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Dear Sir,

I wish to register my abhorrence at the following letter which was sent by the Singapore Government to Singaporean students in this country.

Public Service Commission Supreme Court Building Top Floor Singapore 6 PSC/C/S/36/73

31 March 73

Mr Heng Hiang Khng Dept. of Psychology Victoria University of Wellington.

Dear Student

1.	You may be aware that the Singapore Government has recently launched a campaign against long hair. The issue is not merely a question of hair length as an end in itself, but the life-style which long hair is indicative of.
2.	It is the intention to deter young Singaporeans, in being 'fashionable', from being drawn into what is basically a pernicious life-style. Male employees in the Civil Service have been told not to have outlandish clothes and unduly long and unkempt hairstyles. All officers are expected to wear clothes and hairstyles that give the appearance of neatness and decorum.
3.	As Singapore Government scholars, you are expected to reflect the positive attributes of Singapore and not to adopt the trappings of hippieism. We have noticed that male students who have returned to Singapore from overseas on completion of studies or on vacation, have been sporting long hair. This is not in keeping with your status as Singapore Government scholars.
4.	You are therefore requested to refrain from keeping unduly long and unkempt hairstyles and all other manifestations which are symbolic of the hippie life-style.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Helen Lim

for Secretary Public Service Commission