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What does 'Temasek' mean?

Temasek is an ancient name for Singapore that dates back to the 14th century. The name comes from old Malay and translates to Sea Town. It reminds the people of Singapore that their country has always been a busy center for ships and trade.

Can living people receive the Bintang Temasek?

Yes, any person who shows amazing bravery in great danger can earn this medal. However, it is very hard to win and has been given out very few times in history. Most people who have received it were given the honor after they died for their heroic actions.

What language is the name of the medal?

The name is in Malay, which is the national language of Singapore. It was chosen to show pride in the local culture when the country began to gain its independence in 1962. Bintang means star, and Temasek is the old name for the island.

Is it only for soldiers?

No, the medal is for all heroes who face extreme danger. Members of the police force and even regular people who are not in the military can receive it. It recognizes anyone who shows incredible courage in life-or-death situations to help others.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a beautiful star made of shiny silver. It hangs from a special ribbon that is colored red and white. These colors match the national flag of Singapore to show that the hero is a true patriot.

What does 'Temasek' mean?

Temasek is an ancient name for Singapore that dates back to the 14th century. The name comes from old Malay and translates to Sea Town. It reminds the people of Singapore that their country has always been a busy center for ships and trade.

Can living people receive the Bintang Temasek?

Yes, any person who shows amazing bravery in great danger can earn this medal. However, it is very hard to win and has been given out very few times in history. Most people who have received it were given the honor after they died for their heroic actions.

What language is the name of the medal?

The name is in Malay, which is the national language of Singapore. It was chosen to show pride in the local culture when the country began to gain its independence in 1962. Bintang means star, and Temasek is the old name for the island.

Is it only for soldiers?

No, the medal is for all heroes who face extreme danger. Members of the police force and even regular people who are not in the military can receive it. It recognizes anyone who shows incredible courage in life-or-death situations to help others.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a beautiful star made of shiny silver. It hangs from a special ribbon that is colored red and white. These colors match the national flag of Singapore to show that the hero is a true patriot.

Home Library SingaporeBintang Temasek

Valor decoration

Bintang Temasek

Singapore's highest national medal awarded for extreme bravery in times of great danger.

Singapore Established 1962 All servicesPrecedence: 1st in national order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for acts of exceptional courage and gallantry in circumstances of extreme danger.

Eligibility

Members of the Singapore Armed Forces, police force, and civilians.

Branch

All services

Precedence

1st in national order of precedence

Bintang Temasek, Valor decoration, Singapore medal

History

The Bintang Temasek, or Star of Temasek, was established in 1962 by the government of Singapore shortly before becoming an independent nation. It was created to replace top British awards like the Victoria Cross and the George Cross for recognizing the ultimate acts of bravery.

It can be awarded to members of the armed forces and security services, as well as civilians under exceptional peril. Because the standard for winning this decoration is so extremely high, it has only been conferred posthumously to a tiny number of heroes, maintaining its place as the country's most revered symbol of valor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Saad Bin Mohamed, including Pingat Gagah Berani, Bintang Temasek, Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal, shown against a light Singapore flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Pingat Gagah Berani Bintang Temasek Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal

Saad Bin Mohamed

Who Was Warrant Officer Saad Bin Mohamed?

A highly decorated commando recognized for extreme bravery.

Singapore1970-1995

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Sources

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