Singapore Merlion

Singapore Merlion

The Merlion was first designed by Mr Fraser Brunner, a curator at Van Cleef Aquarium,in 1963. Te following year, the new-established Singapore Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) adopted the design of the Merlion as the Board’s emblem to be used in all its promotional materials on Singapore. With the Merlion floating on stylized waves, the logo was deemed to be appropriate as it represented bothe the ancient past and modern aspirations of Singapore. While the lion head symbolizes the beast that Sang Nila Utama, legendary founder of Singapore, sighted when he first set foot on the island, the body of the fish embodies Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. As the STPB noted at that time, “it is the hope of the Board that (the) Merlion will attract the curiosity of all those in foreign parts who may come across this emblem and arouse in them a desire to visit Singapore.” The Merlion logo was used by the STPB until 1997, when it was renamed the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Eight years after the Merlion was used by the Singapore Tourism Promotional Board (STPB) as its official emblem, it was hoped that the Merlion would subsequently moulded into a distinctive icon that Singapore could be identified with, a symbol that would resonate with both locals and visitors. A physical landmark was suggested and this led to an 8-metre tall statue of the Merlion being built at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1972, together with a 2-metre tall Merlion cub. Sculpted by local artists Mr Lim Nang Seng, based on the blueprint design of artist and educator Mr Kwan Sai Kheong, the statue was installed and officially opened by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 15 September 1972.

Since the 8-metre tall statue was first built and installed at the mouth of Singapore River in 1972, the Merlion has evolved to become one of Singapore ‘s most recognizable icons. Today, the Merlion is a celebrated tourism symbol that introduces Singapore to visitors from all around the world. The Merlion has also inspired the creativity of many enthusiasts, and sparked the creation of Merlion-themed products, souvenirs and events. The annual Merlion Week celebrations of the 1980s and the mascot design for the inaugural Singapore 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games, are some of such examples. The Merlion continues to occupy a place in the physical and cultural landscape of Singapore.