<P> The lion head symbol was introduced in 1986 as an alternative national symbol of Singapore . The lion head was chosen as a logo, as it best captures the characteristics of Singapore's reputation as a Lion City . It is used in less formal occasions mainly to promote Singapore's national identity . </P> <P> When it was first unveiled, some sections of the public felt that it should have been facing rightwards to represent a more forward looking nature . However, the original left - facing lion was maintained . </P> <P> In the 13th - century Malay Annals, Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang was shipwrecked and washed ashore to an island . There he saw a creature which he believed was a lion . So he named the island "Singa Pura" (in Tamil language Singa puram) which means "Lion City" in Malay, from which the name Singapore was derived . </P> <P> According to the Singapore government: </P>

Why is the lion the symbol of singapore
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