As another year rolls by, we realise it is not possible to catch up with everything that happens. In 2016, Singapore saw some important events both in and outside the country and it is no doubt the 365 days have been action filled. While Singapore brimmed with pride after Joseph Schooling brought Olympic gold medal, the Lion City wept for its former President SR Nathan who passed away on 22 August, at the age of 92.
IBTimes Singapore has made a list of all the important events that happened in Singapore in 2016. Have a look if you have missed out on some.
1. Madonna's Rebel Heart concert
Singapore started the year 2016 with a bag as the queen of pop, Madonna, took the stage to give a mind blowing performance. Fans of the diva had the best time of their life at her concert on 28 February, which was a part of her Rebel Heart Tour. In her first concert in Singapore, Madonna sang 18 songs. It was truly a treat for music lovers.
2. Singapore national day 2016
Almost 4,000 people, including military and police personnel, civil servants and even non-Singaporeans, received the National Day award on this year's Singapore national day, 9 August. This holiday featured a spectacular National Day Parade, an address by the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and fireworks celebrations.
Also read: Singapore's National Day 2016: Nearly 4,000 people receive the National Day award this year
3. Singapore Grand Prix 2016
The popular annual Formula One motor race, Singapore Grand Prix, took place this year on 18 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The German-Finnish former Formula One racing driver, Nico Rosberg won the title en route to his maiden driver's championship. Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo finished on the podium along with Britain's Lewis Hamilton.
4. Pokemon Research Exhibition
The Pokemon Research Exhibition, at Resorts World Sentosa's S.E.A. Aquarium, opens its doors to visitors on 22 October. This is the first time that the exhibition is being held outside Japan. Channel News Asia reported the Corporate Officer of The Pokemon Company, Susumu Fukunaga, saying that Singapore was chosen due to the popularity of the show here and also for being the hub for Asian countries. Participants got to discover more than 200 Pokemon characters and learn more about different types of balls, Pokemons and their powers.
5. Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve reopens
Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve had opened its door to visitors two years after enhancement and restoration works began on 15 September 2014. Bukit Timah is known for activities like strolling, running and hiking. There are also provisions for rock climbing, abseil and mountain biking in the natural reserve.
Also read: Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve opens for visitors after 2 years
6. WTA Finals
The 46th edition of WTA Finals was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 23-30 October in which eight of the top Women's singles and doubles players battled for the year-ending title.
While big names of the likes of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova was absent from the showpiece event, the then newly-crowned world number one Angelique Kerber stole all the limelight but stumbled in the Women's singles final against Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova.
7. Singapore Purple Parade
Singapore's Suntec City witnessed the Purple Parade, dedicated to those with special needs on 5 November. The grand event had several stalls, exhibitions and spectacular performances to offer. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honour.
Also read: Singapore Purple Parade: Over 10, 000 mark the day for people with special needs
8. Pikachu Parade at Changi Airport
Pikachu and other characters of the virtual reality game Pokemon Go were seen at Changi Airport on 18 November as a part of Singapore's first Pikachu Parade, organised by the airport authority. Hundreds of Pokemon fans gathered at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport before the parade started at around 11 am. Pokemon fans had an exciting day clicking pictures and interacting with their favourite characters from the show.
Also read: Changi Airport hosts Singapore's first Pikachu Parade; weekend events revealed
9. 27th Singapore International Film Festival:
27th Singapore International Film Festival which started from 23 November screened more than 160 films from across the globe. Audiences also had an opportunity to take part in post-show discussions, masterclasses and talks by industry professionals and guest curators.
10. IPTL 2016
Also, the International Premier Tennis League was a big tennis attraction in 2016 in the Republic. The Singapore leg of the trimmed down version of the multi-city league was held from 4 to 6 December at the Indoor Stadium.
The home team Singapore Slammers successfully defended the title by winning the final against Indian Aces on 11 December in Hyderabad, India.
11. Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016
Obviously, everything does not go well in a year. Standard Chartered Marathon 2016 ended in a sombre note after Caucasian man was pronounced dead during the 21.1km half-marathon race in Padang.
Also read: Singapore: Caucasian runner dies during Standard Chartered Marathon
12. ZoukOut 2016
ZoukOut, Asia's largest dance music festival at the beach was held on 9 December and 10 December where party goers grooved to rocking music all night long.
Also read: Singapore: Man arrested as ZoukOut ticket scam probe progresses
