Chapter 2 – In the Beginning – The Lion City
2 different recounts of the birth of Singapore
Sejarah
Melayu
Who / Year
How it started
Seri Teri
Buana, Prince
of Palembang /
1299
Decided to stay after
he saw the merlion
and renamed Temasek
as Singapura
Parameswara,
Portuguese Prince of
recounts
Palembang /
1392
Fled Majapahit forces
despatched to crush
the rebellion he
staged
When the reign ended
Why he left
After 5 generations /
1396
Last king, Iskandar Shah
betrayed by his official who
opened the gates for invading
Javanese forces
After 4 years / 1396
Assassinated host who
welcomed him. Fled the ensuing
Thai forces set to avenge for the
dead ruler
Important Questions:
Instead of arguing the authenticity of either accounts, it is more important to understand why they have come to be
written the way they have been written i.e. Social Memory VS History
Seri Teri Buana’s renaming the island to Singapura was less because he sighted a lion but more to assert that this
was where he intended to re-establish the “lion-throne”, the seat he and his consort sat on for rituals in Palembang.
Fort Canning also served as an ideal symbolic representation to relocate his “lion-throne”. Hence, Singapura was a
major chapter in the transmission of the divine genealogy from Palembang to Singapura to Melaka and finally to
Johor.
For Parameswara, Singapura was important as it was his refuge from the avenging Majapahit forces.
Ultimately, courses of events forced both Seri Teri Buana’s descendents and Parameswara to decamp Singapura and
seek a new location to rebuild their vision of establishing a new emporium that would continue the legacy of
Srivijaya.
This foundational myth would be used by Sultan Madmud’s descendents in 1511 where they attempt to re-establish
the glory of Melaka and Srivijaya. In 1819, Tengku Hussein would also hope to inherit the legacy of Melaka and
Srivijaya with this tale.
Chapter 3 – The Lure of the Chinese Market
Year
990
14th Temasek
Malayu at Jambi became premier
emporium in the Melaka Straits
From small volume, high value
exotic goods to large volume, low
value mundane goods
10871090
1275
Temasek one of many ports in the
region that emerged to serve
Chinese traders
According to Daoyi Zhilue, Temasek
specialised in hornbill, lakawood
and cotton. Temasek served as a
trading hub for a regional
hinterland
Srivijaya loses chief enterpot port
position
Chinese vessels permitted
to go on overseas voyages
Expansion of maritime
trade and growth of coastal
cities under Soong Dynasty
Jambi, capital of Srivijaya, sacked
by invasion forces. Portsettlements mushroomed along
Melaka Straits
1279
Yuan Dynasty encourages
maritime trade
1299
Seri Teri Buana arrives
1330s
Wang Dayuan arrives in Singapore
and records a Thai invasion that
was thwarted by a Chinese
mission
Temasek ceded to Melaka in return
for annual fixed payment of gold.
Temasek’s existence as
autonomous port-settlement came
to an end
1368
China
宋 lifted ban though trade
still highly controlled
1079
1127
Region
Prince from Palembang secured
sole rights to conduct trade with
Ming court, Melaka became the
key port of call
Zhu Yuanzhang overthrows
Yuan Dynasty and
reinstates trade ban
Important Notes:
Temasek’s ability to function as a port that offered several select products to the Asian market was not due entirely
to the richness in Singapore’s natural resources. While a portion of the hornbill casques and lakawood could be
harvested from the island, it is likely that most of these products were obtained from surrounding area which were
rich sources of foreign products.
Temasek also functioned as a collection centre and export getaway for products obtained from the immediate area.
As the only port located at the southern end of the Melaka Straits, Termasek appears to have functioned as the
collection centre and export getaway of south Johor and the Riau Archipelago. Archaeological evidence confirms this
close economic ties between the two nations.
Important Questions:
Globalization?
Chapter 4 – Reconstructing the Lion City
2 settlement areas in 14th-century Temasek
Fort Canning Hill
Where
Who
inhabited
What is it
used for
Royal family, ruling family
Centre of ritual and political activities in Temasek
-
How did
it looked
like
Main settlement Area
North Bank of the Singapore River
Artisan Quarters
Lower east slope of hill is the artisan and
servants quarters; high concentration of
glass fragments, beads, ceramic moulds
suggest glass- and jewellery-making
- Religious site
Higher up east slope, lies remains of a
building foundation of religious
significance; non-perishable materials
were used for the construction
- Royal abode
On the northern slope near the summit of
the hill was an impressive terrace site
likely used to house the ruling family
- Restricted Space
Royal garden and palace on the hill’s
eastern and northern slope were
inaccessible to commoners due to salt
marches to the west and forest up north
- Boundaries / Defence
The royal residency is likely to have a
perimeter defence and there is likely to
have spatial demarcation to mark out the
functions of the spaces
This form of religious architecture was fairly
common throughout island Southeast Asia in the
classical period
Archaeologists unearthed rare and valuable
Chinese ceramics; flexible gold armlets of
Javanese-inspired designs near Fort Canning site
Location of main settlements and economic
activities of Temasek
Archaeological findings in new Parliament House,
Empress Place, Colombo Court Site, Singapore
Cricket Club and St. Andrew’s Cathedral revealed:
- Earthenware
Water containers and cooking pots were
mostly made in Singapore.
- Coarse Stoneware Ceramics
Storage jars and bottles were entirely
imported from aboard. Most likely used
to store foodstuff or other smaller
ceramic pieces to be carried around
- Fine Stoneware and Porcelain
Ceramics were product of kilns in
Guangdong and Fujian. Yuan period blue
and white porcelain were also recovered
- Metal Finds
Copper coins minted during Song period
with several minted in Yuan. No coins
post-date Yuan. Yuan used paper
currency extensively and in Ming,
Singapore was no longer an autonomous
port
-
-
Evidence
-
Important Questions:
Occurrence of iron and copper finds only
at New Parliament House site suggests
metal smelting and working concentrated
there
Large quantities of storage jar shards
from Empress Place and Old Parliament
House suggest unloading of trade goods
off ships and location of storage facilities
Higher concentration of copper coins at
New Parliament House, Singapore Cricket
club and St. Andrew’s Cathedral suggests
trade conducted further inland, away
from the harbour and warehouses
Chapter 5 – Singapura: Outpost of the Melaka and Johor Kingdom
1402
Singapura
Singapura comes under Melaka Sultanate. Acts as the home
base of the Orang Laut, warriors of the Melaka sultans
1511
1528
1530
Orang Laut chief defends Singapura against Portuguese
attacks
Region
Parameswara establishes Kingdom of
Melaka
Melaka falls to the Portuguese
Last sultan of Melaka establishes Johor
Sultanate up the Johor River
Series of Portuguese attacks on Johor
Sultanate
Chapter 6 – Contesting the Waters around Singapore
Context:
Straits of Melaka and Sunda Straits the only two channels connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Control of the waters around Singapore would have accorded control, security & economic benefits to the power
that was able to project that strategic capability.
Build-up:
As early as 1620s, Ming had the detailed recorded navigational know-how through the Keppel Straits
1568
Late 16th
Early 17th
Portuguese
Dutch
New passage way around Singapore was discovered
Set up a base at Melaka
New passageway through waters of Singapore was public knowledge. Everyone that had a vested
interest in ensuring that they establish & maintain strategic control over the passages that traversed
this area contested for the region
Portugal
Portugal ally
herself with
Aceh in early
16th century
Dutch / VOC
Aceh
Johor Sultanate
Local rivalry between Aceh and Johor Sultanate.
Aceh wanted to overtake Johor & establish herself as
the dominant port-polity in Melaka Straits. Aceh
launched a series of attacks on the Johor Sultanate
VOC allies with Johor as it was at war
with Portugal in the Eighty-year war
Seized Santa Catarina which brought
riches to the seizers
Both wanted a fort in Singapore for different reasons
Portugal for security over her trading ships;
Dutch for a base to mount raids on Portuguese ships
Unhappy with peace
treaty, attacked Batu
Sawar (Johor) in 1613,
captured VOC agents
Focus on Japan
Japan closed
off in 1639
Sceptical of idea of Dutch
military presence in Meleka
 Signed peace treaty with
Portugal
After 1614 attack, Dutch revived plans
for a fort in Singapore, BUT
Preferred Sunda over Melaka after
1614 attack exposed Singapore’s
vulnerability
Dutch control over Sunda & NW
Java was more secure
Increased focus on Batavia (Jakarta)
Continuous hostilities against
Portugal undermined her presence in
SEA
Dutch captured Melaka
1667, cut Portugal empire in SEA
Aftermath
Southward shift of strategic maritime link: Sunda and Java became strategic because the Dutch was in control of the
waters of the region. They dictated the trade through the region and it drove Singapore into oblivion for 200 years
After 4-way tussle, there was a realization by all powers that fortifications and permanent naval presence was crucial
for ensuring the safety of their mercantile shipping and economic interests in the region. Trade VS Defence
1213SEM1
In 1603, with the help of the Johor Sultanate, the Dutch attacked the Portuguese vessel, Santa Catarina, as it was
entering the waters off Singapore. With this the Portuguese lost a vast fortune and it was a great victory for the
Dutch. Imagine you are an advisor to the Johor Sultan; give an assessment of this event in terms of the power
struggle taking place for the waters around Singapore. [25 marks]
1112SEM2
Two historians are debating Singapore’s history of the 1600s. One scholar exclaims, “It was a golden age because
Singapura was so hotly contested by European and local powers!” Meanwhile, the other scholar retorts, “NO! It was
a black hole for Singapore’s history! Nothing happened on the island!” How would you mediate this dispute?
1112SEM1
Imagine you are an agent for either the Portuguese Crown OR the VOC (Dutch East India Company) travelling
through Southeast Asia in the 1600s. Write a report to your superiors giving a review of your allies and rivals in the
Melaka Straits region. Include your assessment of Singapura as a trading centre. [25 marks]
1011SEM2
Explain how Singapore during the 15th-18th centuries was strategic to (a) the Johor kingdom and (b) the Portuguese
and the Dutch. [25 marks]
Chapter 7 – Raffles and the Establishment of an East India Company Station on Singapore
Events leading to Singapore’s colonization:
Event
Britain took over Dutch territories in Java & Melaka after Dutch loss to France in the war in Europe
1818
Raffles assigned to Sumartra as Lieutenant-Governor
28 Jan 1819
Raffles anchored off St John’s Island
6 Feb 1819
Treaty that gave British rights to set up a factory in exchange for money to Tengku Husain and
Temenggong was signed
June 1819
Oct 1822
Raffles signed further agreements with Tengku Husain and Temenggong that regularise the
administration of the settlement, limiting their influence on Singapore
1 June 1824
Crawfurd stopped all payments to Husain by alleging that agreements to pay Husain was not
legitimate and Husain in return owed the East India Company money. In order to repay the debts,
Crawfurd wanted Husain to sign a new treaty that gave up Husain’s power in the island
2 Aug 1824
New treaty signed
Players leading to the establishment of colonial Singapore
Raffles
-
Britain / East
India
Company
Chinese
Traders
-
Tengku
Husain /
Temenggong
-
Felt that Britain should not have returned Dutch territories after the war in Europe, saw
the Dutch as allies in Europe but enemies in Asia
Saw the need to fend off the threat posed by the Dutch to the East India Company in their
Asian trade and wanted to establish a British port in Southeast Asia to combat Dutch
presence in the region
Was the catalyst for establishment of a British port in Singapore
Initially unwilling to compromise relations with Dutch who were allies in war against
France
Ultimately set up port to bolster defence for transoceanic route to archipelago and China
Was attracted to Singapore’s free trade as a more congenial port of trade than those of
Dutch or other Sultans
Kept Singapore going although Bengal administration was unwilling to bear the cost of
running Singapore
Husain was last legitimate successor to the throne. When his father died, he was in Pahang
for his wedding, Bugis forces exploited this and made his younger brother Sultan
Needed the treaty that recognized himself as the sultan which he lost to his brother
Made it possible for Raffles to justify his establishment of a British settlement in Singapore
Important Questions:
Individual heroes or part of a bigger canvas?
1112SEM1
Was it Raffles’ free trade policy alone that led to the flourishing of Singapore as a colonial entrepôt? Focus on the
1800s in your answer. [25 marks]
Local Agents: Raffles and Tengku Husain
Global forces: Dutch losing to France in Europe and Britain emerging as the top dog in naval might allowed Raffles to
keep Singapore as a British port without the Dutch hostilities; Dutch port in Batavia was poorly managed, made
Raffles’ free trade policy successful
Chapter 8 – The Port-City and its Trading Networks
Raffles’ free trade/immigration policy signalled the start of immigration. Singapore was ONCE AGAIN a global city
because many trade networks were indigenous and were revitalised because of Raffles’ policies. Singapore was once
again a bustling Global City
Raffles’ immigration policies also continued the multi-cultural population in Singapore. As communities are drawn
together by different strands of commercial networks, their social organisation and political orientation reflect their
diverse origins
Maritime Network
Up till 1923, Singapore was a trading port without a clearly defined hinterland that could only be reached by sea. The
economic networks that sustained Singapore operated on an extended sea-lined foreland covering much of Indian
Ocean and South China Sea. As a colonial port, Singapore’s trade was predominantly Asian. SEA accounted for a
quarter, China 12%. Overland trade with SEA was insignificant, hence Singapore’s position between two oceans was
more important than being on the southernmost tip of Asia.
Malay
- Bugis were the main carrier of Straits products in early 19th century
& SEA
- They grew unhappy with the Dutch at Riau and had a conflict. Following which, Farquhar
Trade
welcomed them and the Bugis in Singapore pulled in the Bugis trade
- Malays, however, were not used to British set-up and felt alienated. Their traditional style of
paying tributes/taxation was opposite to the British’s free trade in Singapore
- Singapore, would however, become the centre of Malay intellectual life and politics. Many
camps with opposing sentiments towards the British were borne.
Chinese
- Early 19th century, Batavia was the only port Chinese could trade in, though Dutch-controlled
ports were unattractive because of Dutch antagonism to the Chinese, prevalent persecution of
Chinese and heavy import and export duties making Batavia unpopular among the Chinese
- Development of Singapore as a commercial centre saw significant growth in Chinese population
where many came as prostitutes and coolies  Secret societies grew out of banding together
- Straits Chinese had the ability to speak English & Malay became natural middleman
- Chinese community generally good at taking care of themselves despite secret societies because
mayhem was bad for business
Arab
-
Indians
-
-
First voyaged to Southeast Asian archipelago in search of Chinese luxury goods
By 15th century, traders made full use of segmented trade arrangements and travelled halfway
instead of all the way to China. Melaka became popular because of Islam’s conversion
Looking to escape heavy custom dues imposed in Dutch controlled ports, Singapore came into
picture and Raffles also encouraged them to settle in Singapore
Arabs in Singapore are generally from powerful, influential and wealthy families
By 20th century, although numbers still small, the Arab community was powerful, owning huge
amounts of property, real estate
Until 1873, Indians arrived as convicts transported to Singapore to serve their term
Large-scale voluntary Indian migration began only in the second half of 19th century but most
were from lower caste Indians, not many Indian merchants came to set up business in first half
of 19th though petty trades slowly showed up
Indians found their niche operating credit & accounting services, Chettiars were especially
successful, becoming major sources of financing for agriculturists in SEA
Indian community exploited British imperial trade network and soon dominated textile trade
By 1930s, Singapore Indian community well-established, Indian Chamber of Commerce set-up
1213SEM1
Tan Tock Seng was a Melaka-born Straits Chinese who made his fortune in Singapore through joint investments with
the British. What characteristics of the Straits Chinese made them a successful community in colonial Singapore? [25
marks]
Chapter 9 – Staple Port and the Malayan Hinterland
Before 19th
century
Tin mining done by Malays who were reluctant to increase production to meet the rising demand
 Chinese labourers went to Malaya following the founding of Pinang
1819
English merchant Peter Durand came up with tin cans, demand of tin exploded with American civil
war in 1860s
1869
Opening of the Suez Canal
1874
In order to protect their investments in the tin industry in Malaya, British signed an order with
Malay Sultans to establish first British resident for law and order
 Peace and stability brought more investments and even more Chinese migration
1897
Henry Ridley found a way to tap rubber sap without hurting the trees
th
Early 20
Century
Motor car industry in United States exploded
 Demand for rubber increased enormously
1905
Shipping industry developed to serve the new port-city , Colonial government assumed control and
development of the port to meet the increasing demand
 Tanjong Pagar Dock Ordinance began converting into Singapore Harbour Board
1911
Rubber association started to handle the sale of rubber in Singapore, Singapore developed into
important player in the international rubber market
1912
Straits Trading Company became the largest tin-smelting company in the world
1924
Road link between Malaya and Singapore opened, serving the tin, rubber and oil from the Northern
hinterland
 Colonial Singapore experienced early industrialisation as a result of the raw materials that
was coming from the North
Notes:
Industrialisation was not new to Singapore. Evidence of metal working dated from the 14th century was found on the
Singapore River bank. This meant that Temasek had already conducted tin-smelting as early as in the 14th century
Important Questions:
1011SEM2
What is a staple port? What factors led to the development of Singapore from an entrepot port to a staple port
during the 19th century? [25 marks]
Major events that took place in the different parts of the world contributed to Singapore’s success
Tin: Demand for tin in tin cans exploded due to the America Civil War (Global)  Large scale Chinese immigration
swamped into Malaysia, increasing production (Local)  British’s interest in tin industry meant law and order,
bringing peace and stability, further increasing production (Local)  tin smelting in Singapore was developed
Rubber: A new way to tap the rubber sap from trees without hurting them (Global)  US’s motor car industry
exploded, demand for rubber increased enormously (Global)  rubber processing line developed in Singapore
Chapter 10 – Fortress Singapore: Defending a Port-City and Empire
Proposed Defence / Motivations
Results
1819 1827
Series of artillery batteries over the island with a major
artillery fort on Pearl’s Hill
Singapore was worth defending in view of Dutch threat
- Britain in debt from administering expanding
Indian empire, unable to fund the defences
- Britain did not perceive the Dutch threat
grave enough to improve defences
1843
Series of Artillery batteries & forts
Protect the entrance to Kallang River, New Harbour at
VS
Tanjong Pagar with series of artillery batteries and forts.
Naval squadron from Bengal
In view of the opening up of China after the Opium War,
Local merchants wanted batteries but were
Captain Best proposed to beef up defences in Singapore
not willing to pay for it / Bengal argued that
as part of a greater sea lane from Singapore to China.
naval squadron was more effective
1878
Advent of steam ships, Suez Canal and telegraph
brought the Empire “closer”. Small conflicts no longer
local and could escalate into wider conflicts
Major McCullum propose strong naval fleet with secure
chain of ports and coaling station as combat support
Fortification of Singapore carried out together
with Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, etc.
1921
Far East Fleet to counter an emerging and hostile Japan,
and also to protect interest in SEA and Australia
Imperial Conference reviewed and decided with only
the construction of a naval base and not a Far East Fleet
Construction and fortification of Singapore
started in 1923 and completed only in 1938
1945 -
Britain came out of WWII severely weakened but still
had an empire to govern. She wanted to de-colonize
and bring colonies under the “Commonwealth”
umbrella, maintaining a certain influence over them
Saw Singapore as an important pivot to
combat communism in the region
 Britain increased defence in Singapore
to maintain her military presence in
the region
Important Questions:
Which is more important, balance of power or local defences?
1112SEM2
For Singapore, was being part of Britain’s Imperial defense strategy a benefit or a bane? Draw on two examples to
support your argument.
1112SEM1
To what extent has being militarily strategic shaped Singapore’s history from the 20th Century? [25 marks]
1011SEM1
Explain how Singapore was important to the defence of both the British Empire in the first half of the 20th century
and Southeast Asia during the Cold War. [25 marks]
Chapter 11 – The British “Grand Design”, Local Politics and the Formation of Malaysia
1959
PAP’s English educated members and Indian politicians appealed to workers and unions while Lee Chin Siong’s
Chinese roots appealed to the China-born voters who had yet to shed their Chinese chauvinism. As such, PAP won
the election against Lim Yew Hock’s Labour Front
 Britain was unaware of LKY’s agenda behind LKY’s seemingly enigmatic choice of working with the
communist despite PAP’s anti-communist ideology
Reasons for Merger
PAP
Economic:
- Create jobs for an increasing population
- In order to sustain declining economy,
needed Malaya as a hinterland and
Malaya’s consumer market to aid her
weakening entrepot
- Without merger, Singapore was unable to
rival neighbouring countries’ low
production cost and bigger market
Politics:
- Had to fulfil electoral promise of
delivering independence to Singapore
which could only be achieved through
merger
-
Malaya
-
Prevent the defeated Malayan
Communist Party from using Singapore as
a springboard to mount a comeback
Sweetener in Brunei, Sarawak and North
Borneo  Although Borneo was unhappy,
Worries of Merger
-
Financial
Singapore wanted to collect all tax revenue
within the island and pay an agreed amount
to the central government
Malaya wanted all tax revenue to be
collected centrally and give Singapore what
they needed
-
Citizenship
Singapore was not comfortable with the
possibility of relegating to second class
citizens in Malaysia; citizenship rights were
not ironed out
-
Chinese radicals in Singapore whose violent
riots were well-documented
Did not want to lose central control over
Singapore after merger
-
their complains were disregarded by Britain
Britain
-
Favoured merger to keep communism in
the region in check
Has vested interest in Singapore in their
established military base, hence did not
want Singapore to turn to communism
Important Questions:
1213SEM1
In the period after World War II, there was a policy known as the British “Grand Design”. Explain how external
factors influenced Singapore’s path from being a colony to gaining independence from the British in 1963.
1011SEM2
In the period after World War II, how did external factors influence Singapore’s path from being a colony to gaining
independence from the British in 1963? [25 marks]
Chinese Cultural Revolution and the Cold War
Britain invested in Singapore to become their Far East base. They did not want infrastructure to fall into the hands of
the communist hence they pushed for merger.
Chapter 12 – Separation
1954 1955
1959
May 1961
Number of Chinese riots and clashes including the Hock Lee Riots and Chinese students over the new
National Service Ordinance
PAP won election with help from Left-Wing radicals Lim Chin Siong and Feng Swee Suan
Singapore granted self-governance by the British
Tunku announced contemplation to bring Singapore, N Borneo, Brunei & Sarawak under Malaysia
Jul 1961
PAP loses second by-elections in Anson engineered by the Communist
Aug 1961
13 PAP rebels formed the Barisan Sosialis which opposed merger
Sep 1961
Broad agreements to the merger reached, working committees to be formed to iron out details of
merger “before June 1963”
Sep 1962
Singaporeans vote for merger in the National Referendum
Feb 1963
Operation Coldstore arrests key left-wing and presumably pro-Communist leaders
Jul 1963
Final negotiations in London in search of compromise in financial arrangements & common market
Sep 1963
New Federation of Malaysia with Singapore
PAP wins elections in Singapore despite UMNO’s participation
Nov 1964
First Malaysian Budget unveiled, DPM Goh calculated that Singapore’s taxpayers contributed 39.8%
of the budget even though it had 17% of the population of Malaysia
Singapore saw taxes on diesel oil and sugar
Jul 1964
Malay-Chinese race riots, Syed Ja’afar Albar flamed LKY on different mediums
Apr 1964
PAP registered as a Malaysian political party to run against the UMNO-led alliance and won one seat,
threatening UMNO’s political position
Feb 1965
Initial talks on disengaging Kuala Lumpar from Singapore was stopped by Britain
May 1965
In the inaugural Malaysian Solidarity Convention, LKY challenged UMNO’s policies for solving Malay’s
poverty; argued for a Malaysian Malaysia where race does not play a part
 Direct challenge to UMNO-led alliance that was split between racial lines
Jun 1965
Goh Keng Swee and Tun Razak held secret talks on separation without Britain knowing
Aug 1965
SEPARATION
After
1965
-
1967
Resumed industrialisation, welcoming FDI in Singapore that was restricted under Malaysia
Resumed Indonesian barter trade that was hindered by frosty Malaysia-Indonesian relations
Trade in traditional produce – tin, rubber and rice – gave way to trade in petroleum,
petroleum products, shipbuilding and services
Bank of China kept institutions in existence
Sing dollars came into existence
Notes:
PAP proved that a multi-racial party was able to win communal votes if the party was competent and could deliver
the goods.
Why they separated:
Ideological differences: Meritocracy VS Racial-defined system
Chapter 13 – Responding to Separation
Longue Duree Problems
Lack of Sense of Belonging
- Singapore has always been an immigration
haven, population comprised of immigrants,
descendants of immigrants who had been
living and working within their respective
ethnic groups
- Different groups of people with diverse
language, historical and cultural background
meant that they did not have a sense of
belonging in Singapore
- People had no stake in Singapore
Small town Defence
- Was very vulnerable fresh out of separation,
threats from Indonesian Konfrontation,
Malaysia, etc  intended to rely on British
military presence but they withdrew in 1971
- Chinese country in a Malay region
Entrepot trade susceptible to global swings
- Singapore’s economy is one of a staple port
that supported the primary economy of a
large rural hinterland
 In 14th, served Riau and Borneo
 Early 20th, served Malaysia
- In 1965, Malaysia’s trade barriers,
Indonesia’s Sukarno administration and
China’s Cultural Revolution made it
impossible for Singapore to rely on the
traditional economic pillars
- Enterpot trade was VERY susceptible to
global trends
Respond / Results
-
-
Create a common identity, shared experience in
WWII
Espoused principles of Equality, Meritocracy,
multiracialism and multiculturalism
1967, introduced NS, fostering sense of
Nationhood
Resettlement program offers cheap housing raising
standard of living of Singaporeans tremendously, it
also provided Singaporeans with a stake in the
country
Deterrence is Singapore’s best form of defence
 poison shrimp – porcupine – dolphin
1971, ASEAN was established to serve the need for
regional corporation in matters of foreign affairs
Singapore befriended global powers like the US
Powerful friends + Local defences
Manufacturing
- Embraced colonial past and opened up to West
- Import-substitution manufacturing for domestic
market to manufacturing for Western market
- Education and training realigned to upgrade
economic productivity
- Business-friendly labour laws passed
Financial Sector
- Insurance, international banking corporations
encouraged to establish Asian base in Singapore
Shipping
- Improved port and shipping capabilities
Results
- By 1975, Singapore was the world’s 3rd busiest port
- GDP increased tremendously in early
independence
Important Questions:
In order to succeed, independent Singapore had to overcome her longue duree problems.
1011SEM1 - Who, when and for what reasons, decided to designate Raffles as the founder of Singapore? [25 marks]
1819 VS 1299 as a starting point
1112SEM2
1299, 1819 and 1965.
Should each of these dates be recognized as equally important in Singapore’s history? What arguments can be made
for and against seeing them as equally important?
Port VS Fort: which is more important
1011SEM2
Should the date 1819 be considered a turning point in (a) the history of Singapore as a nation-state, (b) the history of
Singapore as a global city or (c) both? Explain your answer. [50 marks]
Nation State VS Global City
Heroes VS Small steps
1112SEM1
“Since Singapore attained its independence in 1965, it has been obsessed with the struggle to become and remain a
successful city-state and global city. Having been regarded by much of the world, and its founding fathers, as a
political anomaly, as too small to survive in the world of large nation states linked to economic hinterlands, it
focused on future survival at the cost of forgetting much of its past, especially its past before the arrival of the British
in 1819.”
Historian Derek Heng
To what extent do you agree with Heng’s assessment? In your response consider the implications on Singapore’s
history for either forgetting or choosing to remember the pre-1819 era.
1011SEM1
What are the problems with looking at history only in terms of the great heroes of the past? Use examples from
Singapore history to support your answer. [25 marks]
Others
ln what way have global factors been important to the development of Singapore over the last 700 vears? [50
marks]
“Singapore’s ‘strategic’ location has always remained constant but yet its economic fortunes have often fluctuated.”
Discuss.
At the heart of Singapore’s thriving economy lies a great port through which goods find their way to regional and
international markets.” Is this an adequate explanation for Singapore’s history over the last 700 years? [50 marks]