Conception of Sentosa A contest to rename the island was launched in November 1969. The name Sentosa, meaning ?Tranquillity? in Malay, was eventually selected as the winning entry by the STPB. The name was said to be aligned with Singapore's image as a tourist attraction, and it came into effect in September 1970.

The name Sentosa translates to "peace and tranquility" in Malay, which was derived from the Sanskrit word Santosha, meaning "contentment." However, this peaceful name was a strategic branding choice made in 1972 as part of a government contest to rename the island for tourism. Before this, the island had a much darker name: Pulau Blakang Mati, which literally translates to "The Island of Death from Behind." There are several theories for this original name, including a deadly malaria outbreak in the late 1840s that nearly wiped out the local population, or the island's history as a base for pirates who would attack passing ships from the "rear." During World War II, it served as a British military fortress and later a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, further cementing its grim reputation. The transition to "Sentosa" successfully wiped away the "Island of Death" imagery, transforming it into the vibrant, world-class resort destination it is today, featuring Universal Studios Singapore and luxury beachfront hotels.