What does Majulah Singapura mean?

Singapore Democrats

Even as we celebrate our National Day, there are many Singaporeans, especially those who are non-Malay speaking, who are unsure of what our national anthem means. This is unfortunate as the composition of Majulah Singapura is an integral part of our history.$CUT$

In 1958, Ong Pang Boon who was then Deputy Mayor of the City Council of Singapore, asked musician and composer Zubir Said to compose a song that could be used for official functions.

Zubir Said came up with Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) which was later adopted as our national anthem when we became an independent republic.

We cannot sing the anthem with pride if we don’t know what the words mean. Below is the translation of the lyrics.

Majulah Singapura Mari kita rakyat Singapura Sama-sama menuju bahagia Cita-cita kita yang mulia, Berjaya Singapura. Marilah kita bersatu Dengan semangat yang baru Semua kita berseru Majulah Singapura, Majulah Singapura! Marilah kita bersatu Dengan semangat yang baru Semua kita berseru Majulah Singapura, Majulah Singapura!

Onward Singapore Come, fellow Singaporeans Let us progress towards happiness together May our noble aspiration bring Singapore success Come, let us unite In a new spirit Together we proclaim Onward Singapore, Onward Singapore! Come, let us unite In a new spirit Together we proclaim Onward Singapore, Onward Singapore!