Peter Borschberg

Opinion

The recently published book on the history of Singapore by Kwa Chong Guan, Derek Heng and Tan Tai Tong unconventionally places the history of the island—and the island republic—with in the context of the longue durée. I say “unconventional” as a good part of this 220 page book is dedicated to the period prior to the “official” founding of the British trading post by Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819, who makes his first appearance a good one third through the book. There are three things I want to say about this publication.

First, as an early modern historian, I commend the authors for consciously and deliberately moving away from the entrenched parameters of Singapore historiography to meaningfully broaden the horizon of Singapore’s history beyond 1819.

Second, I like the idea of the live notes. As more research is published relating to Singapore both past and present, notes can be quickly and efficiently captured for the benefit of interested researchers in Singapore and overseas, teachers and students alike.

Third, it is clear to me that this is not a one-off publication. The authors together with the National Archives, their sponsor, see this not as the definitive word, but a first important step in an evolving story. The historical debate will—and must—continue.

It is clear to me that Singapore history will never quite be the same again. Whilst I do not deny the role that Thomas Stamford Raffles played for the founding of the modern entrepôt and city, it is also clear that Singapore’s history does not start or end with him.

 

Singapore: A 700-Year History from Early Emporium to World City (Singapore: National Archives, 2009)

Singapore: A 700-Year History from Early Emporium to World City (Singapore: National Archives, 2009)

Date: 20/July/2009