a better understanding on the measures taken by LTA in ensuring our smooth flow of traffic despite our country’s land constrain. With the adoption of advanced technology and equipments, LTA is an invariable contributor to our nation building, striving for the best in transportation facilities and system.

IRAS Gallery

Come and discover the Singapore Tax Story at the IRAS Gallery that brings you on a journey through the ages ever since Singapore was founded in 1819. It takes you back to the beginnings of tax through a detailed timeline that stretches through to the present. Get interesting facts on who was the first to introduce taxes in Singapore; when were the different types of taxes introduced; how did the administration of tax transform itself over the past 60 years and more.

Pinkies & the Brains Reflection
Income tax & Private Lotteries Duty

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, in short IRAS, acts as agent of the government to assess, collect and enforce payment of taxes. So what exactly is tax? As we explore the IRAS gallery in Newton Road, we begin to see that tax is essential towards nation-building and the economic development of the country such that it can help Singapore to become a stronger community, provide a better environment and a more vibrant economy for the people.

The amazing thing we found is that, tax is not new. It has been around for the past centuries like the Egypt civilisation and the Qin dynasty in China. The only difference is that in the past, tax was usually paid as a form of tribute demanded by kings and emperors and it was paid in various forms like through produce grown on land or fixed terms of unpaid labour. Whereas now, we paid our tax in cash and it can be done efficiently over the internet.

Tax revenue comes from 10 various types of taxes imposed by the government such as Income Tax, Property Tax, Goods And Services Tax, Betting and Sweepstakes Duties, Private Lotteries Duty and Stamp Duties. Our group had been chosen to explore more on the Income tax and Private Lotteries Duty. So let us take you on the journey to learn more about it.

Income tax
Income tax is a tax chargeable on personal income and companies. It was introduced by the British in 1799 and implemented in Singapore in 1948 by the administration of the Singapore Income Tax Department.

The need to implement income tax in Singapore is due to...

 In 1942
WW2 destruction was one of the main caused for the implementation of tax. The main priorities for tax was then to get more revenue to be used for post war reconstruction works, social welfare and education.

 In 1946
The British administration apointed Mr R.B. Heasman an expert on tax to introduce it to Singapore. The public opposed to the idea because they feel that it was expensive to implement and that it would raise the decreasing goods price.

 1948
Britih disagreed and tax was introduced in Singapore. It commenced at 3% on the first $500 of chargeable income and rise up to 30% in chargeable income in excess of $50,000.


From the new revenue provided by income tax, expenditure on education increased by almost 10 times in 10 years from 1945. Besides that the government also launched efforts to reduce malnutrition and diseases. However despite the increased revenue, Singapore still struggled to solve the major problems like housing and unemployment.

We also found that there are different tax rates applicable for tax residents and non-residents. You will be treated as a tax resident for a particular Year of Assessment (YA) if you are a:

 Singaporean; or

 Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) if you have established your permanent home in Singapore; or

 Foreigner who stayed/worked in Singapore for 183 days or more in previous year (excludes director of a company).

Otherwise, you will be treated as a non-resident for a particular YA for Singapore tax purposes.

The individual Tax Rate start at 0% and is capped at 20% (above S$320,000) for residents and a flat rate of 15% for non-residents. As an example, if you are tax resident in Singapore and your personal income for the year was S$160,000; your income tax liability will be S$15, 5000.


Private Lotteries Duty
Private Lotteries Duty was introduced in 1952 to control and levy a tax on all lotteries promoted by private clubs and societies. What does it mean by lottery?

A lottery is any game whereby money is allotted in any manner depending upon chance or lot – examples: Fruit machines, Lucky Draws, Tombola and Bingo. A private lottery is a lottery in which tickets or chances are offered for sale only to members of clubs or societies established for purposes not connected with gaming, wagering or lotteries.

The Private Lotteries Act imposes a duty on any lottery promoted by a club or society. When a club or society conducts a private lottery (including the operation of fruit machines), the promoter of the lottery has to submit audited accounts and pay private lottery duty to Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore. The method of calculating duty, due date for paying duty and submitting audited accounts depends on the type of private lottery organized.

(Taken from IRAS website)

There are 2 types of lottery and they have different due date for payment.

• For one-time lottery: Duty is due within 14 days from the draw date.
Example: If the draw is conducted on 1 Jan 2010, duty has to be paid by 15 Jan 2010.

• For a series of lotteries (e.g. fruit machines): Duty is due within 14 days from the last day of the calendar month in which the lotteries are conducted or the fruit machine is operated.
Example: A club or society that operates fruit machines in Jan 2010 has to pay duty by 14 Feb 2010

Penalties will also be imposed if the club/society/promoter of the lottery:

1. Conduct any private lottery without a valid permit;
2. Did not complied with; or any private lottery permit condition
3. Prepares false accounts, with intent to evade the duty chargeable.

For offence (3), the promoter shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or 4 times the amount of duty payable, whichever is higher.

Conclusion
In summary, we as a group feel that tax is an integral part of our nation towards promoting the growth and development of Singapore. Without the implementation of income tax or private lotteries duty, the government would definitely faced many challenges in trying to collect revenue to improve and develop Singapore into a world class city as it is today.

Green & Clean Reflection
Goods and Service Tax & Property Tax

We are rather sceptical of the fact that taxation aids in the building of our nation.
Therefore, when we were handed the GST and Property Tax Question, we couldn't help it but groan! Do not be deceived by our smiles. It was merely for the sake of 'cam-whoring.'





Anyway, these are what we learnt from the IRAS exhibitions...


Goods & Service Tax
Goods Service Tax was a new form of indirection taxation started by the government in 1994 in order to keep our economy competitive. It marked the government’s shift from direct to indirect taxes. With the introduction of GST, the government could afford to reduce taxation on personal income (22%, as of year 2003) and corporate income, thus encouraging entrepreneurship and savings.

The reduction of taxation on corporate income (18%, as of year 2008) would ultimately attract foreign investments and local businesses enjoy a cut in high costs of labour and land. Singapore has an aging population and increasing taxation on personal income would definitely create a burden for most Singaporeans. The introduction of GST would be fairer for all Singaporeans. In 2007, GST rate was increase from 5% to 7%. Additional revenue resulting from this increase was used to fund the new Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS). It is through this scheme that the Singapore government is able to provide income supplements to low wage workers as well as strengthening the economy.



Property Tax
Property tax is one of the taxes that accounts for about 70% of the government’s operating revenue. Introduced in 1961, property tax is a tax on immovable properties, which include house, building and land. Simply put, if one buys a property, one needs to pay property tax for the property. The calculation of property tax is based on the annual rental value of a property.

Therefore, a heavier tax is weighted upon the rich to ensure equal income and well-being distribution among Singaporeans. However, the government do make consensus and grants rebates as when needed. In 2009, in the light of the current global economic downturn, a rebate of 40% on the property tax payable was granted to commercial and industrial properties as part of the Government's relief efforts to help businesses out.


Conclusion
Initially, we did not understand the government's decision to implement GST and subsequently, increasing the GST to 7%. However, our trip to IRAS has answered our questions on the relevance of implementing GST to the public.
We also realised that our Singapore government did make efforts to introduce rebates to help the people during periods of economic crisis.


All Blacks Reflection
Stamp Duties & Betting and Sweepstakes Duty


Stamp Duties
Stamp duty is a tax on executed documents relating to properties or interest in properties and shares or interest in shares. These documents include a lease, sale and purchase, gift or mortgage of property.

The introduction of stamp duties in 1863 helped the government to develop public services. As Singapore transforms into a global shipping hub, stamp duties created additional revenue out of the increased number of legal documents generated by the port’s commerce. As a result, the Colonial administration could balance its books during its rule of Singapore. Even up till now, stamp duties are still evident and contribute to the government’s revenue.




Sweepstakes
Betting and sweepstakes duties are taxes that are levied on lotteries, betting and sweepstakes and it was introduced to Singapore by the British in 1931.




With the increase in government revenue collected from the duties, it is used for building better and wider roads, improve public utilities and harbor facilities, as well as to construct more hospitals and government buildings.



Today, betting and sweepstakes duties still exist so as to ensure that betting activities do not proliferate and undermine good social values. The rate of duty for sweepstakes stands at [30% x (Amount contributed towards the sweepstake - GST*)].