Majulah

Majulah, a robust sans-serif display typeface, breathes new life into Singapore’s post-war signage’s sturdy vernacular letterforms from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and early 80s. The typeface began as a research project, capturing Singapore’s visual heritage through over 1000 meticulously documented images of neighbourhood businesses.



The letters recall the history in Singapore’s busy streets, where modernity is fast overtaking history. Some are brilliantly original, while others are fascinating fusions of period letter designs. These signs were meticulously painted onto boards, carved in wood and metal, and thermoformed in plastic before the ubiquity of desktop publishing and digital printing, demonstrating both the craftsmanship and evolving technology of the time.



Sans serif letterforms form the bulk of the examples of the collection, and these sturdy forms in various widths quickly became the primary inspiration for Majulah. These sturdy letterforms, available in various widths, quickly became the foundation of Majulah’s design. Capital letters take centre stage, mirroring the predominant use of uppercase lettering on the vintage signboards. To complement this, the lowercase letters draw inspiration from the highly engineered forms of letters used on Singapore’s road signage, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.


The range of weights within the Majulah family is a nod to the woodtype era, providing versatility for a wide range of design applications. However, instead of relying heavily on a traditional weight axis, Majulah follows a width axis more closely, allowing designers to experiment with various widths to achieve their desired visual impact.


Majulah is a typographic journey that pays homage to Singapore’s brief but eventful history. Its letters, with their honest, hardworking, and occasionally imprecise tone, vividly echo Singapore’s remarkable journey. By immersing itself in Singapore’s visual tapestry, becomes a link between generations, allowing the present to reach back and grasp the essence of those who came before.