In commemoration of the Istana’s 150th anniversary, President Halimah Yacob launched a new series of books, titled “150 Best Kept Secrets of the Istana”, during the National Day Istana Open House on Sunday, 28 July 2019. Specially commissioned by the President’s Office for the commemoration, each of the three books in the series contains 50 little-known facts of the Istana and introduces readers to some of the inner-workings behind state events in the Istana.

The three books can be read singly, or as a whole series:

• The first book focuses on history and heritage – it looks back to the time when Istana was still known as Government House, and follows its development from the colonial days, to WWII, to Singapore’s independence.
• The second book offers a glimpse of not only the dignitaries who have visited the Istana, but also the unsung heroes who work here—the gardeners, kitchen staff, butlers and more. It also showcases the landmarks and buildings in the Istana.
• The third book explores the various flora and fauna that can be found within the Istana’s grounds as well as the conservation programmes which have been carried out in the Istana

Beneficiaries from the volunteer welfare organisation Club Rainbow helped create the illustrations found in the front and back spreads of the books.

Visitors to the Istana Open Houses are now able to get a copy of each book upon a $15.00 donation to the President’s Challenge. The books will also be available for purchase from major local bookstores at a retail price of $15.00 from 29 July 2019 onwards. Net proceeds from the book sale will also be donated to the President’s Challenge.

Speaking to the media after the book launch, President Halimah said:

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

28 July 2019