MyStory :: National Symbols :: The Lion Head Symbol

• Origin
• Meaning
• Guideline
• Downloads
• FAQs

The Origin

The Lion Head is a distinctive and easily recognisable National Symbol of Singapore. Less formal than the other symbols such as the National Flag and the State Crest, the Lion Head symbol can be freely used by individuals, organisations and corporations to promote a sense of national identity.

This National Symbol was introduced in 1986 as the Government wanted an alternative symbol that people and organisations could use to express their loyalty and commitment to the nation. As the National Flag and the State Crest are governed by legal restrictions which restrict their use for commercial or non-governmental purposes, the then Ministry of Communications and Information embarked on a search for a symbol that people could readily identify with.

The Ministry invited local art schools and advertising agencies to produce a new symbol that best exemplifies the characteristics of the nation. Many designs were submitted using motifs such as HDB flats, palm trees and various lions. The winning entry was a lion head by a young designer named Mr Michael Lee, who offered his design as a gift to the nation.

The lion was chosen as it is a powerful and historic symbol of Singapore’s status as the Lion City and symbolises three national values: courage, excellence and strength. Singapore’s name is itself derived from 'Singa Pura' (which means ‘Lion City’). According to the Malay Annals, Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, gave this name to the island after he came ashore and saw a creature he believed to be a lion.

Meaning

The Lion Head symbolises courage, strength and excellence. It is in solid red against a white background – the colours of the National Flag. The mane has five partings that represent the same five ideals embodied in the five stars of the National Flag, namely democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The lion’s tenacious mien symbolises the nation’s single-minded resolve to face and overcome any challenges.

Guidelines on the Use of the Lion Head Symbol

1. Any individual, organisation or company can use the Lion Head symbol for purposes of identifying with the nation.
2. While Singapore companies may use the Lion Head symbol as a means of identifying themselves with Singapore, it should not be assumed or taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of the companies’ products or services.
3. The Lion Head symbol should be used in good taste and treated with dignity and respect. Its design should not be modified in any way or have any words or graphics superimposed over it. However, it may be depicted in outline form, be embossed or portrayed as a watermark.
4. The official colours of the Lion Head symbol are Pantone 032 (red), white or black.

Download

Download Lion Head Symbol | Size: 72KB | Low Resolution
Download Lion Head Symbol | Size: 661KB | High Resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Lion Head symbol

1. Who may use the Lion Head symbol?

   Any Singaporean individual, organisation or company may use the Lion Head symbol to identify with the country.

2. May I use the Lion Head symbol in my company’s logo, on websites or even on stationery (e.g. letterheads)?

   Yes, if you are a Singaporean or a Singapore company and the reason for the use of the Lion Head symbol in such instances is to identify with the country. However, please note that although approval to use the Lion Head symbol in such instances may be granted, the copyright of the Lion Head symbol still lies with the Singapore government.

3. I am a local manufacturer/ distributor and I wish to use the Lion Head symbol on the packaging of the product that I am manufacturing/ distributing together with the words "Made in Singapore". Is this possible?

   A local company may use the Lion Head symbol in its packaging to identify with the nation. Please note though that an approval to use the Lion Head symbol should not be assumed or taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of the companies' products. With regards to the phrase "Made in Singapore", we are unfortunately not the relevant authority that can approve the use of this phrase. Please do seek the advice of the Ministry of Trade and Industry which regulates the Consumer Protection Act regarding your query.

4. If my request to use the Lion Head symbol is granted, would there be any fees that I would need to pay?

   No. There are no licence fees or charges involved.

5. I noticed that the Lion Head symbol's design has the word “Singapore” underneath it, but I have seen the symbol being used elsewhere without the words. Can I use the symbol without the word "Singapore"?

   Yes, the Lion Head symbol may be used without the word "Singapore" underneath it, although it is recommended to do so.

6. I noticed that some times, the Lion Head symbol faces left and sometimes, it faces right. Which is the correct direction that the Lion Head should face?

   There is no official direction that the Lion Head should face. However, it is mostly commonly seen facing left.

7. What is the official colour of the Lion Head symbol?

   The official colours of the Lion Head symbol are red (Pantone 032), white and black.

8. Can I modify the Lion Head symbol (e.g. artistically render it) before using it?

   No. The Lion Head symbol should be used as it is and in its entirety, and should not be modified in any way.

9. How can I obtain the use of the Lion Head symbol in my design or packaging?

   Please do drop us an email providing us with the following information:
   - The rationale behind the use of the Lion Head symbol.
   - The artwork (jpeg, pdf or photo) showing how the Lion Head symbol will be used.
   We will then get back to you.

Others

1. Where can I download a copy of the Lion Head symbol?

   A high-resolution image of the symbol is available for download here on our website.

2. Is the Lion Head symbol the same as the Merlion?

   No, it is not. The Lion Head symbol is often mistakenly referred to as the Merlion symbol. Please refer to the image of the Merlion here.

3. If I would like to use the Merlion, whom should I write to for permission?

   The Merlion is managed by the Singapore Tourism Board. To obtain approval for the use of the Merlion in products, please contact:
   
   Mr Christopher Quek
   Senior Officer, Contracts & Legal Department
   Finance & Corporate Services Division
   Singapore Tourism Board
   Email: Christopher_Quek@stb.gov.sg