31 December 2015
- RSIS
- Publication
- External Publications
- Great Peranakans: The Community in the Colonial State
Great Peranakans: The Community in the Colonial State
The story of Singapore is the story of encounters: between traders, travellers, and immigrants; between empires and communities; and between cultures. For centuries, Peranakans – or Straits Chinese – played pivotal roles in the life of Singapore and the region.
Peranakans were pioneers in crossing boundaries and forging multiple allegiances. They expressed loyalty to both Britain and China, as well as to the strong community they established in Singapore.
Among the Chinese, Peranakans were pioneers in business and government. They were also leaders in social areas – education, health, religion, and culture. Peranakans played many roles simultaneously. They spoke English well (and later were English-educated) and could act as middlemen in colonial society. And beyond Singapore, their networks extended throughout Southeast Asia and further.
These are the stories of fifty remarkable Peranakans.
The story of Singapore is the story of encounters: between traders, travellers, and immigrants; between empires and communities; and between cultures. For centuries, Peranakans – or Straits Chinese – played pivotal roles in the life of Singapore and the region.
Peranakans were pioneers in crossing boundaries and forging multiple allegiances. They expressed loyalty to both Britain and China, as well as to the strong community they established in Singapore.
Among the Chinese, Peranakans were pioneers in business and government. They were also leaders in social areas – education, health, religion, and culture. Peranakans played many roles simultaneously. They spoke English well (and later were English-educated) and could act as middlemen in colonial society. And beyond Singapore, their networks extended throughout Southeast Asia and further.
These are the stories of fifty remarkable Peranakans.
