People
The Guitar Man: Alex Abisheganaden
Cultural Medallion recipient Alex Abisheganaden died on 17 March 2023. In his memory, we are republishing this essay on him from 2017, which has been updated.
People
The Guitar Man: Alex Abisheganaden
Cultural Medallion recipient Alex Abisheganaden died on 17 March 2023. In his memory, we are republishing this essay on him from 2017, which has been updated.
People
The Guitar Man: Alex Abisheganaden
Cultural Medallion recipient Alex Abisheganaden died on 17 March 2023. In his memory, we are republishing this essay on him from 2017, which has been updated.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2023)
A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2023)
A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2023)
A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.
Places and Buildings
A History of The Padang
Kevin Tan looks at what makes the 4.3-hectare patch of green in front of the former City Hall building so special.
Places and Buildings
A History of The Padang
Kevin Tan looks at what makes the 4.3-hectare patch of green in front of the former City Hall building so special.
Places and Buildings
A History of The Padang
Kevin Tan looks at what makes the 4.3-hectare patch of green in front of the former City Hall building so special.
Food
Belacan: Caviar? Or Vile and Disgusting?
Fermented shrimp is a staple in many cuisines of Southeast Asia, though it takes some getting used to.
Food
Belacan: Caviar? Or Vile and Disgusting?
Fermented shrimp is a staple in many cuisines of Southeast Asia, though it takes some getting used to.
Food
Belacan: Caviar? Or Vile and Disgusting?
Fermented shrimp is a staple in many cuisines of Southeast Asia, though it takes some getting used to.
Places and Buildings
Which Was Singapore's First Courthouse?
Singapore’s former Parliament building, known today as The Arts House, was used as a courthouse from 1828 to 1939.
Places and Buildings
Which Was Singapore's First Courthouse?
Singapore’s former Parliament building, known today as The Arts House, was used as a courthouse from 1828 to 1939.
Places and Buildings
Which Was Singapore's First Courthouse?
Singapore’s former Parliament building, known today as The Arts House, was used as a courthouse from 1828 to 1939.
Places and Buildings
Terraces on Tagore: The Curious Origins of Teachers' Estate
The Singapore Teachers’ Union wanted a clubhouse. They ended up building a housing estate.
Places and Buildings
Terraces on Tagore: The Curious Origins of Teachers' Estate
The Singapore Teachers’ Union wanted a clubhouse. They ended up building a housing estate.
Places and Buildings
Terraces on Tagore: The Curious Origins of Teachers' Estate
The Singapore Teachers’ Union wanted a clubhouse. They ended up building a housing estate.
Culture
Portugal's Linguistic Legacy in Southeast Asia
While Portugal may not have had a large presence in this region, remnants of the Portuguese language continue to linger on, in some places more than others.
Culture
Portugal's Linguistic Legacy in Southeast Asia
While Portugal may not have had a large presence in this region, remnants of the Portuguese language continue to linger on, in some places more than others.
Culture
Portugal's Linguistic Legacy in Southeast Asia
While Portugal may not have had a large presence in this region, remnants of the Portuguese language continue to linger on, in some places more than others.
People
Neo Tiew: The Man Who Built Lim Chu Kang
The opening up of Lim Chu Kang owes much to the efforts of Neo Tiew, who helped clear the land and later became the headman of the area.
People
Neo Tiew: The Man Who Built Lim Chu Kang
The opening up of Lim Chu Kang owes much to the efforts of Neo Tiew, who helped clear the land and later became the headman of the area.
People
Neo Tiew: The Man Who Built Lim Chu Kang
The opening up of Lim Chu Kang owes much to the efforts of Neo Tiew, who helped clear the land and later became the headman of the area.
Leisure
Singapore’s Public Bathhouses of the 1880s
Three public bathhouses at Ellenborough Market, Canton Street and Clyde Terrace were built by the Municipality in the late 19th century.
Leisure
Singapore’s Public Bathhouses of the 1880s
Three public bathhouses at Ellenborough Market, Canton Street and Clyde Terrace were built by the Municipality in the late 19th century.
Leisure
Singapore’s Public Bathhouses of the 1880s
Three public bathhouses at Ellenborough Market, Canton Street and Clyde Terrace were built by the Municipality in the late 19th century.
Women
Women and the Typewriter in Singapore’s Herstories
The humble typewriter helped women become better educated, enter the workforce and contribute to society.
Women
Women and the Typewriter in Singapore’s Herstories
The humble typewriter helped women become better educated, enter the workforce and contribute to society.
Women
Women and the Typewriter in Singapore’s Herstories
The humble typewriter helped women become better educated, enter the workforce and contribute to society.
Sports
Khoo Hooi Hye, Lim Bong Soo and the Heyday of Malayan Tennis
Two remarkable athletes served up a storm to make Malaya a tennis power to contend with during the interwar years.
Sports
Khoo Hooi Hye, Lim Bong Soo and the Heyday of Malayan Tennis
Two remarkable athletes served up a storm to make Malaya a tennis power to contend with during the interwar years.
Sports
Khoo Hooi Hye, Lim Bong Soo and the Heyday of Malayan Tennis
Two remarkable athletes served up a storm to make Malaya a tennis power to contend with during the interwar years.
War
The Chinese Community During the Japanese Occupation
A showcase of items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation. These are from the collection of the National Library of Singapore.
War
The Chinese Community During the Japanese Occupation
A showcase of items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation. These are from the collection of the National Library of Singapore.
War
The Chinese Community During the Japanese Occupation
A showcase of items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation. These are from the collection of the National Library of Singapore.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History
A quick look at four new books available in the National Library’s collection.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History
A quick look at four new books available in the National Library’s collection.
Literature
New Books on Singapore History
A quick look at four new books available in the National Library’s collection.
nature and environment
Singapore's Stone Tools
Stone tools have been found in and around Singapore since the late 19th century. Much about them remains a mystery.
nature and environment
Singapore's Stone Tools
Stone tools have been found in and around Singapore since the late 19th century. Much about them remains a mystery.
nature and environment
Singapore's Stone Tools
Stone tools have been found in and around Singapore since the late 19th century. Much about them remains a mystery.
War
In Their Own Voices: Preparing for War in Singapore
Before the fall of Singapore in 1942, people stocked up on food, built air raid shelters and volunteered in civil defence units.
War
In Their Own Voices: Preparing for War in Singapore
Before the fall of Singapore in 1942, people stocked up on food, built air raid shelters and volunteered in civil defence units.
War
In Their Own Voices: Preparing for War in Singapore
Before the fall of Singapore in 1942, people stocked up on food, built air raid shelters and volunteered in civil defence units.
Film and Photography
Repairing and Restoring Singapore's Reel Heritage
The Asian Film Archive has been restoring old classics since 2014.
Film and Photography
Repairing and Restoring Singapore's Reel Heritage
The Asian Film Archive has been restoring old classics since 2014.
Film and Photography
Repairing and Restoring Singapore's Reel Heritage
The Asian Film Archive has been restoring old classics since 2014.
Culture
Maiden Lim and Her Sisters: Taoist Folk Goddesses of S'pore
The local Taoist pantheon includes goddesses only found in Singapore, such as Lin Guniang, Lei Niangniang and Huang Guniang.
Culture
Maiden Lim and Her Sisters: Taoist Folk Goddesses of S'pore
The local Taoist pantheon includes goddesses only found in Singapore, such as Lin Guniang, Lei Niangniang and Huang Guniang.
Culture
Maiden Lim and Her Sisters: Taoist Folk Goddesses of S'pore
The local Taoist pantheon includes goddesses only found in Singapore, such as Lin Guniang, Lei Niangniang and Huang Guniang.
Places
The Origin Stories of Keramat Kusu
Pilgrimages to the keramat on Kusu Island have been going on since the mid-19th century.
Places
The Origin Stories of Keramat Kusu
Pilgrimages to the keramat on Kusu Island have been going on since the mid-19th century.
Places
The Origin Stories of Keramat Kusu
Pilgrimages to the keramat on Kusu Island have been going on since the mid-19th century.
Places
“Book City” in Two Streets: Postwar Chinese Bookstore Scene
Some Chinese bookstores in Singapore have managed to survive despite the challenges of the digital age and the decline in Chinese readers.
Places
“Book City” in Two Streets: Postwar Chinese Bookstore Scene
Some Chinese bookstores in Singapore have managed to survive despite the challenges of the digital age and the decline in Chinese readers.
Places
“Book City” in Two Streets: Postwar Chinese Bookstore Scene
Some Chinese bookstores in Singapore have managed to survive despite the challenges of the digital age and the decline in Chinese readers.
Nature
A Voice for the Wild
A gentle giant with a larger than life personality, Subaraj Rajathurai helped to save Singapore’s green spaces.
Nature
A Voice for the Wild
A gentle giant with a larger than life personality, Subaraj Rajathurai helped to save Singapore’s green spaces.
Nature
A Voice for the Wild
A gentle giant with a larger than life personality, Subaraj Rajathurai helped to save Singapore’s green spaces.
culture
Rituals behind Firewalking
More than just the firewalking festival, Theemithi has a cycle of rituals that involves the re-enactment of events from the Mahabharatam over several months.
culture
Rituals behind Firewalking
More than just the firewalking festival, Theemithi has a cycle of rituals that involves the re-enactment of events from the Mahabharatam over several months.
culture
Rituals behind Firewalking
More than just the firewalking festival, Theemithi has a cycle of rituals that involves the re-enactment of events from the Mahabharatam over several months.
war
Cold War Rivalries in Singapore in the 1940s and 1950s
In the post-World War II period, Singapore was a battleground for ideological competition between the Soviet Union and China, and the US and UK.
war
Cold War Rivalries in Singapore in the 1940s and 1950s
In the post-World War II period, Singapore was a battleground for ideological competition between the Soviet Union and China, and the US and UK.
war
Cold War Rivalries in Singapore in the 1940s and 1950s
In the post-World War II period, Singapore was a battleground for ideological competition between the Soviet Union and China, and the US and UK.
People
Loke Wan Tho: The Man Who Built Cathay
While best known as a giant in the movie business in Malaya, Loke Wan Tho was also passionate about bird photography and the arts
People
Loke Wan Tho: The Man Who Built Cathay
While best known as a giant in the movie business in Malaya, Loke Wan Tho was also passionate about bird photography and the arts
People
Loke Wan Tho: The Man Who Built Cathay
While best known as a giant in the movie business in Malaya, Loke Wan Tho was also passionate about bird photography and the arts
Culture
The Divine Lance: Thaipusam and Murugan Worship in Singapore
Thaipusam speaks of a migratory community that carries its deep-rooted cultural tradition wherever its people go.
Culture
The Divine Lance: Thaipusam and Murugan Worship in Singapore
Thaipusam speaks of a migratory community that carries its deep-rooted cultural tradition wherever its people go.
Culture
The Divine Lance: Thaipusam and Murugan Worship in Singapore
Thaipusam speaks of a migratory community that carries its deep-rooted cultural tradition wherever its people go.
places
From Sarong Island with Love
Before there was Sentosa, there was Sarong Island.
places
From Sarong Island with Love
Before there was Sentosa, there was Sarong Island.
places
From Sarong Island with Love
Before there was Sentosa, there was Sarong Island.
Governance
The Making of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
While the Monetary Authority of Singapore was established in 1971, it only became a full-fledged central bank some 30 years later.
Governance
The Making of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
While the Monetary Authority of Singapore was established in 1971, it only became a full-fledged central bank some 30 years later.
Governance
The Making of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
While the Monetary Authority of Singapore was established in 1971, it only became a full-fledged central bank some 30 years later.
Governance
The Early Days of Family Planning in Singapore
Singapore’s family planning programme did not start with the “Stop at Two” policy in 1972, but goes back even earlier to 1949.
Governance
The Early Days of Family Planning in Singapore
Singapore’s family planning programme did not start with the “Stop at Two” policy in 1972, but goes back even earlier to 1949.
Governance
The Early Days of Family Planning in Singapore
Singapore’s family planning programme did not start with the “Stop at Two” policy in 1972, but goes back even earlier to 1949.
Places and Buildings
Union Book Stands Tall At 70
Located in Bras Basah Complex, the Chinese bookstore has played an important role in the development of the Chinese literary scene.
Places and Buildings
Union Book Stands Tall At 70
Located in Bras Basah Complex, the Chinese bookstore has played an important role in the development of the Chinese literary scene.
Places and Buildings
Union Book Stands Tall At 70
Located in Bras Basah Complex, the Chinese bookstore has played an important role in the development of the Chinese literary scene.
nature
Flower Power: Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Singapore in 1972, the orchid Dendrobium Elizabeth was named in her honour.
nature
Flower Power: Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Singapore in 1972, the orchid Dendrobium Elizabeth was named in her honour.
nature
Flower Power: Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Singapore in 1972, the orchid Dendrobium Elizabeth was named in her honour.
War
A Royal Wedding Gone Wrong
Celebrations during a royal wedding in Tanjung Pinang in 1819 led to a terrible misunderstanding that would change the course of history in Riau and Singapore.
War
A Royal Wedding Gone Wrong
Celebrations during a royal wedding in Tanjung Pinang in 1819 led to a terrible misunderstanding that would change the course of history in Riau and Singapore.
War
A Royal Wedding Gone Wrong
Celebrations during a royal wedding in Tanjung Pinang in 1819 led to a terrible misunderstanding that would change the course of history in Riau and Singapore.
war
Red Terror
The 1970s saw communist bombings, assassination plots and covert information wars.
war
Red Terror
The 1970s saw communist bombings, assassination plots and covert information wars.
war
Red Terror
The 1970s saw communist bombings, assassination plots and covert information wars.
Places
Johor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
The story of how Johor ended up at the Chicago World’s Fair is an unexpected twist in Malaya’s colonial past.
Places
Johor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
The story of how Johor ended up at the Chicago World’s Fair is an unexpected twist in Malaya’s colonial past.
Places
Johor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
The story of how Johor ended up at the Chicago World’s Fair is an unexpected twist in Malaya’s colonial past.
places and buildings
Key Milestones in the History of Cathay Cinema
The closing of Cathay cinema at Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, marks the end of an era.
places and buildings
Key Milestones in the History of Cathay Cinema
The closing of Cathay cinema at Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, marks the end of an era.
places and buildings
Key Milestones in the History of Cathay Cinema
The closing of Cathay cinema at Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, marks the end of an era.
Food
Chinese Vegetarian Restaurants
Chinese Buddhist women set up popular vegetarian restaurants in the 1940s and '50s that met the needs of local Buddhists and also helped promote vegetarianism.
Food
Chinese Vegetarian Restaurants
Chinese Buddhist women set up popular vegetarian restaurants in the 1940s and '50s that met the needs of local Buddhists and also helped promote vegetarianism.
Food
Chinese Vegetarian Restaurants
Chinese Buddhist women set up popular vegetarian restaurants in the 1940s and '50s that met the needs of local Buddhists and also helped promote vegetarianism.
war
日本占领时期的新加坡华社
The National Library's collection has items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
war
日本占领时期的新加坡华社
The National Library's collection has items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
war
日本占领时期的新加坡华社
The National Library's collection has items from the Chinese community relating to the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
local icons
A Great Way to Fly
Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences.
local icons
A Great Way to Fly
Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences.
local icons
A Great Way to Fly
Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences.
Places
Manmade Tunnels and Caverns Underground in the City State
Singapore has been burrowing underground since the 19th century, but it was only after Independence that serious efforts were made to use subterranean space.
Places
Manmade Tunnels and Caverns Underground in the City State
Singapore has been burrowing underground since the 19th century, but it was only after Independence that serious efforts were made to use subterranean space.
Places
Manmade Tunnels and Caverns Underground in the City State
Singapore has been burrowing underground since the 19th century, but it was only after Independence that serious efforts were made to use subterranean space.
Places
A History of Sennett Estate
It was once Singapore’s largest planned housing development and saw action during Konfrontasi in the 1960s.
Places
A History of Sennett Estate
It was once Singapore’s largest planned housing development and saw action during Konfrontasi in the 1960s.
Places
A History of Sennett Estate
It was once Singapore’s largest planned housing development and saw action during Konfrontasi in the 1960s.
Photography
Japanese and Chinese Photo Studios in Prewar Singapore
Chinese and Japanese photography studios had to negotiate the politics of race, class and clan in the early 20th century.
Photography
Japanese and Chinese Photo Studios in Prewar Singapore
Chinese and Japanese photography studios had to negotiate the politics of race, class and clan in the early 20th century.
Photography
Japanese and Chinese Photo Studios in Prewar Singapore
Chinese and Japanese photography studios had to negotiate the politics of race, class and clan in the early 20th century.
people
Giving a Voice to the Dead: Remembering Chao Tzee Cheng
As a forensic pathologist, Chao Tzee Cheng helped bring murderers to justice.
people
Giving a Voice to the Dead: Remembering Chao Tzee Cheng
As a forensic pathologist, Chao Tzee Cheng helped bring murderers to justice.
people
Giving a Voice to the Dead: Remembering Chao Tzee Cheng
As a forensic pathologist, Chao Tzee Cheng helped bring murderers to justice.
Video: stories from biblioasia
Into the Night
Cabaret dancers like Rose Chan were famous. But what were their lives really like?
Video: stories from biblioasia
Into the Night
Cabaret dancers like Rose Chan were famous. But what were their lives really like?
Video: stories from biblioasia
Into the Night
Cabaret dancers like Rose Chan were famous. But what were their lives really like?
places
The Story of Singapore’s Changing Wet Markets
Wet markets have existed in Singapore since 1825. Zoe Yeo looks at how these markets have changed over time.
places
The Story of Singapore’s Changing Wet Markets
Wet markets have existed in Singapore since 1825. Zoe Yeo looks at how these markets have changed over time.
places
The Story of Singapore’s Changing Wet Markets
Wet markets have existed in Singapore since 1825. Zoe Yeo looks at how these markets have changed over time.
Video: Stories from BiblioAsia
The Poet and the Night Train
He writes Singapore’s first book-length poem, then vanishes from history. Discover how the mystery of the missing poet was solved.
Video: Stories from BiblioAsia
The Poet and the Night Train
He writes Singapore’s first book-length poem, then vanishes from history. Discover how the mystery of the missing poet was solved.
Video: Stories from BiblioAsia
The Poet and the Night Train
He writes Singapore’s first book-length poem, then vanishes from history. Discover how the mystery of the missing poet was solved.
video: From Book to Cook
A cooking show that dishes out history from old recipes
What does a 1969 Chinese recipe for noodles have to do with a murukku press?
video: From Book to Cook
A cooking show that dishes out history from old recipes
What does a 1969 Chinese recipe for noodles have to do with a murukku press?
video: From Book to Cook
A cooking show that dishes out history from old recipes
What does a 1969 Chinese recipe for noodles have to do with a murukku press?
People
Cinema Pioneer Tan Cheng Kee
The Alhambra and Marlborough theatres were famous landmarks in pre-war Singapore. Barbara Quek looks at these cinemas, and the man behind the curtain.
People
Cinema Pioneer Tan Cheng Kee
The Alhambra and Marlborough theatres were famous landmarks in pre-war Singapore. Barbara Quek looks at these cinemas, and the man behind the curtain.
People
Cinema Pioneer Tan Cheng Kee
The Alhambra and Marlborough theatres were famous landmarks in pre-war Singapore. Barbara Quek looks at these cinemas, and the man behind the curtain.
war
My Grandfather Was a Rōmusha
During World War II, forced civilian labourers known as rōmusha were used by the Imperial Japanese Army for hard labour.
war
My Grandfather Was a Rōmusha
During World War II, forced civilian labourers known as rōmusha were used by the Imperial Japanese Army for hard labour.
war
My Grandfather Was a Rōmusha
During World War II, forced civilian labourers known as rōmusha were used by the Imperial Japanese Army for hard labour.