Relevance to the
​Rise of Asia

World War II changed the course of history in Asia. 

The beginning of the end of Western domination of Asia started with the rise of Japanese imperialism. In the first six months of the Pacific War, Japanese victories in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia shattered the illusion of European invincibility. This gave opportunities to Asian nationalist movements to liberate their homelands. 

After the war, agents of political and economic change – leaders of independence movements and business tycoons heading conglomerates – led their peoples to throw off the shackles of colonialism and engineer economic booms, bringing freedom and prosperity to hundreds of millions. 

Today, the Rise of Asia Museum strongly believes in commemoration ceremonies to honour the sacrifices of all military personnel who had fought in Malaya and Singapore during WWII, and civilians who had lost their lives during the war and subsequent occupation. 

Commemoration ceremonies also heal the wounds of conflict and promote a spirit of peace and reconciliation among former combatant nations. 

Finally, commemoration ceremonies create a culture of remembrance and respect for the men and women who don the uniform to protect Singapore today.