About Us

Advertising is part of Singapore’s cultural and economic history. It reflects the society at the time it was produced as well as chronicling the development of companies and brands. Advertising is an ephemeral business and sadly much that has been produced in terms of press advertisements, graphic design, posters, packaging and early TV and radio commercials has been lost. The agencies and the men and women who worked long hours creating the advertising are also too soon forgotten.

The Advertising Archive site has been created to record advertising that has appeared in Singapore since the 19th century right up to the present time. Each year, a new representative selection will be added to create a ‘living’ archive.

By including fascinating reminiscences of those who once worked in the industry, and recognising prominent people, we have attempted to add a human face to the history.

We hope The Advertising Archive of Singapore will be of interest to historians, social researchers, students of advertising and marketing as well as advertising folks who simply love the business and can enjoy browsing through past and contemporary advertising.