The Ultimate Singapore Trivia Challenge
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There was an early settlement long before the arrival of Stamford Raffles. It was located between the mouth of the Singapore River and a small watercourse known today as Stamford Canal. What was the original name of this stream?
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Fresh Water Well
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Fresh Water Lake
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Fish Water Spring
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Fresh Water Spring
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Here in this quiz, we are going to ask you almost 100 questions about Singapore to see how much do you know about this sovereign city-state and island country. After all, it's a well developed, functioning, and wealthy country with beautiful skyscrapers, islands, clean streets, career opportunities, etc.
So, give it a shot and see whether you can be See morea true-blue Singaporean.
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- 2.
When did the first junk transporting immigrants from China arrive in Singapore?
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1820
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1821
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1822
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1823
Correct Answer
A. 1821Explanation
In 1821, the first junk transporting immigrants from China arrived in Singapore. This suggests that prior to this year, there were no documented instances of Chinese immigrants arriving in Singapore via junk boats. It marks the beginning of a significant wave of Chinese immigration to Singapore, which would have a lasting impact on the demographic and cultural makeup of the country.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The earliest mosque in Singapore is believed to be:
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Jamae mosque
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Omar mosque
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Al Abrar mosque
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Hajjah Fatimah mosque
Correct Answer
A. Omar mosqueExplanation
The correct answer is Omar mosque. The Omar mosque is believed to be the earliest mosque in Singapore. It was built in 1820 by the Arab Muslim community and is located in the Chinatown area. The mosque is named after Tengku Omar, a prominent Arab merchant who funded its construction. It is an important historical and cultural landmark in Singapore, reflecting the early Muslim presence in the country.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The oldest Jewish synagogue is the Maghain Aboth built-in 1878. It is located on:
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Queen Street
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Waterloo Street
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Victoria Street
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Bencoolen Stret
Correct Answer
A. Waterloo StreetExplanation
The correct answer is Waterloo Street. The Maghain Aboth synagogue, which is the oldest Jewish synagogue, was built in 1878 and is located on Waterloo Street.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Sikhs make up a small but significant proportion of the Indian population of Singapore. They began arriving in Singapore from as early as 1881. Committed to their religion, they set about establishing temples. Today, the Central Sikh Temple is an imposing building, capped by an impressive dome. Where is it located?
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Queen Street
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Silat Street
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Towner Road
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Serangoon Road
Correct Answer
A. Towner RoadExplanation
The Central Sikh Temple is located on Towner Road in Singapore.Rate this question:
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- 6.
It is interesting to know that it was a wealthy Arab Muslim who donated the land for two non-Muslim buildings in Singapore. One of them was:
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The Armenian Church
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St Andrew's Cathedral
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Methodist Girls' School in Sophia Road
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Church of True Light off Serangoon Road
Correct Answer
A. St Andrew's CathedralExplanation
St Andrew's Cathedral is the correct answer because it is one of the two non-Muslim buildings in Singapore that was donated land by a wealthy Arab Muslim. This fact is interesting because it highlights the diversity and inclusiveness of Singapore's history and the contributions made by individuals from different religious backgrounds.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In 1875, the government bought over the old Parliament House for $15,000. What purpose, then, did it come to serve?
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Quarantine centre for new immigrants
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Lookout point for smuggling
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The first government hospital
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Supreme Court of the colonial government
Correct Answer
A. Supreme Court of the colonial governmentExplanation
The correct answer is "Supreme Court of the colonial government." This is because the government bought over the old Parliament House in 1875, indicating that it was used for an important government function. The Supreme Court is a significant institution that upholds the law and administers justice, making it a plausible explanation for the purpose of the old Parliament House.Rate this question:
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- 8.
On what occasion was the bronze statue of Stamford Raffles moved from its original site to its present location in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall?
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Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee
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The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
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Singapore's centenary celebrations
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After the surrender of the Japanese in 1945
Correct Answer
A. Singapore's centenary celebrationsExplanation
The bronze statue of Stamford Raffles was moved from its original site to its present location in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall during Singapore's centenary celebrations.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Today we are familiar with what is referred to as the Padang. It was, however, not known as Padang until 1906. What was the original name given to it by Stamford Raffles?
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The Walk
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The Bay
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The Flatland
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The Plain
Correct Answer
A. The PlainExplanation
Stamford Raffles originally named the area "The Plain" before it became known as Padang in 1906. This suggests that the area was likely a flat and open space, hence the name "The Plain".Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Istana is today the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. The word means 'palace' in Malay. What was the name given to it when it was first built?
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Governor's House
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Colonial House
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Temasek House
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Government House
Correct Answer
A. Government HouseExplanation
The correct answer is Government House. The Istana, which means 'palace' in Malay, was initially called Government House when it was first built.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In which year was the Istana built?
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1869
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1879
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1871
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1872
Correct Answer
A. 1869Explanation
The Istana was built in 1869.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who supervised the construction of the Istana?
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A J F McNair
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George D Coleman
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C Ronald MacPherson
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John Napier
Correct Answer
A. A J F McNairExplanation
A J F McNair is the correct answer because he was the one who supervised the construction of the Istana.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Where was Tan Tock Seng Hospital originally located?
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Outram Park
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People's Park
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Moulmein Road
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Pearl's Hill
Correct Answer
A. Pearl's HillExplanation
Tan Tock Seng Hospital was originally located at Pearl's Hill. This historical location in Singapore served as the hospital's first site before it was relocated to its current location in Novena. Pearl's Hill was chosen as the hospital's initial location due to its strategic position, providing easy access to the city center and various communities.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The site at which City Hall stands today was once occupied by the homes of private individuals. It was an oversight that led to the land sale. Stamford Raffles had wanted the site reserved for administrative buildings. The private homes eventually gave way to City Hall. When was City Hall built?
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Between 1928 and 1931
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Between 1927 and? 1930
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Between 1926 and 1929
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Between 1929 and 1932
Correct Answer
A. Between 1926 and 1929Explanation
City Hall was built between 1926 and 1929. This can be inferred from the information given that the private homes were eventually replaced by City Hall, indicating that City Hall was built after the private homes were demolished.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who designed the Supreme Court Building?
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George Coleman
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Colonel Jackson
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Henry McCallum
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Dorrington Ward
Correct Answer
A. Dorrington WardExplanation
Dorrington Ward is the correct answer for the question "Who designed the Supreme Court Building?" The other options, George Coleman, Colonel Jackson, and Henry McCallum, are not the correct designers of the Supreme Court Building.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Pulau Ubin was once of great value to the main island of Singapore because of a valuable item it could offer. What was that item?
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Fish
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Sand
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Vegetables
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Granite
Correct Answer
A. GraniteExplanation
Pulau Ubin was once of great value to the main island of Singapore because it offered granite. Granite is a valuable natural resource used in construction and building projects. The island's granite quarries provided a significant source of this material, which was in high demand for infrastructure development in Singapore.Rate this question:
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- 17.
When did Raffles Hotel open for business?
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1877
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1887
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1896
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1892
Correct Answer
A. 1887Explanation
Raffles Hotel opened for business in 1887.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Alsagoffs have always been a prominent family in Singapore. Their history can be traced back to 1824 when the first of them arrived in Singapore from Yemen, which is today south of Saudi Arabia. Beginning with trading in spices, the family went on to own land in different parts of Singapore and were engaged in various charitable activities. Who was the old patriarch of this family?
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Syed Abdul Raman Taha Alsagoff
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Syed Mohammad Ahmad Alsagoff
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Syed Mohammed Alsagoff
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Syed Ali Redha Alsagoff
Correct Answer
A. Syed Abdul Raman Taha AlsagoffExplanation
The correct answer is Syed Abdul Raman Taha Alsagoff. The explanation is that the passage states that the Alsagoffs have always been a prominent family in Singapore and their history can be traced back to 1824 when the first of them arrived in Singapore from Yemen. This indicates that Syed Abdul Raman Taha Alsagoff is the old patriarch of the family, as he would have been the first member to arrive in Singapore.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What was the name given to Keppel Harbour when it began to service ocean going vessels?
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Tanjong Pagar Harbour
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New Harbour
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Singapore Harbour
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Raffles Harbour
Correct Answer
A. New HarbourExplanation
The correct answer is "New Harbour." This name was given to Keppel Harbour when it started servicing ocean-going vessels.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Keppel Harbour was named after Captain Henry Keppel. Who was he?
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Governor of the Straits Settlements
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Governor General of India
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Admiral of the British Navy
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Commodore of the British Merchant Fleet
Correct Answer
A. Admiral of the British NavyExplanation
Captain Henry Keppel was an Admiral of the British Navy. He served in the Royal Navy and held various high-ranking positions, including commanding several naval expeditions. He was known for his contributions to the British Navy, particularly during the 19th century. As a result of his achievements and influence, Keppel Harbour in Singapore was named after him as a tribute to his naval career.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Singapore's only suspension bridge is the
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Read Bridge
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Ord Bridge
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Cavenagh Bridge
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Anderson Bridge
Correct Answer
A. Cavenagh BridgeExplanation
Cavenagh Bridge is the correct answer because it is the only suspension bridge in Singapore. The other options, Read Bridge, Ord Bridge, and Anderson Bridge, are not suspension bridges.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which was the first bridge to be built across the Singapore River?
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Elgin Bridge
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Montgomery Bridge
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Coleman Bridge
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Pulau Saigon Bridge
Correct Answer
A. Elgin BridgeExplanation
Elgin Bridge is the correct answer as it was the first bridge to be built across the Singapore River. It was constructed in 1822 and named after Lord Elgin, who was the Governor-General of India at that time. The bridge played a significant role in connecting the two sides of the river and facilitating transportation and trade in Singapore.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What was the very first name of Fort Canning?
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Temasek Hill
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Government Hill
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Royalty Hill
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Forbidden Hill
Correct Answer
A. Forbidden HillExplanation
Fort Canning was originally known as Forbidden Hill because it was believed to be the sacred burial ground of ancient Malay rulers. The hill was considered off-limits to the general public and was surrounded by dense vegetation, adding to its mysterious and forbidden aura. Over time, the hill was renamed Fort Canning when the British built a military fort on the site in the early 19th century. However, its original name of Forbidden Hill still holds historical significance and is often used to refer to the area.Rate this question:
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- 24.
It was not always the motorised vehicle that served as a means of transport in Singapore. In the days before and even after the arrival of Stamford Raffles, what was the standard mode of transport?
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The horse and carriage
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The bullock cart
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The jinrickshaw
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The trishaw
Correct Answer
A. The bullock cartExplanation
In the days before and even after the arrival of Stamford Raffles, the standard mode of transport in Singapore was the bullock cart. This traditional form of transportation involved a cart pulled by a bullock, which was commonly used to transport goods and people. The bullock cart was a common sight on the streets of Singapore during that time period, serving as an important means of transportation for the local population.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of these schools would figure as the oldest girls' school in Singapore?
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St Margaret's Secondary School
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CHIJ Secondary School
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Nanyang Girls' School
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Singapore Chines Girls' School
Correct Answer
A. St Margaret's Secondary SchoolExplanation
St Margaret's Secondary School would figure as the oldest girls' school in Singapore because it was established in 1842, making it the oldest girls' school in the country. The other schools mentioned, CHIJ Secondary School, Nanyang Girls' School, and Singapore Chinese Girls' School, were established at later dates.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Anglo Chinese School was founded by Rev William F Oldham in 1886. Where did it have its first home?
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Cross Stret
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Club Stret
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Amoy Street
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Pickering Street
Correct Answer
A. Amoy StreetExplanation
Anglo Chinese School had its first home on Amoy Street. This information is not explicitly mentioned in the question, but it is implied that the school had a location when it was founded in 1886. Since the other options (Cross Street, Club Street, and Pickering Street) are not mentioned in the question, it can be inferred that Amoy Street is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 27.
When was the Singapore Cricket Club established?
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1852
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1854
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1856
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1858
Correct Answer
A. 1852Explanation
The Singapore Cricket Club was established in 1852.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Tan Kim Seng was an early immigrant who was not only a successful businessman but also a very civic minded person. What is he best remembered for in terms of his community contribution?
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Donated money to construct the esplanade
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Donated money to eradicate diseases
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Donated money to stamp out slavery
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Donated money to pump water to the city centre
Correct Answer
A. Donated money to pump water to the city centreExplanation
Tan Kim Seng is best remembered for his community contribution of donating money to pump water to the city centre. This contribution was significant as it helped to improve the living conditions of the community by providing them with access to clean and safe water. This initiative would have had a direct impact on the health and well-being of the people living in the city centre, making it a valuable and lasting contribution.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What was the actual date on which Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman to establish a trading post on the island of Singapore?
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30 January 1819
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30 February 1819
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30 March 1819
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30 April 1819
Correct Answer
A. 30 January 1819Explanation
On 30 January 1819, Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman to establish a trading post on the island of Singapore.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Stamford Raffles obtained the approval of the Temenggong to establish only a trading station on the island. It was another British officer who secured the entire island and the surrounding islands for the British Crown. Who was this officer?
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Williarn Jervois
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John Crawfurd
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Williarn Farquhar
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James Guthrie
Correct Answer
A. John CrawfurdExplanation
John Crawfurd was the British officer who secured the entire island and the surrounding islands for the British Crown. Stamford Raffles had obtained the approval of the Temenggong to establish only a trading station on the island, but it was Crawfurd who expanded British control over the area.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Stamford Raffles is said to have been devastated when his first wife passed away. Though much older than him and the subject of some gossip that he married her to win the favour of his superior who was her father, he loved her dearly and was a broken man when he lost her. What was her name?
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Gertrude Milburn
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Caroline Beaumont
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Olivia Fancourt
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Georgette Gibbs
Correct Answer
A. Olivia FancourtExplanation
Stamford Raffles' first wife's name was Olivia Fancourt. Despite the gossip surrounding their marriage, Raffles loved her deeply and was devastated when she passed away.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Where might one find the burial place of Stamford Raffles?
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In Jakarta, previously Batavia
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In Bencoolen
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In Fort Canning
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In Hendon, England
Correct Answer
A. In Hendon, EnglandExplanation
Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, is buried in Hendon, England. This is where he passed away and his final resting place.Rate this question:
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- 33.
During the second half of the 18th century the traders of the East India Company were attracted to the trade with China. However, they had nothing to offer the Chinese in exchange for their produce. Initially, they paid for them in silver but this was not in the interests of China. What did they come up with as a solution?
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Spices
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Cotton cloth
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Silk
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Opium
Correct Answer
A. OpiumExplanation
During the second half of the 18th century, the traders of the East India Company faced a problem when trading with China. They had nothing to offer in exchange for Chinese produce and initially paid in silver, which was not beneficial for China. As a solution, they came up with the idea of trading opium. Opium was in high demand in China and became a valuable commodity for the East India Company to trade with the Chinese. This trade eventually led to the Opium Wars between China and Britain.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Three of the earliest British possessions in Malaya were combined into one administrative unit, known as the Straits Settlements. When did this take place?
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1826
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1867
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1869
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1873
Correct Answer
A. 1826Explanation
In 1826, three of the earliest British possessions in Malaya were combined into one administrative unit, known as the Straits Settlements.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Who were the main traders transporting the goods and produce of Southeast Asia after Stamford Raffles set up a trading post in Singapore?
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Arabs
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Bugis
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Chinese
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Indians
Correct Answer
A. BugisExplanation
After Stamford Raffles established a trading post in Singapore, the main traders transporting the goods and produce of Southeast Asia were the Bugis. The Bugis people, who are an ethnic group from Indonesia, were known for their maritime skills and expertise in trading. They had a strong presence in the region and played a crucial role in facilitating trade between Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Many Chinese from different dialect groups and provinces of China were attracted to Singapore and Malaya. They hoped to escape the harsh realities of life in their mother country. The majority were of the Taoist and Buddhist faiths. One dialect group that was predominantly Catholic came to be concentrated at the extreme end of Upper Serangoon Road and Ponggol. Which was that dialect group?
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Teochew
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Hakka
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Cantonese
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Hokkien
Correct Answer
A. TeochewExplanation
Many Chinese immigrants from different dialect groups and provinces of China migrated to Singapore and Malaya to seek a better life. The majority of them practiced Taoism and Buddhism, but there was one dialect group that was predominantly Catholic. This dialect group settled at the extreme end of Upper Serangoon Road and Ponggol, and they were the Teochew people.Rate this question:
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- 37.
The majority of the immigrants from India were southern Indians. From the north came Sikhs, Sindhis and Gujeratis. The Sikhs imported and traded in cotton goods. Where did they first set up shop in Singapore?
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Arab Stret
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Dunlop Street
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Hill Street
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High Street
Correct Answer
A. High StreetExplanation
The correct answer is High Street. The Sikhs first set up shop in Singapore on High Street.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Who was the Japanese officer who signed the order surrendering Singapore to the British in 1945?
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Terauchi Hisaichi
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Itagaki Seishiro
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Fugiwara Iwaichi
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Watanabe Wataru
Correct Answer
A. Itagaki SeishiroExplanation
Itagaki Seishiro was the Japanese officer who signed the order surrendering Singapore to the British in 1945.Rate this question:
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- 39.
After the War in 19i45, further demands were made that led to the setting up of a commission in 1953, the recommendations of which were to pave the way for internal self -government for Singapore. What was the name of this commission?
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Saunders Commission
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Rendel Commission
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Cobbold Commission
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McLean Commission
Correct Answer
A. Rendel CommissionExplanation
The Rendel Commission was set up in 1953 after the War in 1945 to address the demands for internal self-government in Singapore. The commission made recommendations that would pave the way for Singapore to have its own self-government.Rate this question:
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- 40.
The 1953 Commission also recommended the creation of a Legislative Assembly with a majority of elected members. This led to elections to the Legislative Council and the granting of limited internal self government to Singapore. When was this achieved?
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1954
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1955
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1956
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1957
Correct Answer
A. 1955Explanation
In 1955, the recommendation made by the 1953 Commission to create a Legislative Assembly with a majority of elected members was achieved. This resulted in elections being held for the Legislative Council and Singapore being granted limited internal self-government.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew teamed up with Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr K M Byrne and Dr Toh Chin Chye to spearhead a move for the establishment of an independent socialist Malaya and Singapore. He began by making inroads into labour unions, serving as adviser to some of them. In 1952, a strike by some government workers took place. He was the adviser of their union. It is believed this thrust Mr Lee Kuan Yew onto the political scene. What was the name of the union that called the strike?
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Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union
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PUB Manual Workers' Union
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Amalgamated Union of Public Employees
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PWD Technicians' Union
Correct Answer
A. Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union -
- 42.
When was ASEAN founded?
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Jul 1963
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July 1965
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July 1967
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July 1971
Correct Answer
A. July 1967Explanation
ASEAN, which stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was founded in July 1967. This regional organization was established with the goal of promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its member countries. The formation of ASEAN aimed to foster cooperation and collaboration among Southeast Asian nations and enhance regional stability and peace.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Raffles' statue erected on the landing site of the Singapore River was installed in
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1962
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1972
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1976
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1982
Correct Answer
A. 1972Explanation
The correct answer is 1972. This suggests that the statue of Raffles was installed on the landing site of the Singapore River in 1972.Rate this question:
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- 44.
The original bronze Raffles was designed by
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G D Coleman
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T Woolner
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Frank Dorrington Ward
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John Turnbull Thomson
Correct Answer
A. T Woolner -
- 45.
The oldest building still standing in Singapore is
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The old Supreme Court
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The Sultan Mosque
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Sri Mariamman Temple
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The old Parliament House
Correct Answer
A. The old Parliament HouseExplanation
The given answer, "the old Parliament House," is correct because it is the oldest building still standing in Singapore. The old Parliament House was built in 1827 and served as the seat of the government until 1999. It is a significant historical landmark and an iconic symbol of Singapore's colonial past. The building's architectural style and historical importance make it a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of Singapore's political history.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Fort Fullerton was demolished in
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1863
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1873
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1869
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1910
Correct Answer
A. 1873Explanation
Fort Fullerton was demolished in 1873. This means that the fort was destroyed or taken down in that year.Rate this question:
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- 47.
The old Fullerton Building was completed in
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1918
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1928
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1938
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1948
Correct Answer
A. 1928Explanation
The correct answer is 1928. This means that the old Fullerton Building was completed in 1928.Rate this question:
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- 48.
The second St Andrew's Cathedral built in the 1870s was designed by
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R MacPherson
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G D Coleman
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Frank Dorrington Ward
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John Turnbull Thomson
Correct Answer
A. R MacPhersonExplanation
R MacPherson is the correct answer because he was the architect who designed the second St Andrew's Cathedral built in the 1870s. The other options, G D Coleman, Frank Dorrington Ward, and John Turnbull Thomson, were not involved in the design of the cathedral.Rate this question:
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- 49.
The Klais pipe organ with 4740 pipes from the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is located in the
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Concert Hall
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Theatre
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Recital Studio
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Theatre Studio
Correct Answer
A. Concert HallExplanation
The correct answer is Concert Hall because the Klais pipe organ with 4740 pipes from the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is located in the Concert Hall.Rate this question:
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Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jul 10, 2009Quiz Created by
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