Sang Nila Utama Secondary School was the first Malay-medium secondary school in Singapore, established in 1961. Previously, Malay-medium schools only offered education up to the primary level. In 1968, the school also began offering two English stream classes as English-medium schools gained popularity. Due to declining student population, Sang Nila Utama Secondary School was closed down by 1988.Despite its brief years in existence, the school continues to be fondly remembered by the Singapore Malay community due to its sizeable alumni. Some of these alumni included Yatiman Yusof, Singapore’s former high commissioner to Kenya; and Mohamad Maidin, former senior parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Notable Singapore Malay personalities also formed part of its teaching staff, including Masuri SN, considered as one of Singapore Malay’s literary pioneers.