Understanding Singapore’s public holidays is essential for planning your year effectively. Whether you’re scheduling vacations, organising family gatherings, or coordinating work commitments, knowing these dates helps you make the most of your time.
We provides a comprehensive guide to all public holidays in Singapore, including official national holidays, key observances, and school holidays.
Stay informed and prepared with detailed information about each holiday, its significance, and how it impacts work and rest days.
FAQs on Singapore Public Holidays
How are public holidays determined in Singapore?
Public holidays in Singapore are determined by the Ministry of Manpower. These holidays are based on significant cultural, religious, and national events. The Ministry announces the dates of public holidays each year, ensuring they are aligned with lunar and Gregorian calendars to accommodate various observances like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali.
How many official public holidays are there in Singapore?
Singapore has 11 official public holidays each year. These holidays include New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Haji, National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas Day. These holidays reflect the diverse cultural, religious, and national significance of the events celebrated in Singapore.
What is Public Holiday Off-in-Lieu in Singapore?
A Public Holiday Off-in-Lieu in Singapore means that if an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to a replacement day off. This replacement day, or “off-in-lieu,” should be taken within three months of the public holiday. If an off-in-lieu day cannot be granted, the employee should be compensated with an additional day’s salary.
What if a public holiday falls on Sunday in Singapore?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday in Singapore, the following Monday will typically be observed as a public holiday. This ensures that employees still benefit from the public holiday without losing a day of rest. This rule helps maintain a balance between work and rest, providing employees with the intended break from their regular work schedule.
What happens If I need to work on a Public Holiday in Singapore?
If you need to work on a public holiday in Singapore, you are entitled to either an extra day’s salary or a day off in lieu. This ensures that you are compensated fairly for working on a public holiday. Employers must comply with the Employment Act, which mandates this compensation to maintain fair labor practices.
What happens if a public holiday falls on Saturday in Singapore?
If a public holiday falls on a Saturday in Singapore and you work a 5-day week, Saturday is considered your non-working day. In this case, you are entitled to either a day off or an additional day’s salary in lieu of the public holiday. Employers should provide compensation to ensure that employees do not lose their public holiday benefits.
What are observance days in Singapore?
Observance days in Singapore are special dates that are recognised for their cultural, historical, or social significance but are not public holidays. These days often commemorate important events or celebrate specific groups within society. Examples of observance days include Total Defence Day, Racial Harmony Day, and Teachers’ Day. Although not public holidays, these observance days play a crucial role in fostering national identity and social cohesion.
Which dates are Singapore school holidays?
Singapore school holidays are divided into four main breaks:
Term 1 Holidays: Typically in March
Term 2 Holidays: Usually in June
Term 3 Holidays: Generally in September
Term 4 Holidays: Around the end of November to December
These holidays apply to MOE Kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and junior colleges. Polytechnic and ITE holidays vary by institution but generally follow similar patterns.