Over your meal at Tekka Market, you suddenly notice a large red ball lying in the middle of the empty space between shops.

 

As you try to find out what this red ball is, you start seeing it everywhere else. Next to Tanjong Pagar Market. Then at the outdoor seating area of SkyVille, in front of the coffee shop.

 

Might this be a new promotion for some sort of hawker food festival?

 

Then you spot one in the middle of a field at Lengkok Bahru, and another outside a FairPrice at Telok Blangah.

What is the connection? Neighbourhood beautification?

 

Have you run out of guesses? We will tell you the answer. 

 

These red spheres are part of 190+ balls that have been installed islandwide in a campaign by UOB to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, and UOB’s 90th.

 

 

Celebrating how far our little red dot has come

 

More than just a celebration of these two big milestones, this is also a reminder for us of how far we’ve progressed as a nation. It might be hard to imagine today, but as recently as 1965, Singapore was just a quiet little city, nestled in a cove in the Straits of Malacca. 

 

Whilst it was seen by Stamford Raffles as the “Jewel of the East” due to its strategic position along the Straits, it was still a developing port.

 

 

 

Today, in physical size, Singapore remains a little red dot on the world map. 

 

But by almost every other measure, it has become a bright, shiny red dot: a leading modern metropolis renowned around the world for its connectivity, efficiency, and foresighted government. 

 

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong first pointed this out in his 2024 National Day Rally speech, where he reminded Singaporeans how we can overcome the challenges we have faced and will continue to face in the future. 

“We care for one another, and we help each other along. We move forward together as one united people. That is how we make this little red dot shine ever more brightly. I believe Singapore’s best days lie ahead of us. We have new ambitions to pursue. And we are taking bold steps to turn our hopes into reality.”

 

A call to unity

 

Besides reminding us of our achievements, the red spheres are also a call for unity in the face of global volatility and future challenges. 

 

Placed at iconic shared spaces across the island, they remind Singaporeans that this nation we love – with all its beauty and charm – was only made possible through our collective effort, ingenuity and commitment. 

 

By setting aside our differences and coming together in shared purpose, we have built a vibrant nation that is strong and free. And if we remain united, we will secure our happiness and prosperity for generations to come.

 

The message behind these red spheres is so meaningful that the campaign has received a ringing endorsement from our Members of Parliament, who have requested that 17 of the 190+ spheres be installed across Tanjong Pagar Town. 

 

Our red spheres are also green!

 

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact after the campaign concludes in mid-September, don’t be.

 

After the campaign, the durable, flame-retardant material of the spheres will be repurposed to make useable items like handbags and keychains, giving all of us a chance to own this little piece of our history. Details on these items will be revealed at a later date.

 

In the meantime, go find the spheres in our neighbourhood and beyond, take pictures and make memories about this extra-special National Day celebration.

 

Happy National Day!