The red and white flag was first used as a symbol of statehood when singapore gained internal self-government from the british in 1959. It was retained as the national flag when singapore became independent in 1965. The red half of the flag represents the universal brotherhood and equality of man, while the white half signifies everlasting purity and virtue. The cresent represents a rising young nation and each of the five stars embodies one of our nation's five ideals od democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
The state crest consits of shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Holding the sheild up are a lion on its left and on its right, a tiger. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the words "majulah singapura". The white crescent moon and five white stars mirror the singapore flag. The lion in the coat of arms represents singapore, the lion city while the tiger represents malaysia, a recognition of the singapore's close historical ties with its neighbour.
The pledge 'We, the citizens of singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.'
The pledge embodies our national creed and its recital during morning assemblies in schools is done with the right fist clenched over the heart to show sincerity.