The contemporary history of Singapore began in 1819 when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles established a British port on this island.
Singapore became an important centre for both Indo-China trade and the entrepot trade of Southeast Asia.

At the time of World War II, Singapore was invaded and hence occupied by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945. Post war, Singapore was back in the hands of the British with the benefits of self-governance. Singapore was merged with Malay top form what we know as Malaysia today. Social unrest and dispute between Singapore's political party and Malaysia's political party resulted in Singapore being a separate and independent state on the 9th of August, 1965.

1948-1951--- The Legislative Council was formed. Three of the elected seats were won by the Singapore Progressive Party. The Malayan Emergency broke out.

1959-1963 --- The campaign for Singapore-Malaysia merger started. In 1963, the Malaysia Agreement was signed to establish the Federation of Malaysia.

1965-1979--- The Economic Development Board was set up and industrialization started at a very rapid rate.

1980s and 1990s --- Singapore Changi Airport was inaugurated and Singapore Airlines was started which today is one of the most famous airlines.

2000 to present--- The SARS outbreak and terrorism threats were putting Singapore through a bad phase. Major anti-terrorist squads and measures were implemented.