In celebration of National Day, Shirley Ong delves into Singapore’s colourful past.
Singapore has come a long way to celebrate her 43rd birthday on August 9, 2008. From her legendary early beginnings, she became part of an ancient Malay empire, followed by a period of medieval trade and intrigue, before being bargained over by European countries eager to gain power. Singapore then took on the challenge of building a multi-racial nation on her own terms. Discover this island – from folklore to the cosmopolitan republic it is today – through the centuries.
A legendary beginning
During the 14th century, a Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama landed on an island and spotted an animal on the shore. Identifying the animal as a singha he decided to name the island Singapura – as in Sanskrit, Singha means lion while Pura refers to city. And thus, the Lion City was born and the Merlion created as a symbolic reminder.
First settlement
From the second century, Singapore was an active trading outpost of the ancient Buddhist Empire of Srivijava and known by the Javanese name Temasek – meaning sea town. In the 13th century, she was under the influence of the Muslim Empire of Malacca but power declined in 1511 when the Portuguese arrived. In 1641, the Dutch seized Malacca from the Portuguese and held power over Singapore until 1875, when the British wrested all of the Dutch colonies in South-East Asia away from Holland.
Colonial rule
On January 29, 1819, Briton Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles – known as Singapore’s founder – arrived in Singapore and signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah to develop the southern part of the island as a British trading post. In August 1824, Singapore officially became a British colony and another treaty was signed, handing the island over to the British East India Company – a company granted an English Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I.
This was the start of Singapore’s modern era and in 1867 the island was made a British Crown Colony. Raffles, together with William Farquhar – the first resident of Singapore – started to transform Singapore from a mass of jungle, to an island with modern infrastructure and facilities. Raffles also divided Singapore into different areas, zoned for government departments, businesses and residences. His town plans separated the existing ethnic groups – the Chinese lived in Chinatown, Malays in Kampong Glam, Indians in Little India and the Europeans in European Town, at Fort Canning Hill. Soon, boatloads of immigrants from China and India came to Singapore in search of prosperity and a better life. Most Chinese and Indian arrivals made their living as coolies – loading and unloading goods from bumboats – while Singapore’s resident Malays worked as fishermen and seafarers. Some resident Chinese became business owners, while others married Malay women from Malaya and Indonesia – creating the Peranakan culture – and typically became merchants.
World War II
During World War II the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya, culminating in the Battle of Singapore. The unprepared British were defeated within six days and surrendered on February 15, 1942. Singapore was then occupied under the Japanese military for three-and-a-half years and renamed Syonan-To – meaning Light of the South. British forces repossessed the island on September 12, 1945 – one month after the Japanese surrendered.
Independence Day
Singapore remained under British rule until 1963 and then merged with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia, declaring independence from Britain. Within less than two years, Singapore spilt from the Federation of Malaysia, officially gaining sovereignty on August 9, 1965. Yusof Bin Ishak became the first President of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew was declared Prime Minister.
Today
Singapore has grown from a fishing village to a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Known as the second-busiest port in the world and a major oil refining centre, Singapore is also one of Asia’s most important financial hubs. With a population of 4.59 million, her people have a multi-cultural background – 75.2 percent being Chinese, 13.6 percent Malay and 8.8 percent Indian, while 2.4 percent are Eurasians and “other groups”. In this multi-racial and multi-religious society, different ethnic groups have harmoniously lived together since Singapore gained independence. And due to this republic’s strategic location, excellent facilities and fascinating cultural contrasts, the Lion City continues to remain a leading “island home” for many.
Cultural attractions
Chinatown Heritage Centre (CHC) traces the lives of early Chinese settlers, providing a first-hand experience of living in the dark and cramped quarters of a typical Chinatown shophouse. 48 Pagoda Street. Tel: 6325 2878, www.chinatownheritage.com.sg. Open: Daily 9am-8pm.
Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) showcases the roots, history, lifestyle and material culture of Malay-Singaporeans, within one of the Lion City’s oldest landmarks. 85 Sultan Gate. Tel: 6391 0450, www.malayheritage.org.sg. Open: Mon 1pm-6pm, Tues-Sun 10am-6pm.
Little India Be transported back to the early days of Indian settlement and be greeted with the strong scent of spices and jasmine garlands, plus a variety of treasures.
Peranakan Museum showcases the history and colourful legacies of the descendents of early Chinese immigrants and local Malay women. 39 Armenian Street. Tel: 6332 7591/6332 2982, www.peranakanmuseum.sg. Open: Mon 1pm-7pm, Tues-Sun 9:30am-7pm (until 9pm on Fri).
Sir Stamford Raffles Statue is situated where he was believed to have first stepped ashore in Singapore. Victoria Theatre, Empress Place.
Posted on Aug 08
