Adnan bin Saidi

Lieutenant Adnan Bin Saidi led the Malay Regiment in the defense of Singapore against the Japanese invaders in the Battle of Pasir Panjang, during World War II. The soldiers fought bravely at Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) on Pasir Panjang Ridge on 13 February, 1942. Although heavily outnumbered, Adnan refused to surrender and urged his man to fight till the end. They held off the Japanese for 48 hours amid heavy enemy shelling and shortage of food and ammunition. Eventually, the battle was lost. The Japanese captured the wounded Adnan, tied him to a Malayan cherry tree and bayoneted him to death.

In Kent Ridge Park, there now bears a plaque in commemoration of Lt. Adnan Bin Saidi. A museum at Bukit Chandu stands in memory of the bravery of Malay Regiment soldiers.