USSG55 Virtual Photo Exhibition

From Sea to Shining Sea: 55 Years of U.S.-Singapore Relations in Photos

A virtual photo exhibition celebrating the ties between the United States and Singapore

30 MINUTE READ

September 8, 2023

In 2021, the United States and Singapore celebrated  55 years of diplomatic relations. To commemorate this milestone, U.S. Embassy Singapore launched the virtual photo exhibition “From Sea to Shining Sea: 55 Years of U.S.-Singapore Relations in Photos.

The exhibition highlighted the friendship, cooperation, and inspiration between the United States and Singapore since we established diplomatic relations in 1966. The 55 exclusive photos within the exhibition celebrate many of the shared values between the United States and Singapore with themes including Diplomatic Relations, Culture in Action, Musical Stars, Doing Business Together, Strength in Security, and a special collection of U.S. diplomat George Porter’s personal photos of Singapore from the 1960s.

While the exhibition has ended, we invite you to enjoy a preview of the exhibition and take a virtual walk down memory lane as we celebrate the deep ties and continued collaboration between our two nations. We welcome you to engage with a selection of the curated collection of photos and other multimedia content below. Share your favorite memories of U.S.-Singapore connections on social media with the hashtag #USSG55.

This exhibition is a collaboration between U.S. Embassy Singapore and the creative team of Project Manager Hera, Writer, Curator and Researcher Yu-Mei Balasingamchow, Designer Lim Shu Min, Sound Designer Ramesh Krishnan, Musicians Munir Alsagoff and Mohamed Noor, Web Developer Mao Yuncheng, and Advisors Laura Miotto and Dr. Paul Taylor and is supported by SPH Media Limited and National Library Board.

USSG55 Photo Exhibition: Overview

On April 4, 1966, the United States and Singapore established formal diplomatic relations, less than one year after Singapore became an independent nation. Americans, however, had been coming and going from the island since the British started a colonial trading port in 1819. First came missionaries and traders, then came companies that became household names, such as Citibank, Goodyear, and Ford.

After the Second World War, American culture was popular with young people in Singapore. Business and political relationships continued to grow. Today, more than 30,000 Americans live in Singapore, and the two countries have deep economic, cultural, and security ties. This photography exhibition captures some highlights of the 55 years of friendship, cooperation, and inspiration between the two countries.

See the full list of photos here: USSG55 Exhibition Photo List

Launch of the Virtual Photo Exhibition

Experience the virtual photo exhibition

The music for the website is an instrumental reinterpretation of America the Beautiful by Ray Charles, produced by three Singaporean musicians: sound designer Ramesh Krishnan, guitarist Munir Alsagoff on a classic Fender Telecaster, and percussionist Mohamed Noor on a handpan drum. The music incorporates the sounds of the seas, an American blues guitar style, and the multicultural handpan used in Singapore, evoking Singapore’s multicultural society and connection with the United States.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

USSG55 Photo Gallery

When Singapore was proclaimed a City of the British Commonwealth by royal charter on September 22, 1951, the U.S. Information Service (USIS) commemorated the occasion with a banner outside its offices at 26 Raffles Place. At that time, the USIS had a library and reading room and hosted events that introduced the public to American culture. Image credits: U.S. Embassy Singapore

The American Club in Singapore was founded in 1948 and moved to Scotts Road (pictured) in 1955. It was notable for being the first foreign private club in Singapore to open its membership to all races and nationalities. Today it has more than 10,000 members from around the world. Image credit: Jim and Junia Baker

American sports coach Thomas Rosandich (in the USAF jersey) coached Singapore’s pole vaulter Pal Singh at the Padang in Singapore in April 1958. The U.S. Information Service (USIS) invited Rosandich to conduct workshops and coaching clinics here. He went on to be the founding president of the United States Sports Academy.

A bungalow along Grange Road named Spring Grove was home to American Consuls-General, Ambassadors, and their staff from 1936 to 1991. It hosted Independence Day receptions and Easter egg hunts for the American community. This photograph from 1974 shows Mohd Yafaridah and her older sister. Their father worked as a chauffeur for the U.S. government. Yafridah herself has been working at the Embassy for 28 years. Image credit: Mohd Yafaridah

The former U.S. Embassy building at 30 Hill Street was completed in 1961. It was one of the first buildings in Singapore to be completely air‐conditioned. Built as a diplomatic facility, it was designated the first official U.S. Embassy here when the two countries established formal diplomatic relations on April 4, 1966. Image credit: Jim and Junia Baker

June Chua from the T Project in Singapore participated in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2018. The IVLP brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the United States each year for short-term professional exchanges with their American counterparts. Madam Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s first female President, is an IVLP alumna. Image credit: June Chua, the T Project

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Culture in Action

Although American music and movies seem to dominate Singapore’s popular culture today, there have been many moments of two-way cultural exchange over the years. In the 1950s, before many Singaporeans could easily and cheaply access American culture, the U.S. Information Service (USIS) at Raffles Place provided a library and reading room, as well as sponsored exhibitions and performances.

Over the years, the American Association of Singapore, American Club, and Singapore American School have been instrumental in fostering cultural interactions between Americans and Singaporeans. Today, more than 30,000 Americans live in Singapore. American architects have left their mark on Singapore’s skyline. People from the two countries have played and competed in sports, enjoyed and created music and art together, and influenced each other’s views of the world.

The first U.S. Information Service (USIS) offices and library in Singapore were located on the second floor of 26 Raffles Place. This photograph shows the reading room in the 1950s, when it was popular with young people who wanted access to American publications or to learn more about the United States.

In 1960, the San Francisco Ballet performed at the Victoria Theatre, an event described as Singapore’s “cultural event of the year.” Five members of the Ballet are pictured here posing for TV and publicity pictures at Queen Elizabeth Walk, with the former Fullerton Building (now Fullerton Hotel) in the background.

In April 1965, the U.S. Information Service (USIS) held an exhibition, “U.S. Man in Space,” in the foyer of the National Library at Stamford Road. On display was a model of the Gemini spacecraft, which had the previous month made its first successful crewed flight carrying two American astronauts to space.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Musical Stars

American music has long been popular in Singapore, from jazz in the pre-war years to disco, pop, rock, hip-hop and more today. In the 1960s, the U.S. Information Service held events for local musicians, such as a popular jazz series from 1963 to 1965 at the Victoria Concert Hall and Victoria Theatre. It also sponsored American musicians and singers to perform in Singapore.

Singaporeans not only appreciated American music, they started performing and writing their own compositions. The 1960s saw a wave of commercially successful local bands who were inspired by American and British popular music. From the 1980s, Singaporean Margaret Leng Tan was a notable figure in the American avant-garde music scene, and other Singaporean musicians and bands later made their mark in fields like pop and rock.

Zubir Said (right), the composer of Singapore’s national anthem, “Majulah Singapura,” discussed a local bamboo musical instrument with a member of the New York Woodwind Quintet. The group performed at the Victoria Memorial Hall in Singapore in September 1962 at an event sponsored by the U.S. Information Service (USIS).

In November 1964, American jazz musician extraordinaire Louis Armstrong performed in Singapore. This photo with local jazz lovers was taken at a reception in his honor and includes Jeremy Soliano, Tony Castillo, Billy Martinez, Rufino Soliano, Jimmy Gan, and Horace Wee.

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Diplomatic Connections

The United States and Singapore have forged a close partnership on political, economic, security, and personal levels. In 2003, Singapore became the first country in Asia with which the United States signed a Free Trade Agreement. Since 1990, the two countries have had a Memorandum of Understanding facilitating U.S. forces’ access to Singapore’s military bases. This agreement was renewed in 2019 for another 15 years.

The first official state visit between the two countries was in 1967, when U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson received Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. More recently, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made his first state visit to the United States in 2016, when he was honored by a White House state dinner, a first for Singapore. In 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Singapore.

As Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew made three state visits to the White House in 1973, 1975, and 1985. Each time, he was honored with a state dinner. Pictured here is Prime Minister Lee (left) with President Ronald Reagan (right) in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House during the 1985 visit. Image credit: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration

The first female U.S. Secretary of State, Madeline Albright (in wide- brimmed hat), arrived in Singapore on a stopover in 1997. She met then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, as well as visited the Revere Bell at the National Museum. She returned in 1999 to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference.

U.S. President George W. Bush (in suit) and First Lady Laura Bush (extreme right) tried their hand at gamelan instruments at the Asian Civilisations Museum. They were visiting Singapore en route to the 2006 APEC Summit in Vietnam. This was President Bush’s second visit to Singapore. Image credit: Official White House photo by Paul Morse

U.S. President Barack Obama (center) with Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (right) and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (seated) at a dinner for leaders attending the 2009 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. The event was held in at APEC’s headquarters in Singapore. Image credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made her first official visit to Singapore on August 22–23, 2021. She met Singapore President Halimah Yacob, and, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, announced new partnerships to address the climate crisis, cybersecurity, and growth and innovation. At the Istana, Vice President Harris also received a hybrid orchid named after her, Papilionanda Kamala Harris (pictured). Image credit: Official White House photo by Lawrence Jackson

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Strength in Security Cooperation

The United States and Singapore cooperate on security issues such as border security, maritime security, military preparedness, counter proliferation, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Singapore provides critical access for U.S. military units deployed to the region and hosts nearly 1,000 U.S. service members, civilians, and dependents. Singapore also has the second largest military presence in the United States of any foreign partner, with more than 1,000 Singaporean military personnel participating in training, exercises, and professional military education there.

In recent years, Singapore has deepened its defense ties with the United States by renewing its 1990 MOU regarding U.S. use of military facilities in Singapore, as well as establishing a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Fighter Training Detachment in Guam and finalizing an MOU on cyber cooperation.

Held annually since 1991, Exercise Valiant Mark is conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This picture, taken in 2010, shows U.S. Marines from Company A “Animal”, 1st Battalion 7th Marines along with soldiers from 1st Battalion Singapore Guards assaulting an “enemy” compound at the Murai Urban Training Facility in Singapore. Image credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Preston Reed

In this photo from 2014, Lieutenant (junior grade) Katherine Smith (extreme left) on the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer discussed its electrical plant and propulsion controls with engineering personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). This took place during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), an annual bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the armed forces of nine partner nations, including Singapore. Image credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christian S. Eskelund

A member of the Singapore Armed Forces introduced a U.S. Marine to a durian during Exercise Valiant Mark 2019 on Pulau Tekong in Singapore. Singapore and the United States have a strong bilateral defense partnership. For example, 2021 marked the 40th year of Exercise Tiger Balm between the two countries. Image credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Ortiz

More than 1,000 Singaporean military personnel participate in training, exercises, and professional military education in the United States. Pictured are Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots and contractor who participated in the Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 2021. They trained in advanced aerial combat scenarios with the U.S. Air Force, Sweden, and several NATO nations. Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Rubenak

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Doing Business Together

Singapore is home to American companies both new and old. Some of the longest-standing American enterprises are banks and companies dealing in shipping, rubber, and petroleum that have been here for more than a century. American film distributors were also a strong presence in the years immediately before and after World War Two.

The decades after the war saw a rise in American business and investment. Ford Motor Company was one of Singapore’s largest private employers, and in 1960, IBM installed Singapore’s first computer for the Central Provident Fund. Today, the United States is Singapore’s largest foreign investor. The Free Trade Agreement between the two countries supports 215,000 American jobs, and there are 4,200 American businesses in Singapore.

On May 6, 2003, U.S. President George Bush (seated, right) and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (seated, left) signed the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Singapore was the first country in Asia with which the United States signed a FTA. It is the longest such agreement the latter has in Asia. The trade relationship between the two countries has doubled since the FTA came into force on January 1, 2004. Image credit: The White House, photo by Tina Fager

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

1960s Singapore Through An American Lens

George W. Porter was an American diplomat at the U.S. Embassy Singapore from 1965 to 1970. During his lunch hours and leisure time, he took photographs of everyday life, particularly the people and activities at the Singapore River, which was a short walk from the Embassy building at Hill Street.

Before Porter’s death in 2015, he donated a number of prints to the National Archives of Singapore. They are an important record of the bygone life that once flourished in what is now Singapore’s Civic District. In 2015, the U.S. Embassy Singapore invited students at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore to propose responses to Porter’s images. The artworks were exhibited at the college from October 15 to November 5, 2015; a selection of three works is included here.

George Porter (at the wheel) was an American diplomat at the U.S. Embassy Singapore from 1965 to 1970. During his lunch hours and leisure time, he took numerous photographs of everyday life. This family photo in their MG (a British car) was most likely taken on the grounds of Spring Grove, the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Image credit: The family of George Porter

In 2015, students at LASALLE College of the Arts exhibited new artworks responding to George Porter’s photographs. Fornies’s work was inspired by Porter’s “Young scholars.” It features Polaroid images of people in Singapore on a blackboard and projected on a door. It is accompanied by a soundtrack created by Fornies, using adjectives people used to describe Singapore. Image credit: LASALLE College of the Arts

In 2015, students at LASALLE College of the Arts exhibited new artworks responding to George Porter’s photographs. Ho responded to Porter’s “The yellow bird” and was further inspired by Ho’s own memories of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. The installation consists of 20 ceramic pieces made in the shape of lanterns, suspended from bamboo poles. Image credit: LASALLE College of the Arts

In 2015, students at LASALLE College of the Arts exhibited new artworks responding to George Porter’s photographs. Tan was inspired by Porter’s “The yellow bird” and “Daydreaming shop girl.” The work is an installation of found objects. It highlights the visually cluttered shops from the past, as captured in the photos. Image credit: LASALLE College of the Arts

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

Interview with George Porter's Children

Listen to George Porter’s children, Aaron and Elise, describe his camera and equipment from the 1960s (interviewed in 2021).

Track 1 – George Porter’s interest in photography

Track 2 – Camera and equipment used in the 1960s

By U.S. Embassy Singapore

USSG55 Let's Learn Together!

Educational classroom activities designed in partnership with St Joseph’s Institution (Independent) for the USSG55 Photo Exhibition

We hope you have enjoyed browsing the photos as much as we have. Wondering how you can use the photographs for some fun, learning activities? We have designed two activities just for you! Have fun!

Activity #1

Photo Tableux

Photos captures a slice of time. What do you think happens next? Stage the next few scenes with your friends and make some photos!

Download PDF: USSG55_ClassroomActivity_PhotoTableaux

Download PPT: USSG55_ClassroomActivity_PhotoTableaux

Activity #2

Let’s Analyse a Photograph!

Art critics study works of art through a critical analysis of an artwork’s seemingly intangible aspects to help others understand them in more tangible ways. The Feldman Approach is a famous, four-step method consisting of (1) description, (2) formal analysis, (3) interpretation, and (4) judgement. Following this method allows one to express one’s analysis and understanding of the chosen work in a thorough and detailed manner.

Choose one of the photographs available in the collection and give the analysis a go!

Download PDF: USSG55_ClassroomActivity_PhotoAnalysis

Download PPT: USSG55_ClassroomActivity_PhotoAnalysis

Singapore, USSG55

Art & Culture, Multimedia

U.S. Embassy in Singapore

USSG55 Photo Exhibition: Overview

Launch of the Virtual Photo Exhibition

Experience the virtual photo exhibition

USSG55 Photo Gallery

Culture in Action

Musical Stars

Diplomatic Connections

Strength in Security Cooperation

Doing Business Together

1960s Singapore Through An American Lens

Interview with George Porter's Children

USSG55 Let's Learn Together!

U.S. Embassy in Singapore