Singapore's National Icon -Ya Wen

Do you think the merlion is the best national icon Singapore can have?

Yes, I think that the Merlion is the best national icon Singapore can have. As compared to Vanda Miss Joaqium, our national flower, or perhaps even the esplanade, the one we Singaporeans commonly known as "the durian", I think the Merlion has much more significance to represent Singapore. 

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The emblem was designed in 1964 for the STPB by Fraser Brunner, curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium. Later named the Merlion, it was officially registered as a trademark of the STPB on 20 July 1966, granting the board exclusive rights to use the symbol. The Merlion's lion head symbolises the legend of the discovery of Singapura. In ancient times, when Singapore was still known as Temasek, Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire discovered the island. When the Prince first landed on Singapore's shores, he sighted a mystical beast, which he later learnt, was called a lion. The Prince then decided to name the island "Singapura" which also means Singa (Lion) and Pura (City). The fish body of the Merlion, lying on the crests of waves, symbolises Temasek as it tells us the story of  Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village. It is unique to Singapore and it gives us our sense of identity here in Singapore, telling our roots of history. Therefore, I think that the Merlion is the best national icon to represent Singapore.