The number 58 holds great significance for Singapore this year: it marks 58 years since independence from Malaysia. This National Day, we take a look at the 58s in our midst and appreciate their place in Singapore.

Block 58

Singapore has a number of housing blocks bearing the number 58. Here are some notable examples:

• 58 Dakota Crescent: Dakota Crescent was one of the first housing estates completed by Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) in 1958. Known for its nostalgic Old Dove Playground today, the estate was named after the Douglas DC-3 “Dakota'' aircraft which used to frequent Kallang Airport. In 1959, residents of a nearby kampong who had been displaced by a fire were housed there.
• 58 Stirling Road: This terrace house, one of the only 285 public landed residential houses in Singapore, is a rare find today. The property at 58 Stirling Road was built in 1959 by the SIT in Queenstown, Singapore's first satellite town. Such homes offered residents the dearly-missed "kampung feel," complete with the ability to grow plants and rear chickens.

Bus No. 58

What better way to appreciate Singapore than via a ride through its heartlands? Hop on to SBS Bus 58 for a journey through the sights and sounds of Bishan, Serangoon, Eunos, Tampines and Pasir Ris. We suggest two stops along the route:

• Opp HomeTeamNS (72171): Bedok Reservoir is a picturesque spot for a stroll or jog along Bedok Reservoir. For those feeling adventurous, try the obstacle courses at Forest Adventure.
• Opp Blk 713 (77259): Relax and unwind at Pasir Ris Beach, or try your hand at longkang fishing at Pasir Ris Farmway.

The Year, 1958

Seven years before the nation’s independence, Singapore had already begun to make its departure from British colonial rule. Here are some important milestones of 1958:

• Third Merdeka Talks (May 1958): “Merdeka!” was a rallying cry for independence in the 1950s and 1960s. The Merdeka Talks were a series of constitutional talks that took place in London as Singapore negotiated for more autonomy from British rule.
• State of Singapore Act (1 August 1958): Following the third Merdeka Talk, this act granted Singapore self-rule, marking a significant step towards independence.
• The Master Plan (MP) (August 1958): The Master Plan is a land-use plan outlining Singapore’s development over the next 10 to 15 years. The first plan was formulated between 1952 and 1955 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). It aimed to reduce overcrowding in the city centre, resettle slum residents in modern housing, and to establish more satellite towns.

Postal Code: 58

The next time you fill in your address, look out for the first two digits of your postal code; each area in Singapore has its unique sector code. If you reside in Upper Bukit Timah, Clementi Park or Ulu Pandan, your postal code likely starts with “58”. These areas are also known collectively as “District 21”.

• Bukit Timah: The name Bukit Timah means “tin hill” in Malay. However, the area was once full of tigers (and not tins), which were eventually exterminated by the late 19th century.
• Clementi Park: This area was named after Cecil Clementi Smith, who served as the governor of the Straits Settlements between 1887 and 1893.
• Ulu Pandan: Ulu Pandan was once a swampy area and home to Malay settlers who made their living fishing for prawns and crabs in the nearby river.

Tall Buildings With More Than 58 Storeys

Singapore has come a long way from its origins as a humble fishing village to becoming the modern metropolis that it is today. We take a look at the skyscrapers dotting our cityscape, especially these towering above 58 storeys: 

• Republic Plaza: Opened in 1998, Republic Plaza contains earthquake-proof features. The skyscraper is 66-storeys-tall and stands at 280 metres in height.
• One Raffles Place: Located at the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District stands One Raffles Place, which also spans 66 floors. Construction for One Raffles Place was completed in 1986.
• UOB Plaza One: Standing at a height of 280 metres, UOB Plaza One has 66 storeys. It was completed in 1995 to accompany UOB Plaza Two, a 38-floor building built in 1973. UOB shared the title of tallest building in Singapore along with UOB Plaza and One Raffles Place, until Guocco Tower was completed in 2016.
• Guocco Tower: Guocco Tower surpasses the previous three buildings, and is currently the tallest building in Singapore. The 290-metres-tall skyscraper boasts 65 levels. Although it exceeds the height limit for buildings in Singapore, Guocco Tower was exempted from this restriction because its location did not interfere with flight paths.

Hello to Singaporeans Aged 58 and Older!

Singapore would not have achieved 58 remarkable years of growth without its people. If you were born the year our nation gained independence: you, too, can celebrate your 58th birthday proudly this year!

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