Parameswara
The ruler of Singapura and founder of Melaka

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Sang Nila
Utama
Founder and Divine King of 14th Century Singapura

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Parameswara Sang Nila Utama

The Singapura Kingdom, as told by the Malay Annals 1299 - 1396

The Singapura Kingdom rose from the ashes of the Srivijaya empire in the 14ᵗʰ century. Favourable winds coupled with strong trade and diplomatic networks allowed Singapura to grow to great heights. However, at the turn of the century, everything changed, leading to the Kingdom’s fall.
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Jacques
de Coutre
A Flemish trader known for his writings about Singapore and trade

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Tomé
Pires
A Portuguese apothecary known for his observations of Singapore and Melaka

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Raja
Bongsu
A royal diplomat, with a talent for making alliances

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Jacques de Coutre Tomé Pires Raja Bongsu

Global and Regional Rivalries Resulting in Singapore’s Decline 1400 - 1613

After the fall of the Singapura Kingdom, Singapore still played a significant role in the region, including being the site of resistance against the Portuguese, and a trading post. However, its fortunes dimmed again after yet another attack.
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William
Farquhar
The first Resident and Commandant of Singapore from 1819 to 1823

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Stamford
Raffles
An enterprising East India Company officer looking to make his mark on the Eastern Seas

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William Farquhar Stamford Raffles

The Arrival of the British and Early Singapore 1819 - 1867

Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar were East India Company officials, who sought to protect the company’s interests in present-day Southeast Asia. Capitalising on a succession dispute, they established a free port in Singapore, which quickly flourished.
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Munshi
Abdullah
A polyglot, teacher, interpreter and writer. Often considered “the Father of Modern Malay Literature”.

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Munshi Abdullah

Modern Institutions Take Root in Singapore 1819 - 1854

After 1819, Singapore saw the introduction of modern institutions such as a police force and schools. Munshi Abdullah bore witness to these changes and was excited about this new world, but he expressed sadness at the passing of the old.
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Tan
Tock Seng
A Peranakan merchant, philanthropist and founder of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital

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Syed Omar
Aljunied
One of the earliest Arab settlers in Singapore. Originally from Hadhramaut, Yemen, Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied was a well-respected merchant and a philanthropist.

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Tan Tock Seng Syed Omar Aljunied

The Regional Shift to Singapore 1819 - 1852

After 1819, Singapore attracted an influx of migrants from nearby regions. Tapping on established networks forged by pioneers from diverse backgrounds, many moved to Singapore enticed by the free port’s trading opportunities, Farquhar’s reputation and Sultan Hussein’s newfound fortunes.
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Seah
Eu Chin
A Teochew merchant, philanthropist and first president of the Ngee Ann Kongsi

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Naraina
Pillai
Singapore's first construction entrepreneur and cotton goods retailer who was pivotal in the building of Sri Mariamman Temple.

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Seah Eu Chin Naraina Pillai

Singapore, the New Frontier 1819 - 1883

Singapore became a bustling town where immigrants flocked to seek better opportunities. They filled jobs in new industries like the gambier plantations. While some built new lives here or eventually returned home wealthy, others succumbed to vices and debt.
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