What Singaporeans love most about our little red dot at 60

As Singapore marks its 60th National Day, it is a time not just for celebration, but reflection – on how far we’ve come, how we’ve grown, and the small moments that give life its colour.

So, the Her World team asked our followers: What’s a uniquely Singaporean memory that has stayed with you?

The responses came pouring in – heartwarming, funny, and nostalgic all at once. From childhood meals at the hawker centre to spontaneous neighbourly acts, these 16 stories capture the kampung spirit, quiet pride, and unmistakable rhythm of life on this island we call home, truly.

1. When the clock strikes 5:29PM

“I once took a cab down Orchard Road and the uncle sped up just to beat the ERP timing before it activated at 5:30 PM. He yelled, “hold tight ah!” and we zoomed through, laughing as if we had just won a race. Ten seconds later, he turned around proudly: “No extra charge, see? Timing is everything!” This memory I will never forget.” — @aremiew (IG)

2. The kampung spirit

“Love how we call everyone uncle and aunty even though we don’t know each other. It’s the kampung spirit that neighbours [help] each other leaves a deep memory for me!” — @bubbl3milkte4 (IG)

“A uniquely Singaporean memory of mine would be organizing a community block party for a group of beneficiaries... it was a beautiful showcase of unity in diversity… That day reminded me of what it means to be Singaporean – regardless of our background, we rise by lifting one another.” — @angie.s (IG)

3. The call of the karang guni

“I’ll always remember the sound of the karang guni horn echoing through the block and my mum shouting from the kitchen window, calling him to collect our old newspapers. A simple moment, but it’s stayed with me.” — @purplevio28 (IG)

4. The ice cream uncle

“Buying $1 ice cream in rainbow bread from the uncle that would come by my childhood home in his bicycle! Still love the nostalgic taste of… uncle’s ice cream despite other fancier options out there.” — @disneyordatknee (IG)

“A unique Singaporean memory is buying 30 cent [grape flavoured] popsicles… back in primary school, after my daily playground session!” — @pooprie1606

5. Going out to play

“When I was a little girl, going to the [old-school dragon playground at Toa Payoh] playground would brighten up my day.” — @elizabethy80 (IG)

“My favourite memory [is] sitting under the void deck after school, playing five stones with neighbours of every race while aunties swapped kueh and stories. No smartphones, just laughter, trust, and heart connections. Life was simple… Now at 60, what I love most is that same kampung spirit still lives on.” — @cindylaw (IG)

“One memory that screams Singaporean childhood is playing football under the HDB block with slippers as goal posts and the biggest drama was always over how to form the teams. The losing side always shouted ‘Reform the team!’ like it was a national crisis. Those carefree days still live rent free in my mind.” — @fengyyyy (IG)

6. When our school days were, maybe, the best days

“One memory that always makes me smile is lining up at the [school] canteen for 50-cent fishball noodles during recess. The aunty behind the stall always knew our ‘usual,’ and she never minded when we paid with a mix of coins, sometimes even 5-cent ones.” — @pangagaga (IG)

“We would always meet our kakis after school for some crazy wild block catching, crocodile, and police & thief around the HDB estates and multi-story carparks… We would race sledding down the grassy hill slopes on those big cardboards and launched paper planes from the highest HDB floor.” — @joonyguany (IG)

7. How the Great Singapore Workout lives on

“I still remember those primary school days when [the iconic Great Singapore Workout] was a regular part of our PE lessons – all of us following the routine together, step by step.” — @yinnnnnnn (IG)

8. Our green spaces

“One of my fondest memories is the day we went kite flying for the first time as a family... Dad drove us to Marina Barrage for kite flying. It was the first time for both my sister and me, and we were filled with pure joy, excitement, and lots of laughter. That day, surrounded by my loved ones and the gentle breeze lifting our kites, is a moment I will always treasure.” — @milktea.hamster (IG)

9. Where our Hello Kitty dreams wait for us

“In 2013, I stood in line for hours just to get a limited-edition Hello Kitty plushie. It was cold, the line wrapped around the block, and my legs were numb by hour three. But I wasn’t alone – everyone there shared the same mission: get the plushie. After what felt like forever, I finally reached the counter. The moment the staff handed me that soft, crowned Hello Kitty, all the waiting was worth it. She was perfect.” — @eat.play.sleep_ahkun (IG)

10. Our national sport

“One memory that stands out is queueing – not for food or limited-edition items, but at a TCM clinic… She’d drag me out of bed just to see the most popular TCM physician… Whether it’s food or health, Singaporeans just want what’s best (and yes, a little bit of kiasu-ness too). Queueing truly is a national sport!” — @simyingting (IG)

“[My uniquely Singaporean memory is] joining every queue that you see, even though you have no clue what it is for!” — @sig_ice (IG)

11. Our obsession with Japan

“Once in Japan we took the wrong train, ended at the wrong station, [became] very disoriented and couldn’t figure where we were on [the] map. Then this person noticed our struggling look and came forward… speaking English... I casually asked where [she was] from. She laughed, and then in Singlish, said: “Haha, I’m also from Singapore, la.” — @rp_dg (IG)

12. The joy of getting home

“I remembered how I [took] the MRT for the first time with my parents when it just started [its operations on the] first day! Beautiful childhood memories!” — @byteo196 (IG)

“After primary school lessons, I would take the MRT home, when my mum will dabao chicken rice from the coffee shop next door for my lunch, and I’ll eat while enjoying SBC (then-Mediacorp) drama.” — @mailohsee (IG)

13. Our mama shops

“Rushing to the mama shop with coins clinking in my pocket, grabbing iced gem biscuits and a Big Gulp before dashing to play chapteh. No stress, just sun, sweat, and silly fun.” — @nick89_go (IG)

14. That home’s about its people, too

“When I migrated to SG in 1995 and became a citizen in 1998... Without Singapore, I wouldn’t be able to find my husband and have 2 lovely kids.” — @angelsyeung (IG)

“Definitely @joyryldelovera! My partner to everything! We survived [the] pandemic in Singapore and dance[d] with our patient[s] amidst the worries and anxiety. That is a milestone we will never forget!” — @kikibeaudelaire (IG)

“We have so many uniquely Singaporean memories after living here for many years, but my favorite would be our daughter, who was 3.5 years when we first moved here [and] would return to see family in [Australia] and end every sentence with ‘lah’! It was priceless.” — @asanagirl (IG)

15. Us, marching onward

“Truly cannot forget how I was part of the marching contingent back in secondary school during [the] National Day Parade and it was one of my proudest moment[s]!” — @ccaandicceee (IG)

16. That this is where we won’t be alone

“Singing the NDP songs at home while watching the NDP show together with my family every year… there is always that strong emotional connection to Singapore, its singable melody, and its ability to evoke feelings of patriotism and unity… I am proud to be a Singaporean!” — @snow89861 (IG)

“When I was young, my parents would always bring me to Marina Bay to see the fireworks and the NDP festivities there. It became a tradition… It’s not just about celebrating our nation’s birthday, I get to cherish and treasure these moments with the people that I love and it makes it even more memorable!” — @xinnyiiiiiiiii (IG)

For this is where we know we’re home. Happy 60th birthday, Singapore.