Launch of Speakers' Corner

Date: September 1, 2000 • Location: Singapore, Singapore

Speakers' Corner, a free speech area in Hong Lim Park in Singapore, was launched. The Speakers' Corner is an outdoor venue located within Hong Lim Park, Singapore, where people can demonstrate, hold exhibitions and performances, and speak freely on most topics. It was launched on 1 September 2000 as a "free speech area" where speaking events could be held without the need to apply for a licence under the Public Entertainments Act, now the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act ("PEMA"). However, it was necessary for people to register their intention to speak at the venue with a police officer at the Kreta Ayer Neighbourhood Police Post any time within 30 days before the event, though there was no requirement for the police to be informed of the topic of the proposed speech. Other conditions imposed were that speeches had to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and the use of sound amplification devices was prohibited. In 2002, exhibitions and performances were permitted to be held at Speakers' Corner. Conditions for the use of Speakers' Corner were further liberalized in 2008.