In 2015, Singapore will turn 50. To mark our Golden Jubilee, a series of three sets of commemorative stamps will be launched from 2013 to 2015. This first set - celebrating 48 years of our independence - showcases examples of what we have shared, overcome and achieved together as Singaporeans.

Beating SARS Together - The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 was our most severe national health emergency since becoming independent. Our normal order of life was severely disrupted - schools were closed, businesses were affected and people shunned public spaces.

Despite the initial panic, Singaporeans quickly rallied together, displaying unity and a strong fighting spirit. Faced with a crisis that would have crippled a country with less resolve, we became stronger, wiser and more prepared for future challenges.

Cleaning and Greening our City - In 1963, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew launched Singapore's first tree-planting campaign. Following that, in the 1970s, plans were made to clean up a heavily polluted Singapore River.

What was sowed in 1963 was the first seed to our country's greening efforts. Through the years, we have covered our island with green corridors, park connectors and the iconic Gardens by the Bay. And that dirty river? Today, the Singapore River is teeming with aquatic life and is a pleasant sight surrounded with water sports, fishing and river cruising.

Together, our efforts not only created a home that is a pleasure to live in, but it is also realising our vision of being a City in a Garden.

Conquering our Water Challenges - Due to a lack of natural drinking sources, water has always been a challenge for Singapore. Recognising the need to be sustainable in water, we invested heavily in research and technology.

Today, we have the Four National Taps. This robust system allows us to draw drinkable water from diversified sources - local catchment areas, imported water, desalinated water and reclaimed water known as NEWater.

Our water story has been well recognised, earning us international recognition as an emerging global hydrohub as well as a model city for water management.

Living Together in Harmony - The racial riots of the 1960s serve as a poignant reminder of how fragile social harmony can be. Since independence, proactive steps have been taken to promote tolerance and understanding. For instance, on the 21st of July each year, schools mark the anniversary of the 1964 racial riots with Racial Harmony Day.

Our efforts have achieved unity amidst diversity. Being Singaporean today means that everyone is treated fairly and equally, and nobody is either privileged or disadvantaged because of their religion or skin colour.

Forging a Vibrant Economy - When Singapore gained independence in 1965, few expected us to survive. Against all odds, we became a global city and an economic hub. More than that, our accolades also include a world-class airport, a renowned seaport, the reputation of being one of the world's most important financial hubs, and a strong resilience against economic crises and recessions.

Our journey from a Third World to a First World country has led us to be labelled an economic miracle. But, as Singaporeans, we know it was not a miracle that got us here. It was, and still is, our will to want to be better, tomorrow than we were yesterday.

Special thanks to Gardens by the Bay, National Archives of Singapore, PUB - Singapore's National Water Agency, Singapore Press Holdings Limited, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Teck Whye Secondary School and Mr Wong Youk Wah for the provision of images to make this stamp issue possible.