The programme opened at Pasir Ris Beach, where volunteers and athletes joined the Ocean Purpose Project for a morning clean up. The activity supported the Commonwealth wide commitment to cleaner oceans and contributed to the regional tally of plastic removed from coastlines and waterways. The clean up also supported the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, led by the Royal Commonwealth Society. Participants collected and recorded waste as part of the wider environmental effort that runs through the Relay.
On the following day, the artwork created for Singapore was presented at Dunman High School. Created in collaboration with students, the design reflects Singapore’s growth from a coastal settlement to a modern island nation. The Merlion stands at the centre of the artwork and represents the country’s origins as a fishing settlement and its identity as the Lion City. Fish scale patterns represent maritime origins. Island shapes acknowledge the diversity of communities across the country. A yellow thread appears throughout the surface as a symbol of hope and progress, while wave motifs at the base honour Singapore’s long relationship with surrounding waters.
The visit continued at the Singapore Institute of Technology, home to a partner campus of the University of Glasgow, where students and staff viewed the artwork and learned about the role of the Relay in connecting Commonwealth nations. Later that afternoon, the creation was displayed at the British High Commission at Eden Hall for members of the British community in Singapore.
On 21 November, the route focused on sport and heritage along the Rail Corridor. Team Singapore athletes and former athletes joined representatives from a number of high commissions for an afternoon relay. The green corridor, which follows the line of a former railway, linked movement, history and community participation.
The final day concluded with two events that reflected the range of cultural life in Singapore. In the morning, the Relay team joined a dragon boat race on the water. In the evening, the visit continued at the St Andrews Ball, hosted by the British High Commission. Both events brought together local communities and international partners as Singapore completed its contribution to the journey.
The visit in Singapore combined environmental work, school based engagement, cultural activity and sport in a programme that highlighted the country’s connection with the wider Commonwealth. The Relay now continues toward its next destination on the route to Glasgow.
