What is history? How is it made? And why does it matter? Reimagining Singapore’s History brings together leading historians to discuss these questions within the context of the decades-long project to rediscover pre-colonial Singapore.
2019 was a milestone in Singapore’s history as it marked the 200th anniversary of Stamford Raffles’ landing in 1819. However, in a powerful turn of events, government-sponsored celebrations used the occasion to highlight Singapore’s longer pre-colonial story, in the process officially pushing back the modern country’s origins to the 14th-century trading post of Temasek.
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore was not a forgotten land between Temasek and Raffles; it remained a rich crossroads of trade, culture, religion, and merchant empires (both Asian and European). The discovery of this pre-1819 period has led to Singapore’s ‘new history’, also known as its ‘700-year narrative’.
While this narrative has long been common knowledge among academics, it was only in the past decade that it began to make its way into the public consciousness. Why and how did these changes come about? Where did they come from? Why did it take so long to bridge academic and public knowledge? And what is pre-colonial Singapore’s relevance for us in the 21st century?
Surveying topics from archaeology to post-colonial theory, this essay collection explores the above questions and introduces the sources, discoveries, and ideas that led to the literal re-writing of Singapore’s official historical narratives over the past decades.
Contributors include renowned National University of Singapore professors and public historians:
- Professor Wang Gungwu – recognized as ‘one of Asia’s most important public intellectuals’.
- Professor Peter Borschberg – pioneer of using non-English European archives to study pre-colonial Singapore.
- Professor Kwa Chong Guan – leading proponent of the long-cycles, 700-year approach to Singapore’s history.
- Professor Syed Farid Alatas – sociologist and among Singapore’s top postcolonial theorists.
- Chris Hale – documentary filmmaker and non-fiction writer, author of A Brief History of Singapore and Malaysia.
- Tim Hannigan – travel writer and author of numerous books on Southeast Asia, including Raffles and the British Invasion of Java.
Timeless Stories from the Bible
A collection of 6 beautifully illustrated Bible stories, each bringing to life a classic tale from the New Testament.
Crafted to inspire young readers, this series brings to life key moments from the New Testament, like the birth of Jesus, Jesus feeding the people, His miraculous walk on water, the powerful message of the Last Supper, the wonder of Easter, and the parable of the sower.
Each story is packed with timeless lessons that make learning about Jesus’ life and teachings both exciting and unforgettable.
Titles in the series:
1. The Birth of Jesus
2. Jesus Feeds the People
3. Jesus Walks on Water
4. The Sower and the Seeds
5. The Last Supper
6. The Story of Easter
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
A meal of love and sacrifice.
The night before His death, Jesus shared a special meal with His disciples. He broke bread and shared wine, explaining they represented His body and blood, given as a sacrifice for everyone.
This story highlights the importance of friendship, love, and remembering Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
From death to life, hope is reborn.
After being crucified, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. This miraculous event shows that even in the darkest times, there is hope.
Jesus’ resurrection reminds us of God’s endless love and the power of forgiveness.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
Timeless Stories from the Bible
A collection of 6 beautifully illustrated Bible stories, each bringing to life a classic tale from the New Testament.
Crafted to inspire young readers, this book brings to life key moments from the New Testament, like the birth of Jesus, Jesus feeding the people, His miraculous walk on water, the powerful message of the Last Supper, the wonder of Easter, and the parable of the sower.
Each story is packed with timeless lessons that make learning about Jesus’ life and teachings both exciting and unforgettable.
Titles in the series:
1. The Birth of Jesus
2. The Sower and the Seeds
3. Jesus Feeds the People
4. Jesus Walks on Water
5. The Last Supper
6. The Easter Story
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
Strong roots of faith grow in good soil.
Jesus told a story about a sower who scattered seeds on different types of ground. He explained that
God’s words are like those seeds—they grow in hearts that are ready to listen.
This story reminds us to nurture faith, listen carefully, and let God’s teachings grow in our hearts.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
Keep your faith steady, even in the storm.
In the midst of a storm, Jesus walked on water to meet His disciples. Peter followed but began to sink when his faith wavered. Jesus saved him and reminded him to keep his faith strong.
This story teaches us to trust Jesus, even when life feels uncertain, and to have courage in challenging times.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
Faith turns little into plenty.
When a crowd of over 5,000 gathered to listen to Jesus, there was not enough food to share. But Jesus
miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed everyone.
This story shows the importance of trusting in God and reminds us that God can provide for all
our needs, no matter how big.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
A Savior born to bring light to the world.
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, where baby Jesus was born in a stable. Angels announced His birth to shepherds, and wise men followed a bright star, bringing gifts to honor the baby.
This miraculous event marked the arrival of the Savior and teaches us the values of kindness, humility, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Unique Features:
- Engaging, Age-Appropriate Language
- Beautiful, Colorful Illustrations
- Perfect Introduction to Bible Themes
- Family Bonding Opportunity
- Each Story has Character-Building Lessons
- Perfect Gift for Special Occasions
This book is part of the First Bible Stories series, a collection designed to introduce young readers to the timeless stories and teachings of the Bible.
This collection of short stories celebrates the Merdeka Generation. These are the baby boomers born a little after the Second World War, following the heels of the Pioneer Generation. These Seniors experienced the development and growth of modern Singapore. They were the people who lived through four National Anthems: ‘God Save the King’, ‘God Save the Queen’, ‘Negara-Ku’, and ‘Majulah Singapura’. The majority of them had helped built this nation.
During the colonial period and pre-independent days, many Singaporeans were poor and were living in adverse conditions, without running water, electricity, and amenities. Before HDB flats were built, they had been living in kampungs. These shaped their mindset. Most of them struggled to work hard so that their children would not suffer as they had suffered.
In the 21st Century, this band of the population is in their seventies. New problems surfaced for them as their children became smarter than them, or some moved abroad. There are many MG Seniors without their children and grandchildren in this country. This collection attempts to highlight some of the issues facing this group who had to cope with such emotional issues, modern technology, and the fast pace of life in modern Singapore. They are an admirable group as they had the resilience to progress as this nation had progressed.
This book also celebrates the music industry of the 1960s and 70s, both locally and internationally.
