Singaporean Postal Codes

Singapore's six-digit postal codes are an integral part of efficient postal delivery. The postal system has undergone numerous changes due to advancements in infrastructure and postal

addresses.

A Brief History of Postal Code Changes

In the year 1950, when the country was still part of Malaysia, the postal system was introduced. At that time, only two-digit codes denoted 28 districts. But as the country developed, Singapore decided to introduce a 4-digit system in 1979.

The system retained the two digits of postal codes and added two for new postal sectors. It divided the country into 28 districts with 80 postal sectors. During that time, over half of the

mail was sorted by hand, and the need for automation increased.

Due to this change, postal districts remained unchanged for the houses. Property agents continue to buy and sell properties according to the neighborhoods. For instance, a particular house in the 9th or 10th district.

In September 1995, Singapore acknowledged the four-digit system as inefficient and insufficient to meet the country's demand. And to acquire a faster sorting of mail, Singapore introduced the six-digit system. The new system removed the postal districts, but the postal sectors remain unchanged.

Introduction of New Digits

The introduction of new digit defined the type of housing. For instance, "0" was added to public housing, while different digits were adopted for other types of buildings. The block

numbers became the last digits of the sector code. It ensured every apartment and house had a unique postal code. Their postal system reflects Singapore's reputation as a well-run country.

Current Singapore's Digit System

The six-digit system does well for the postal needs of the country. It ensures an efficient postal system by significantly reducing manual sorting. It has been over 26 years since the last postal change in Singapore, and perhaps it is only a matter of time before the arrival of an 8-digit system.