You may have heard of many of these colourful national initiatives or groups that champion equally colourful causes and programmes. But are public agencies behind all of them? Test your knowledge of these nine entities and find out ‘hues’ behind them.

Once a year, celebrations flow freely from a sea of purple somewhere within Singapore. These radiant participants, dressed in purple, are part of the annual Purple Parade celebrating the abilities of Persons with Disabilities. Beyond this event, the movement champions equal access in the areas of education, employment, transport and social networks.

Who’s Behind This?

Although the Purple Parade is supported by the Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC), the movement and its annual event are primarily run by many organisations from the people, public and private (3P) sectors.

In the 1973 song, an ex-offender returns home to the sight of a hundred yellow ribbons tied around a tree, as a resounding “welcome back” message. Yellow Ribbon Singapore offers ex-offenders the same forgiveness beyond second chances. It also aims to promote the reintegration of ex-offenders back into the community, and to empower them to find success in their careers and personal lives.

Who’s Behind This?

Yellow Ribbon Singapore is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was established on 1 April 1976 as the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) and rebranded as YRSG on 1 May 2020.

The 3,000 volunteers under the Silver Generation Office work to enhance the golden years of Singapore’s seniors. These Silver Generation Ambassadors reach out to elderly members of the community, get to know them and link them up with networks and resources to help them with everyday needs or enrich their lives.

Who’s Behind This?

The Silver Generation Office is part of the Agency for Integrated Care’s (AIC’s) outreach efforts. AIC was established as an independent corporate entity in 2009. They now manage national aged care services and are also home to the Pioneer Generation Office.

The colours of the Green and White Anti-drug Ribbon represent health, vitality, and strength. This is the lifestyle and mindset that members of the community can embrace when curbing drug abuse.

Who’s Behind This?

The ribbon was first introduced with the 1996 National Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign. The campaign was organised under the National Council Against Drug Abuse, an advisory council to the Ministry of Home Affairs which combats drug abuse in Singapore.

While oranges (the fruit) are delicious, this run was named after the colour of friendship, brotherhood, and kinship. In fact, the greater Orange Ribbon Movement comprises runs, walks, and other events as a stand against racism. During events, Singaporeans of all races come together, dressed in orange.

Who’s Behind This?

Championed by OnePeople.sg, Orange Ribbon Run is a ground-up group and a strong advocate for mutual understanding and friendship across races and religions.

As Singapore’s only car-sharing service that does not require drivers to return the cars to their starting point, BlueSG champions sustainable transport by reducing reliance on owning a car.

Who’s Behind This?

While launched in partnership with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Economic Development Board (EDB), BlueSG is ultimately managed by Goldbell Group, Singapore’s largest player in leasing and distributing vehicles.

These health-related symbols aim to keep us rosy cheeked, in pink of health, and at a gold standard of vitality. Having recently celebrated its 70^th anniversary in 2019, the Singapore Red Cross is part of the international Red Cross Movement which provides emergency aid and blood donations, among many other programmes.  many other programmes.

Similarly, wearing the pink ribbon is part of a larger national effort to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer. Wearing a gold ribbon represents support for increasing awareness and support for childhood cancer. In 2020, buildings around the world, including KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, were lit in gold in solidarity with this cause.

Who’s Behind This?

These symbols are most closely associated with the Red Cross Singapore, Breast Cancer Foundation and Children’s Cancer Society.

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