Launch of “Our Istana – Through the Years”

“Our Istana – Through the Years” is a coffee-table book commissioned by President Tony Tan Keng Yam as part of Istana’s contributions to the SG50 celebrations. It contains photo montages interspersed with quotes that capture memories of the Istana from the perspectives of people who have passed through its gates.

Singaporeans from a range of occupations and backgrounds were interviewed as part of the research for the book, including Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of our first President Yusof Ishak; Mr Winston Choo, the first Aide-de-Camp to the President, former and current staff of the Istana and various agencies, recipients of various awards at the Istana, and members of the public who visited the Istana at our Open Houses. 

The photographs in this book were compiled from various sources, including the National Archives and the Singapore Press Holdings. Mr Russel Wong’s pictures from the Istana Art Collection are featured with photographs from the public such as blogger Nicholas Yau, and former President’s Scout Dr Mohd Effendy.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam said of the book “I was struck by how the stories and photos gathered give the reader an insight into not only the changes that had occurred in the Istana, but also how the Istana’s evolution reflects Singapore’s development through the years in various areas such as foreign relations, community development and the arts and sports sectors.”

The public may purchase hard copies of “Our Istana – Through the Years” at S$50/- by submitting their orders via email to the President’s Challenge Secretariat at ncss_pc@ncss.gov.sg. Proceeds will go to the President’s Challenge Silver Volunteer Fund in recognition of our pioneer generation’s contributions to nation-building. Copies of a limited edition of the book in box cover, with President Tan’s signature, are available for donations of $10,000 each.

The book is also free for download at the Istana website. To continue building on this collection of Istana memories, selected photos on this book will be shared on Instagram and Singaporeans are invited to share their photos of the Istana as well via the hashtag “ouristana”.