The Origin
The national coat of arms or state crest was first launched on 3 December 1959 together with the national flag and national anthem at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps.

Its Meaning
The state crest consists of a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red is symbolic of universal brotherhood and equality of man, and white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The five stars represent the five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the Republic's motto, Majulah Singapura. The lion represents Singapore itself and the tiger, the island's historical links with Malaysia.