The foundation stone is a tribute to the early pioneers of Singapore. It was laid at the mouth of the Singapore River by the first President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Yusof Bun Ishak on 18 January 1970. A solemn ceremony was held and attended by government and public dignitaries, the foreign diplomatic corp, academics, alumni members, their families and friends.

 

The foundation stone has since been relocated to the National Archives of Singapore.​