MAS apologises for misspelling Yusof Ishak’s name in commemorative folder

SINGAPORE — The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has apologised for misspelling the late Yusof Ishak’s name in a folder containing the SG50 commemorative notes, which were made available for exchange today (Aug 20).

The name of Mr Yusof, who was Singapore’s first President, was misspelt as “Yusok”. The MAS is printing stickers that will be stuck over the error on the folders from next Tuesday. Those who have purchased the notes can also collect the stickers then.

In a statement, MAS managing director Ravi Menon said: “This should never have happened, is not acceptable, and I take full responsibility. I apologise on behalf of my colleagues who worked hard to prepare the notes and folders, but are deeply disappointed that we made this most unfortunate mistake. We will put this right.”

The set of six commemorative currency notes comprise a S$50 polymer note and five S$10 polymer notes with various designs.

The launch of the sets at nine retail banks yesterday saw long queues across the island. UOB said as of 11am yesterday, it had received more than 10,000 online reservations, while DBS said its DBS and POSB branches exchanged 200,000 sets today.

Some took to social media to showcase their new notes, while others chided MAS for the gaffe. “Terrible, how can (you) spell his name wrongly?” said one Twitter user with the handle @LividEye.

The MAS said it is “encouraged by the very positive feedback we have been getting from Singaporeans on the SG50 notes”.

“We hope that Singaporeans will treasure these notes. We apologise once again for our oversight in the folder which will be rectified soon,” it added.