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Readership Survey

Have Your Say

Help us improve BiblioAsia. Take part in our readership survey!

Count Me In
Readership Survey

Readership Survey

Have Your Say

Help us improve BiblioAsia. Take part in our readership survey!

Count Me In
Readership Survey

People

In Good Hands: The Calligraphy of Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman

The master calligrapher’s artworks not only adorn physical spaces but are also found in Malay print publications.

Different calligraphy styles
Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman
Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman

People

In Good Hands: The Calligraphy of Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman

The master calligrapher’s artworks not only adorn physical spaces but are also found in Malay print publications.

Different calligraphy styles
Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman

People

In Good Hands: The Calligraphy of Ustaz Syed Abdul Rahman

The master calligrapher’s artworks not only adorn physical spaces but are also found in Malay print publications.

Different calligraphy styles

Culture

Chingay in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The Chingay Parade held annually in Singapore during the Lunar New Year has its roots in the tai ge from China.

A colourful spectacle
Chingay in 19th & 20th Century

Culture

Chingay in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The Chingay Parade held annually in Singapore during the Lunar New Year has its roots in the tai ge from China.

A colourful spectacle
Chingay in 19th & 20th Century

Culture

Chingay in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The Chingay Parade held annually in Singapore during the Lunar New Year has its roots in the tai ge from China.

A colourful spectacle
Chingay in 19th & 20th Century

Podcast

A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities

Ex–ACM director Kennie Ting tells us how port cities can reveal a different history of Asia, and what his "eat, pray, love" cities are.

Listen to the episode
A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities
A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities

Podcast

A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities

Ex–ACM director Kennie Ting tells us how port cities can reveal a different history of Asia, and what his "eat, pray, love" cities are.

Listen to the episode
A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities

Podcast

A Tour of 60 Asian Port Cities

Ex–ACM director Kennie Ting tells us how port cities can reveal a different history of Asia, and what his "eat, pray, love" cities are.

Listen to the episode

Food

Cups and Sources: Hunting Down the Origins of Kueh Pie Tee

Kueh pie tee is a fixture of classic Singaporean cooking, yet its identity has the shape of an enigma, filled with mystery and garnished with riddles.

A local favourite
Kueh pie tee

Food

Cups and Sources: Hunting Down the Origins of Kueh Pie Tee

Kueh pie tee is a fixture of classic Singaporean cooking, yet its identity has the shape of an enigma, filled with mystery and garnished with riddles.

A local favourite
Kueh pie tee

Food

Cups and Sources: Hunting Down the Origins of Kueh Pie Tee

Kueh pie tee is a fixture of classic Singaporean cooking, yet its identity has the shape of an enigma, filled with mystery and garnished with riddles.

A local favourite
Kueh pie tee

People

John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir

The late Dr John Bastin was the leading authority on Stamford Raffles, having published more than 20 books and many essays on Raffles.

An eminent historian
John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir
John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir

People

John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir

The late Dr John Bastin was the leading authority on Stamford Raffles, having published more than 20 books and many essays on Raffles.

An eminent historian
John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir

People

John Sturgus Bastin: A Memoir

The late Dr John Bastin was the leading authority on Stamford Raffles, having published more than 20 books and many essays on Raffles.

An eminent historian

Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2025)

A quick look at the new books available in the National Library’s collection.

new reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2025)

A quick look at the new books available in the National Library’s collection.

new reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2025)

A quick look at the new books available in the National Library’s collection.

new reads
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War and Military

All Smoke? Opium Propaganda in the Syonan Shimbun

Imperial Japan justified its occupation of Singapore with opium propaganda and prohibition promises.

THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM
THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM
THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM

War and Military

All Smoke? Opium Propaganda in the Syonan Shimbun

Imperial Japan justified its occupation of Singapore with opium propaganda and prohibition promises.

THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM
THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM

War and Military

All Smoke? Opium Propaganda in the Syonan Shimbun

Imperial Japan justified its occupation of Singapore with opium propaganda and prohibition promises.

THE SCOURGE OF OPIUM

BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Zoos

Before the Singapore Zoo in Mandai, there were early zoos in the Botanic Gardens, Punggol, Pasir Panjang and on East Coast Road.

Watch the video
Singapore’s Early Zoos

BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Zoos

Before the Singapore Zoo in Mandai, there were early zoos in the Botanic Gardens, Punggol, Pasir Panjang and on East Coast Road.

Watch the video
Singapore’s Early Zoos

BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Zoos

Before the Singapore Zoo in Mandai, there were early zoos in the Botanic Gardens, Punggol, Pasir Panjang and on East Coast Road.

Watch the video
Singapore’s Early Zoos

Podcast

He Wrote the National Pledge

Irene Ng, the authorised biographer of S. Rajaratnam, tells us the legacy of Singapore’s first foreign minister, and his relationship with Lee Kuan Yew.

Listen to the episode
He Wrote the National Pledge
He Wrote the National Pledge

Podcast

He Wrote the National Pledge

Irene Ng, the authorised biographer of S. Rajaratnam, tells us the legacy of Singapore’s first foreign minister, and his relationship with Lee Kuan Yew.

Listen to the episode
He Wrote the National Pledge

Podcast

He Wrote the National Pledge

Irene Ng, the authorised biographer of S. Rajaratnam, tells us the legacy of Singapore’s first foreign minister, and his relationship with Lee Kuan Yew.

Listen to the episode

People

Japanese Anglicans in World War II Singapore

During the Japanese Occupation, four Japanese Anglicans were a sign of hope for the locals during a dark chapter in Singapore’s history.

A BEACON OF LIGHT
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People

Japanese Anglicans in World War II Singapore

During the Japanese Occupation, four Japanese Anglicans were a sign of hope for the locals during a dark chapter in Singapore’s history.

A BEACON OF LIGHT
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People

Japanese Anglicans in World War II Singapore

During the Japanese Occupation, four Japanese Anglicans were a sign of hope for the locals during a dark chapter in Singapore’s history.

A BEACON OF LIGHT
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People

W. Somerset Maugham: Secrets from the Outstations

Somerset Maugham’s visits to Singapore in the 1920s inspired some of his greatest stories, but these also triggered a fierce backlash against him.

A LITERARY LUMINARY
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People

W. Somerset Maugham: Secrets from the Outstations

Somerset Maugham’s visits to Singapore in the 1920s inspired some of his greatest stories, but these also triggered a fierce backlash against him.

A LITERARY LUMINARY
Image alt text

People

W. Somerset Maugham: Secrets from the Outstations

Somerset Maugham’s visits to Singapore in the 1920s inspired some of his greatest stories, but these also triggered a fierce backlash against him.

A LITERARY LUMINARY

More Places and Buildings

A Kampong for the “Grand Old Man of Singapore”

Due to development and urbanisation, Lim Boon Keng’s last home at Paterson Hill no longer exists today.

A Lost Kampong
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More Places and Buildings

A Kampong for the “Grand Old Man of Singapore”

Due to development and urbanisation, Lim Boon Keng’s last home at Paterson Hill no longer exists today.

A Lost Kampong
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More Places and Buildings

A Kampong for the “Grand Old Man of Singapore”

Due to development and urbanisation, Lim Boon Keng’s last home at Paterson Hill no longer exists today.

A Lost Kampong
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BiblioAsia Reels

Pioneering Journalist R.B. Ooi

Malayan journalist R.B. Ooi (1905–72) worked for newspapers like the Straits Echo and the Malayan Times. Irene Lim, 96, shares her memories of her father.

Watch the Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

Pioneering Journalist R.B. Ooi

Malayan journalist R.B. Ooi (1905–72) worked for newspapers like the Straits Echo and the Malayan Times. Irene Lim, 96, shares her memories of her father.

Watch the Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

Pioneering Journalist R.B. Ooi

Malayan journalist R.B. Ooi (1905–72) worked for newspapers like the Straits Echo and the Malayan Times. Irene Lim, 96, shares her memories of her father.

Watch the Video

podcast

Stella Kon: Beyond Emily of Emerald Hill

Playwright Stella Kon talks about the difference between writing plays and musicals, her favourite actor to play Emily, and her writing process.

Listen to the episode
Emily of Emerald Hill

podcast

Stella Kon: Beyond Emily of Emerald Hill

Playwright Stella Kon talks about the difference between writing plays and musicals, her favourite actor to play Emily, and her writing process.

Listen to the episode
Emily of Emerald Hill

podcast

Stella Kon: Beyond Emily of Emerald Hill

Playwright Stella Kon talks about the difference between writing plays and musicals, her favourite actor to play Emily, and her writing process.

Listen to the episode
Emily of Emerald Hill

More places and buildings

Eu Tong Sen’s “Pearl Under the Burning Tropical Sun”

The grandeur and opulence of Eu Villa on Mount Sophia was unrivalled in its heyday.

A Not-So-Humble Abode
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More places and buildings

Eu Tong Sen’s “Pearl Under the Burning Tropical Sun”

The grandeur and opulence of Eu Villa on Mount Sophia was unrivalled in its heyday.

A Not-So-Humble Abode
Image alt text

More places and buildings

Eu Tong Sen’s “Pearl Under the Burning Tropical Sun”

The grandeur and opulence of Eu Villa on Mount Sophia was unrivalled in its heyday.

A Not-So-Humble Abode

People

AGS Danaraj: Pioneer Town Planner and News Reader

The former newsreader AGS Danaraj was also a pioneering town planner, who always made time to help the less fortunate.

A colourful life
AGS Danaraj

People

AGS Danaraj: Pioneer Town Planner and News Reader

The former newsreader AGS Danaraj was also a pioneering town planner, who always made time to help the less fortunate.

A colourful life
AGS Danaraj

People

AGS Danaraj: Pioneer Town Planner and News Reader

The former newsreader AGS Danaraj was also a pioneering town planner, who always made time to help the less fortunate.

A colourful life
AGS Danaraj

More Places and Buildings

Remembering the Hawkins Road Refugee Camp

A temporary home for Vietnamese refugees, the Hawkins Road camp received thousands of “boat people” over nearly two decades.

A SAFE REFUGE
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More Places and Buildings

Remembering the Hawkins Road Refugee Camp

A temporary home for Vietnamese refugees, the Hawkins Road camp received thousands of “boat people” over nearly two decades.

A SAFE REFUGE
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More Places and Buildings

Remembering the Hawkins Road Refugee Camp

A temporary home for Vietnamese refugees, the Hawkins Road camp received thousands of “boat people” over nearly two decades.

A SAFE REFUGE

Governance

Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation

The Singapore Citizenship Ordinance (1957), the Women’s Charter (1961) and the Employment Act (1968) are three legislations that have shaped modern Singapore.

THREE LANDMARK LEGISLATIONS
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Governance

Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation

The Singapore Citizenship Ordinance (1957), the Women’s Charter (1961) and the Employment Act (1968) are three legislations that have shaped modern Singapore.

THREE LANDMARK LEGISLATIONS
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Governance

Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation

The Singapore Citizenship Ordinance (1957), the Women’s Charter (1961) and the Employment Act (1968) are three legislations that have shaped modern Singapore.

THREE LANDMARK LEGISLATIONS
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Oct 2024)

A quick look at eight new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Oct 2024)

A quick look at eight new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
Image alt text

Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Oct 2024)

A quick look at eight new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads

Worship

Singapore’s Armenian Church Survived Close to 180 Years

Never large, Singapore’s Armenian community barely survived the war. Then came the demographic collapse.

A BEACON FOR ALL
Singapore’s Armenian Church

Worship

Singapore’s Armenian Church Survived Close to 180 Years

Never large, Singapore’s Armenian community barely survived the war. Then came the demographic collapse.

A BEACON FOR ALL
Singapore’s Armenian Church

Worship

Singapore’s Armenian Church Survived Close to 180 Years

Never large, Singapore’s Armenian community barely survived the war. Then came the demographic collapse.

A BEACON FOR ALL
Singapore’s Armenian Church

Film and Photography

The Awakening of the Modern Television Era

People weren’t particularly interested in upgrading their black-and-white TVs to colour TVs. Then came the World Cup.

A Colour Extravaganza
Modern Television Era
Modern Television Era

Film and Photography

The Awakening of the Modern Television Era

People weren’t particularly interested in upgrading their black-and-white TVs to colour TVs. Then came the World Cup.

A Colour Extravaganza
Modern Television Era

Film and Photography

The Awakening of the Modern Television Era

People weren’t particularly interested in upgrading their black-and-white TVs to colour TVs. Then came the World Cup.

A Colour Extravaganza

Art

Singapore’s Pioneer Cartoonists

Many of the early cartoonists were ideologically motivated and their drawings aimed to bring about social and political change.

Drawn to Satire
Pioneer Cartoonists

Art

Singapore’s Pioneer Cartoonists

Many of the early cartoonists were ideologically motivated and their drawings aimed to bring about social and political change.

Drawn to Satire
Pioneer Cartoonists

Art

Singapore’s Pioneer Cartoonists

Many of the early cartoonists were ideologically motivated and their drawings aimed to bring about social and political change.

Drawn to Satire
Pioneer Cartoonists

People

S. Rajaratnam: The Lion’s Roar

In S. Rajaratnam’s biography, The Lion’s Roar, Irene Ng explains how the journalist-turned-politician was a critical figure in Singapore’s early years.

A Political Giant
S. Rajaratnam
S. Rajaratnam

People

S. Rajaratnam: The Lion’s Roar

In S. Rajaratnam’s biography, The Lion’s Roar, Irene Ng explains how the journalist-turned-politician was a critical figure in Singapore’s early years.

A Political Giant
S. Rajaratnam

People

S. Rajaratnam: The Lion’s Roar

In S. Rajaratnam’s biography, The Lion’s Roar, Irene Ng explains how the journalist-turned-politician was a critical figure in Singapore’s early years.

A Political Giant

People

The Life and Legacy of Dr Lee Kum Tatt

Dr Lee Kum Tatt was instrumental in the development of Singapore’s scientific and industrial landscape.

A man of Science
Dr Lee Kum Tatt

People

The Life and Legacy of Dr Lee Kum Tatt

Dr Lee Kum Tatt was instrumental in the development of Singapore’s scientific and industrial landscape.

A man of Science
Dr Lee Kum Tatt

People

The Life and Legacy of Dr Lee Kum Tatt

Dr Lee Kum Tatt was instrumental in the development of Singapore’s scientific and industrial landscape.

A man of Science
Dr Lee Kum Tatt

People

The Search for a “Lost” Towkay of Malaya

A man looks at his grandfather with new eyes after a mysterious envelope is found in an old workman’s outfit that was about to be thrown away.

A grandfather by any other name
“Lost” Towkay of Malaya
“Lost” Towkay of Malaya

People

The Search for a “Lost” Towkay of Malaya

A man looks at his grandfather with new eyes after a mysterious envelope is found in an old workman’s outfit that was about to be thrown away.

A grandfather by any other name
“Lost” Towkay of Malaya

People

The Search for a “Lost” Towkay of Malaya

A man looks at his grandfather with new eyes after a mysterious envelope is found in an old workman’s outfit that was about to be thrown away.

A grandfather by any other name

Local Icons

Singapore’s National Souvenir: The Gold-plated Past of RISIS

Much more than a tourist souvenir, Singapore’s gold-plated RISIS orchids were a triumph of grit and branding.

A touch of Gold
gold-plated RISIS orchids

Local Icons

Singapore’s National Souvenir: The Gold-plated Past of RISIS

Much more than a tourist souvenir, Singapore’s gold-plated RISIS orchids were a triumph of grit and branding.

A touch of Gold
gold-plated RISIS orchids

Local Icons

Singapore’s National Souvenir: The Gold-plated Past of RISIS

Much more than a tourist souvenir, Singapore’s gold-plated RISIS orchids were a triumph of grit and branding.

A touch of Gold
gold-plated RISIS orchids

Local Icons

The Early Years of the Singapore Zoo

The zoo was able to overcome major setbacks in its formative years to become the well-loved tourist attraction it is today.

AN ANIMAL MENAGERIE
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo

Local Icons

The Early Years of the Singapore Zoo

The zoo was able to overcome major setbacks in its formative years to become the well-loved tourist attraction it is today.

AN ANIMAL MENAGERIE
Singapore Zoo

Local Icons

The Early Years of the Singapore Zoo

The zoo was able to overcome major setbacks in its formative years to become the well-loved tourist attraction it is today.

AN ANIMAL MENAGERIE

Print

Tools of the Trade: Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Letterpress printing may be obsolete today but the tools involved continue to be objects of fascination.

EQUIPMENT FROM A BYGONE ERA
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Print

Tools of the Trade: Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Letterpress printing may be obsolete today but the tools involved continue to be objects of fascination.

EQUIPMENT FROM A BYGONE ERA
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Print

Tools of the Trade: Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Letterpress printing may be obsolete today but the tools involved continue to be objects of fascination.

EQUIPMENT FROM A BYGONE ERA
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Culture

Fire Dragon Blazes Trail for Cantonese Temple in Geylang

Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Temple is the home of the Fire Dragon in Singapore.

Dance of a dragon
Fire Dragon
Fire Dragon

Culture

Fire Dragon Blazes Trail for Cantonese Temple in Geylang

Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Temple is the home of the Fire Dragon in Singapore.

Dance of a dragon
Fire Dragon

Culture

Fire Dragon Blazes Trail for Cantonese Temple in Geylang

Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Temple is the home of the Fire Dragon in Singapore.

Dance of a dragon

BiblioAsia Reels

Traditional Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Typesettingsg founder Sun Yao Yu shares more about this printing technique – once the main commercial printing method here in the 19th century.

Watch the video
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BiblioAsia Reels

Traditional Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Typesettingsg founder Sun Yao Yu shares more about this printing technique – once the main commercial printing method here in the 19th century.

Watch the video
Image alt text

BiblioAsia Reels

Traditional Letterpress Printing in Singapore

Typesettingsg founder Sun Yao Yu shares more about this printing technique – once the main commercial printing method here in the 19th century.

Watch the video
Image alt text

Sports

30 Years of the Great Singapore Workout

Launched in 1993, the Great Singapore Workout helped spread the message that being physically active was important.

WORKING UP A SWEAT
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Sports

30 Years of the Great Singapore Workout

Launched in 1993, the Great Singapore Workout helped spread the message that being physically active was important.

WORKING UP A SWEAT
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Sports

30 Years of the Great Singapore Workout

Launched in 1993, the Great Singapore Workout helped spread the message that being physically active was important.

WORKING UP A SWEAT

From Book To Cook

Sea Snail & Papaya Curry: A Eurasian Delight

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva makes this uncommon Kristang curry that combines two very unlikely ingredients: sea snail and papaya.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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From Book To Cook

Sea Snail & Papaya Curry: A Eurasian Delight

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva makes this uncommon Kristang curry that combines two very unlikely ingredients: sea snail and papaya.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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From Book To Cook

Sea Snail & Papaya Curry: A Eurasian Delight

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva makes this uncommon Kristang curry that combines two very unlikely ingredients: sea snail and papaya.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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Podcast

Seaside Foraging and Eurasian Cuisine

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva talks about the influences in his cooking philosophy and the importance of heritage cuisine.

Listen to the episode
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Podcast

Seaside Foraging and Eurasian Cuisine

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva talks about the influences in his cooking philosophy and the importance of heritage cuisine.

Listen to the episode
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Podcast

Seaside Foraging and Eurasian Cuisine

MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva talks about the influences in his cooking philosophy and the importance of heritage cuisine.

Listen to the episode

VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

The Scoop on Otak Blangah

How does this Peranakan dish compare with otak-otak? Tanya Pillay-Nair from the Peranakan Indian Association of Singapore revives this old recipe with her aunt.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

The Scoop on Otak Blangah

How does this Peranakan dish compare with otak-otak? Tanya Pillay-Nair from the Peranakan Indian Association of Singapore revives this old recipe with her aunt.

WATCH THE VIDEO
Image alt text

VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

The Scoop on Otak Blangah

How does this Peranakan dish compare with otak-otak? Tanya Pillay-Nair from the Peranakan Indian Association of Singapore revives this old recipe with her aunt.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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Podcast

Food of the Peranakan Indians

Tanya Pillay-Nair talks about ancestor worship in the Chetti Melaka culture, when the community serve the dishes that the ancestors enjoyed the most.

Listen to the episode
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Podcast

Food of the Peranakan Indians

Tanya Pillay-Nair talks about ancestor worship in the Chetti Melaka culture, when the community serve the dishes that the ancestors enjoyed the most.

Listen to the episode
Image alt text

Podcast

Food of the Peranakan Indians

Tanya Pillay-Nair talks about ancestor worship in the Chetti Melaka culture, when the community serve the dishes that the ancestors enjoyed the most.

Listen to the episode

Local Icons

Sentosa’s Cable Cars at 50

As Singapore’s cable car system commemorates 50 years of service, we look back at the journey of this iconic attraction that has brought joy to many a rider.

AN AERIAL RIDE
Cable Cars

Local Icons

Sentosa’s Cable Cars at 50

As Singapore’s cable car system commemorates 50 years of service, we look back at the journey of this iconic attraction that has brought joy to many a rider.

AN AERIAL RIDE
Cable Cars

Local Icons

Sentosa’s Cable Cars at 50

As Singapore’s cable car system commemorates 50 years of service, we look back at the journey of this iconic attraction that has brought joy to many a rider.

AN AERIAL RIDE
Cable Cars

Podcast

The Chinese Vegetarian Foodscape of the 1950s–60s

Set up by five Buddhist women in 1946, Loke Woh Yuen was the first Chinese vegetarian restaurant in Singapore.

Women spreading vegetarianism
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Podcast

The Chinese Vegetarian Foodscape of the 1950s–60s

Set up by five Buddhist women in 1946, Loke Woh Yuen was the first Chinese vegetarian restaurant in Singapore.

Women spreading vegetarianism
Image alt text

Podcast

The Chinese Vegetarian Foodscape of the 1950s–60s

Set up by five Buddhist women in 1946, Loke Woh Yuen was the first Chinese vegetarian restaurant in Singapore.

Women spreading vegetarianism

VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Soon Kueh Stories

What does a soon kueh recipe have to do with a Buddhist temple? Find out as researcher Kelvin Tan conquers sticky dough to make this humble vegetarian snack.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Soon Kueh Stories

What does a soon kueh recipe have to do with a Buddhist temple? Find out as researcher Kelvin Tan conquers sticky dough to make this humble vegetarian snack.

WATCH THE VIDEO
Image alt text

VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Soon Kueh Stories

What does a soon kueh recipe have to do with a Buddhist temple? Find out as researcher Kelvin Tan conquers sticky dough to make this humble vegetarian snack.

WATCH THE VIDEO
Image alt text

Worship

At Wat Ananda, Thai Buddhism with a Singaporean Twist

Despite the golden stupa and ornate roofs that indicate this is a Thai Buddhist temple, the Singaporean influences are not hard to spot at Wat Ananda Metyarama.

A slice of Thailand in Bukit Merah
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Worship

At Wat Ananda, Thai Buddhism with a Singaporean Twist

Despite the golden stupa and ornate roofs that indicate this is a Thai Buddhist temple, the Singaporean influences are not hard to spot at Wat Ananda Metyarama.

A slice of Thailand in Bukit Merah
Image alt text

Worship

At Wat Ananda, Thai Buddhism with a Singaporean Twist

Despite the golden stupa and ornate roofs that indicate this is a Thai Buddhist temple, the Singaporean influences are not hard to spot at Wat Ananda Metyarama.

A slice of Thailand in Bukit Merah

People

Cikgu Asfiah Abdullah: A Cultural Luminary

A former teacher and mak andam fulfils her dream by writing a book on Malay recipes in 1986, the first all-Malay cookbook from Times Books International.

A GUARDIAN OF MALAY CULTURE
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People

Cikgu Asfiah Abdullah: A Cultural Luminary

A former teacher and mak andam fulfils her dream by writing a book on Malay recipes in 1986, the first all-Malay cookbook from Times Books International.

A GUARDIAN OF MALAY CULTURE
Image alt text

People

Cikgu Asfiah Abdullah: A Cultural Luminary

A former teacher and mak andam fulfils her dream by writing a book on Malay recipes in 1986, the first all-Malay cookbook from Times Books International.

A GUARDIAN OF MALAY CULTURE
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Places and Buildings

The Making of the Causeway

The Causeway was built 100 years ago, being the largest engineering project to be undertaken in Malaya.

AN ENGINEERING FEAT
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Places and Buildings

The Making of the Causeway

The Causeway was built 100 years ago, being the largest engineering project to be undertaken in Malaya.

AN ENGINEERING FEAT
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Places and Buildings

The Making of the Causeway

The Causeway was built 100 years ago, being the largest engineering project to be undertaken in Malaya.

AN ENGINEERING FEAT

People

Reconstructing Charles Darwin’s Lost Library

Almost 20 years of painstaking scouring and sleuth work have resulted in what is probably the largest and most comprehensive resource on Charles Darwin.

Uncovering Hidden Gems
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People

Reconstructing Charles Darwin’s Lost Library

Almost 20 years of painstaking scouring and sleuth work have resulted in what is probably the largest and most comprehensive resource on Charles Darwin.

Uncovering Hidden Gems
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People

Reconstructing Charles Darwin’s Lost Library

Almost 20 years of painstaking scouring and sleuth work have resulted in what is probably the largest and most comprehensive resource on Charles Darwin.

Uncovering Hidden Gems
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Podcast

Hajah Asfiah: A Guardian of Traditional Malay Culture

A tireless steward of Malay culture, Hajah Asfiah worked all her life to preserve and pass on Malay crafts.

Listen to BiblioAsia+
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Podcast

Hajah Asfiah: A Guardian of Traditional Malay Culture

A tireless steward of Malay culture, Hajah Asfiah worked all her life to preserve and pass on Malay crafts.

Listen to BiblioAsia+
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Podcast

Hajah Asfiah: A Guardian of Traditional Malay Culture

A tireless steward of Malay culture, Hajah Asfiah worked all her life to preserve and pass on Malay crafts.

Listen to BiblioAsia+

VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Peeling Back the Layers of Bunga Kobis

What is bunga kobis and why was it prepared only for special occasions? Join librarian Toffa Abdul Wahed as she puts together this many-layered pastry.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Peeling Back the Layers of Bunga Kobis

What is bunga kobis and why was it prepared only for special occasions? Join librarian Toffa Abdul Wahed as she puts together this many-layered pastry.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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VIDEO: FROM BOOK TO COOK

Peeling Back the Layers of Bunga Kobis

What is bunga kobis and why was it prepared only for special occasions? Join librarian Toffa Abdul Wahed as she puts together this many-layered pastry.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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Collection Highlights

The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Collection

Materials donated by the association shed light on its contributions to the nation's social and cultural landscape.

An 1828 land title deed
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Collection Highlights

The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Collection

Materials donated by the association shed light on its contributions to the nation's social and cultural landscape.

An 1828 land title deed
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Collection Highlights

The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Collection

Materials donated by the association shed light on its contributions to the nation's social and cultural landscape.

An 1828 land title deed

Video: From Book to Cook

Unravelling the Mystery of Mee Maidin

Food historian and author Khir Johari whips up this noodle dish from Kampong Gelam, and reveals its special ingredient ­­– krill.

Watch The Video
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Video: From Book to Cook

Unravelling the Mystery of Mee Maidin

Food historian and author Khir Johari whips up this noodle dish from Kampong Gelam, and reveals its special ingredient ­­– krill.

Watch The Video
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Video: From Book to Cook

Unravelling the Mystery of Mee Maidin

Food historian and author Khir Johari whips up this noodle dish from Kampong Gelam, and reveals its special ingredient ­­– krill.

Watch The Video
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Podcast

Kampong Gelam: Kitchen of the Malay World

Here you find different curries and bread, nasi padang, sup tulang, mee siam, a Javanese kitchen, Hainanese coffeeshops and more.

The cosmopolitan Kampong Gelam
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Podcast

Kampong Gelam: Kitchen of the Malay World

Here you find different curries and bread, nasi padang, sup tulang, mee siam, a Javanese kitchen, Hainanese coffeeshops and more.

The cosmopolitan Kampong Gelam
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Podcast

Kampong Gelam: Kitchen of the Malay World

Here you find different curries and bread, nasi padang, sup tulang, mee siam, a Javanese kitchen, Hainanese coffeeshops and more.

The cosmopolitan Kampong Gelam

PODCAST

Kueh Pie Tee: A Detective Story

Kueh pie tee is not a pie that goes with tea. So where did the name (and dish) come from?

Listen to BiblioAsia+
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PODCAST

Kueh Pie Tee: A Detective Story

Kueh pie tee is not a pie that goes with tea. So where did the name (and dish) come from?

Listen to BiblioAsia+
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PODCAST

Kueh Pie Tee: A Detective Story

Kueh pie tee is not a pie that goes with tea. So where did the name (and dish) come from?

Listen to BiblioAsia+
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Video: From Book to Cook

Kueh Pie Tee or Kwei Patti

What’s in a name? Food writer and cooking instructor Christopher Tan delves into the origins of this tasty Peranakan snack.

watch the video
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Video: From Book to Cook

Kueh Pie Tee or Kwei Patti

What’s in a name? Food writer and cooking instructor Christopher Tan delves into the origins of this tasty Peranakan snack.

watch the video
Image alt text

Video: From Book to Cook

Kueh Pie Tee or Kwei Patti

What’s in a name? Food writer and cooking instructor Christopher Tan delves into the origins of this tasty Peranakan snack.

watch the video

Theatre and Dance

From Betty of Balmoral Road to Emily of Emerald Hill

A study of early drafts of Emily of Emerald Hill reveals fascinating choices and paths not taken.

A PERANAKAN MATRIARCH
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Theatre and Dance

From Betty of Balmoral Road to Emily of Emerald Hill

A study of early drafts of Emily of Emerald Hill reveals fascinating choices and paths not taken.

A PERANAKAN MATRIARCH
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Theatre and Dance

From Betty of Balmoral Road to Emily of Emerald Hill

A study of early drafts of Emily of Emerald Hill reveals fascinating choices and paths not taken.

A PERANAKAN MATRIARCH
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WAR and Military

The Other Men Who Surrendered Singapore

Eleven other men had taken the decision with Arthur E. Percival to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942

NOT BY ONE MAN ALONE
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WAR and Military

The Other Men Who Surrendered Singapore

Eleven other men had taken the decision with Arthur E. Percival to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942

NOT BY ONE MAN ALONE
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WAR and Military

The Other Men Who Surrendered Singapore

Eleven other men had taken the decision with Arthur E. Percival to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942

NOT BY ONE MAN ALONE

Podcast

The Tragedy of Singapore’s First Boxing Superstar

Tan Teng Kee was the Mike Tyson of Singapore boxing in the 1920s. Known as Battling Key, the larger-than-life boxer attracted crowds wherever he went.

Battling Key
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Podcast

The Tragedy of Singapore’s First Boxing Superstar

Tan Teng Kee was the Mike Tyson of Singapore boxing in the 1920s. Known as Battling Key, the larger-than-life boxer attracted crowds wherever he went.

Battling Key
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Podcast

The Tragedy of Singapore’s First Boxing Superstar

Tan Teng Kee was the Mike Tyson of Singapore boxing in the 1920s. Known as Battling Key, the larger-than-life boxer attracted crowds wherever he went.

Battling Key
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History

A Long Time Brewing: The Story of Singapore’s Beer Industry

From Tiger to craft beer, beer brewing in Singapore had a long and storied history.

The Perfect Pint
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History

A Long Time Brewing: The Story of Singapore’s Beer Industry

From Tiger to craft beer, beer brewing in Singapore had a long and storied history.

The Perfect Pint
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History

A Long Time Brewing: The Story of Singapore’s Beer Industry

From Tiger to craft beer, beer brewing in Singapore had a long and storied history.

The Perfect Pint

Sports

Battling Key, Yeo Choon Song and Singapore Boxing

In the aftermath of World War I, the “noble art” became wildly popular in Singapore thanks to two Straits Chinese who took on all-comers, including each other.

PULLING NO PUNCHES
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Sports

Battling Key, Yeo Choon Song and Singapore Boxing

In the aftermath of World War I, the “noble art” became wildly popular in Singapore thanks to two Straits Chinese who took on all-comers, including each other.

PULLING NO PUNCHES
Image alt text

Sports

Battling Key, Yeo Choon Song and Singapore Boxing

In the aftermath of World War I, the “noble art” became wildly popular in Singapore thanks to two Straits Chinese who took on all-comers, including each other.

PULLING NO PUNCHES
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History

It’s a Cat’s Life: Airborne Felines Fight War Against Rats

In 1960, 23 unsuspecting cats found themselves being airdropped into Bario, Sarawak, as part of a rat-busting operation.

It’s Raining Cats!
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History

It’s a Cat’s Life: Airborne Felines Fight War Against Rats

In 1960, 23 unsuspecting cats found themselves being airdropped into Bario, Sarawak, as part of a rat-busting operation.

It’s Raining Cats!
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History

It’s a Cat’s Life: Airborne Felines Fight War Against Rats

In 1960, 23 unsuspecting cats found themselves being airdropped into Bario, Sarawak, as part of a rat-busting operation.

It’s Raining Cats!

PODCAST

Chia Boon Leong: The Homegrown Football Olympian

Nicknamed “Twinkle Toes” for his agility, Chia Boon Leong (1925–2022) is widely regarded as one of Singapore‘s most talented football players.

Listen to the episode
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PODCAST

Chia Boon Leong: The Homegrown Football Olympian

Nicknamed “Twinkle Toes” for his agility, Chia Boon Leong (1925–2022) is widely regarded as one of Singapore‘s most talented football players.

Listen to the episode
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PODCAST

Chia Boon Leong: The Homegrown Football Olympian

Nicknamed “Twinkle Toes” for his agility, Chia Boon Leong (1925–2022) is widely regarded as one of Singapore‘s most talented football players.

Listen to the episode
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jul 2024)

A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jul 2024)

A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jul 2024)

A quick look at five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads

Podcast

Singapore Bands in Wartime Vietnam

In the 1960s and ’70s, Singaporean musicians went to South Vietnam to perform for US troops during the war. They were met with cheers, bullets and assault.

Listen to the episode
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Podcast

Singapore Bands in Wartime Vietnam

In the 1960s and ’70s, Singaporean musicians went to South Vietnam to perform for US troops during the war. They were met with cheers, bullets and assault.

Listen to the episode
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Podcast

Singapore Bands in Wartime Vietnam

In the 1960s and ’70s, Singaporean musicians went to South Vietnam to perform for US troops during the war. They were met with cheers, bullets and assault.

Listen to the episode
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History

A Cool Business: The History of Ice-Making in Singapore

Ice has been an indispensable commodity in tropical Singapore since the late 19th century.

ICY ENDEAVOURS
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History

A Cool Business: The History of Ice-Making in Singapore

Ice has been an indispensable commodity in tropical Singapore since the late 19th century.

ICY ENDEAVOURS
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History

A Cool Business: The History of Ice-Making in Singapore

Ice has been an indispensable commodity in tropical Singapore since the late 19th century.

ICY ENDEAVOURS

podcast

Saving Singapore’s Film Heritage

Thanks to restoration, classic films like The Teenage Textbook Movie (1998) can still be shown on a big screen 20 years after its cinema run.

Listen to the episode
Saving Film Heritage

podcast

Saving Singapore’s Film Heritage

Thanks to restoration, classic films like The Teenage Textbook Movie (1998) can still be shown on a big screen 20 years after its cinema run.

Listen to the episode
Saving Film Heritage

podcast

Saving Singapore’s Film Heritage

Thanks to restoration, classic films like The Teenage Textbook Movie (1998) can still be shown on a big screen 20 years after its cinema run.

Listen to the episode
Saving Film Heritage

Art

Memory, History, Art: Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, melds memories and research to produce stories about Singapore.

Scenes of old Singapore
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Art

Memory, History, Art: Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, melds memories and research to produce stories about Singapore.

Scenes of old Singapore
Image alt text

Art

Memory, History, Art: Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, melds memories and research to produce stories about Singapore.

Scenes of old Singapore

BiblioAsia Reels

Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s masterpiece captures scenes of a bygone Singapore. Find out how he ensured historical accuracy in this 60-metre-long work.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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BiblioAsia Reels

Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s masterpiece captures scenes of a bygone Singapore. Find out how he ensured historical accuracy in this 60-metre-long work.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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BiblioAsia Reels

Yip Yew Chong’s “I Paint my Singapore”

Yip Yew Chong’s masterpiece captures scenes of a bygone Singapore. Find out how he ensured historical accuracy in this 60-metre-long work.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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Collection Highlights

The Trishaws and Tricycles of Singapore By Liesel Strauss

These photos by Liesel Strauss spotlight the humble trishaw and cargo tricycle and remind of us of how Singapore used to be not too long ago.

Transport by three wheels
Transport by three wheels
Transport by three wheels

Collection Highlights

The Trishaws and Tricycles of Singapore By Liesel Strauss

These photos by Liesel Strauss spotlight the humble trishaw and cargo tricycle and remind of us of how Singapore used to be not too long ago.

Transport by three wheels
Transport by three wheels

Collection Highlights

The Trishaws and Tricycles of Singapore By Liesel Strauss

These photos by Liesel Strauss spotlight the humble trishaw and cargo tricycle and remind of us of how Singapore used to be not too long ago.

Transport by three wheels

podcast

The Lost Gold Coins of the Old Singapore Library

More than 180 years after two ancient gold coins went missing, librarian Foo Shu Tieng tries to solve the case.

listen to the podcast
Lost Gold Coins Library

podcast

The Lost Gold Coins of the Old Singapore Library

More than 180 years after two ancient gold coins went missing, librarian Foo Shu Tieng tries to solve the case.

listen to the podcast
Lost Gold Coins Library

podcast

The Lost Gold Coins of the Old Singapore Library

More than 180 years after two ancient gold coins went missing, librarian Foo Shu Tieng tries to solve the case.

listen to the podcast
Lost Gold Coins Library

People

Pioneering Local Journalist R.B. Ooi

As a journalist, R.B. Ooi always had his finger on the pulse of Malaya, bringing to the fore issues at the heart of the nation.

A consummate newspaperman
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People

Pioneering Local Journalist R.B. Ooi

As a journalist, R.B. Ooi always had his finger on the pulse of Malaya, bringing to the fore issues at the heart of the nation.

A consummate newspaperman
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People

Pioneering Local Journalist R.B. Ooi

As a journalist, R.B. Ooi always had his finger on the pulse of Malaya, bringing to the fore issues at the heart of the nation.

A consummate newspaperman

Collection Highlights

A History of the Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association

One of Singapore’s oldest martial arts associations donated its unique collection of photographs and materials to the National Library, Singapore.

An enduring martial arts association
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Collection Highlights

A History of the Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association

One of Singapore’s oldest martial arts associations donated its unique collection of photographs and materials to the National Library, Singapore.

An enduring martial arts association
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Collection Highlights

A History of the Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association

One of Singapore’s oldest martial arts associations donated its unique collection of photographs and materials to the National Library, Singapore.

An enduring martial arts association
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Apr 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads

podcast

The True Story Behind Ubin's German Girl Shrine

A young German girl met an untimely end on Pulau Ubin in 1914. A shrine set up in her honour becomes Internet-famous.

Listen to Biblioasia+
Ubin's German Girl Shrine

podcast

The True Story Behind Ubin's German Girl Shrine

A young German girl met an untimely end on Pulau Ubin in 1914. A shrine set up in her honour becomes Internet-famous.

Listen to Biblioasia+
Ubin's German Girl Shrine

podcast

The True Story Behind Ubin's German Girl Shrine

A young German girl met an untimely end on Pulau Ubin in 1914. A shrine set up in her honour becomes Internet-famous.

Listen to Biblioasia+
Ubin's German Girl Shrine

people

Joseph Conrad's Singapore

Joseph Conrad’s visits to Singapore in the late 19th century are immortalised in some of his novels, such as Lord Jim and The Shadow-Line.

Sojourn in Singapore
Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad

people

Joseph Conrad's Singapore

Joseph Conrad’s visits to Singapore in the late 19th century are immortalised in some of his novels, such as Lord Jim and The Shadow-Line.

Sojourn in Singapore
Joseph Conrad

people

Joseph Conrad's Singapore

Joseph Conrad’s visits to Singapore in the late 19th century are immortalised in some of his novels, such as Lord Jim and The Shadow-Line.

Sojourn in Singapore

Collection Highlights

By the Public and for the Public

Singapore’s National Library is hard at work collecting new forms of documentary materials today for the sake of future generations.

collecting for posterity
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Collection Highlights

By the Public and for the Public

Singapore’s National Library is hard at work collecting new forms of documentary materials today for the sake of future generations.

collecting for posterity
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Collection Highlights

By the Public and for the Public

Singapore’s National Library is hard at work collecting new forms of documentary materials today for the sake of future generations.

collecting for posterity
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biblioasia reels

Kranji War Memorial: Lest We Forget

Unveiled on 2 March 1957, the Kranji War Memorial honours the men and women who gave up their lives defending Singapore during the Second World War.

watch the video
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biblioasia reels

Kranji War Memorial: Lest We Forget

Unveiled on 2 March 1957, the Kranji War Memorial honours the men and women who gave up their lives defending Singapore during the Second World War.

watch the video
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biblioasia reels

Kranji War Memorial: Lest We Forget

Unveiled on 2 March 1957, the Kranji War Memorial honours the men and women who gave up their lives defending Singapore during the Second World War.

watch the video

more places and Buildings

Interview with Victor Savage

From Desker Road to Xilin Avenue, street signs around Singapore recall the lives of people whose stories are a part of the nation’s history.

Naming Singapore's streets
Victor savage

more places and Buildings

Interview with Victor Savage

From Desker Road to Xilin Avenue, street signs around Singapore recall the lives of people whose stories are a part of the nation’s history.

Naming Singapore's streets
Victor savage

more places and Buildings

Interview with Victor Savage

From Desker Road to Xilin Avenue, street signs around Singapore recall the lives of people whose stories are a part of the nation’s history.

Naming Singapore's streets
Victor savage

Nature and the Environment

Growing Food in a Garden City

Urban edible gardening in Singapore might be all the rage now, but the movement has roots that date back to the early 20th century.

Eat Your Greens
Urban arden
Urban arden

Nature and the Environment

Growing Food in a Garden City

Urban edible gardening in Singapore might be all the rage now, but the movement has roots that date back to the early 20th century.

Eat Your Greens
Urban arden

Nature and the Environment

Growing Food in a Garden City

Urban edible gardening in Singapore might be all the rage now, but the movement has roots that date back to the early 20th century.

Eat Your Greens

PODCAST

Artist Yip Yew Chong Paints His Story in History

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, merges history, memory and nostalgia.

LISTEN TO BIBLIOASIA+
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PODCAST

Artist Yip Yew Chong Paints His Story in History

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, merges history, memory and nostalgia.

LISTEN TO BIBLIOASIA+
Image alt text

PODCAST

Artist Yip Yew Chong Paints His Story in History

Yip Yew Chong’s 60-metre-long work, “I Paint my Singapore”, merges history, memory and nostalgia.

LISTEN TO BIBLIOASIA+
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Photography

Photo Studios and Photography During the Japanese Occupation

During the Japanese Occupation, local photographers worked under challenging conditions.

Photography in Difficult Times
Photo Studios
Photo Studios

Photography

Photo Studios and Photography During the Japanese Occupation

During the Japanese Occupation, local photographers worked under challenging conditions.

Photography in Difficult Times
Photo Studios

Photography

Photo Studios and Photography During the Japanese Occupation

During the Japanese Occupation, local photographers worked under challenging conditions.

Photography in Difficult Times

Governance

Singapore's Hippie Hysteria and the Ban on Long Hair

Hippie culture was seen as a risk to Singapore in the 1960s and 1970s. To reduce its influence, the government began a campaign against men with long hair.

Operation Snip Snip
Hippie Hysteria

Governance

Singapore's Hippie Hysteria and the Ban on Long Hair

Hippie culture was seen as a risk to Singapore in the 1960s and 1970s. To reduce its influence, the government began a campaign against men with long hair.

Operation Snip Snip
Hippie Hysteria

Governance

Singapore's Hippie Hysteria and the Ban on Long Hair

Hippie culture was seen as a risk to Singapore in the 1960s and 1970s. To reduce its influence, the government began a campaign against men with long hair.

Operation Snip Snip
Hippie Hysteria

BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Publications

Printing in Singapore dates back about 200 years when Christian missionaries established a printing press here to spread the gospel.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Publications

Printing in Singapore dates back about 200 years when Christian missionaries established a printing press here to spread the gospel.

WATCH THE VIDEO
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BiblioAsia Reels

Singapore’s Early Publications

Printing in Singapore dates back about 200 years when Christian missionaries established a printing press here to spread the gospel.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Leisure

A Quick History of the Singapore Speedway

The history of the Singapore Speedway was as fast and furious as the races it hosted.

MOTORCYLE RACING IN SINGAPORE
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Leisure

A Quick History of the Singapore Speedway

The history of the Singapore Speedway was as fast and furious as the races it hosted.

MOTORCYLE RACING IN SINGAPORE
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Leisure

A Quick History of the Singapore Speedway

The history of the Singapore Speedway was as fast and furious as the races it hosted.

MOTORCYLE RACING IN SINGAPORE
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Music

American Troops. Singapore Bands. The Vietnam War

Lured by the prospects of money and adventure, local performers braved the dangers of the Vietnam War to provide entertainment to American troops.

GIGS in Vietnam
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Music

American Troops. Singapore Bands. The Vietnam War

Lured by the prospects of money and adventure, local performers braved the dangers of the Vietnam War to provide entertainment to American troops.

GIGS in Vietnam
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Music

American Troops. Singapore Bands. The Vietnam War

Lured by the prospects of money and adventure, local performers braved the dangers of the Vietnam War to provide entertainment to American troops.

GIGS in Vietnam

Places and Buildings

炊烟袅袅 甘榜回忆

甘榜的纯朴生活反映了过去悠然自得的时代,那时的生活要简单得多。

甘榜的纯朴生活
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Places and Buildings

炊烟袅袅 甘榜回忆

甘榜的纯朴生活反映了过去悠然自得的时代,那时的生活要简单得多。

甘榜的纯朴生活
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Places and Buildings

炊烟袅袅 甘榜回忆

甘榜的纯朴生活反映了过去悠然自得的时代,那时的生活要简单得多。

甘榜的纯朴生活
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BiblioAsia Reels

The Story of Two Whales

The skeleton of a blue whale was once the centrepiece of the former Raffles Museum. What happened to it?

Watch the Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

The Story of Two Whales

The skeleton of a blue whale was once the centrepiece of the former Raffles Museum. What happened to it?

Watch the Video
Image alt text

BiblioAsia Reels

The Story of Two Whales

The skeleton of a blue whale was once the centrepiece of the former Raffles Museum. What happened to it?

Watch the Video

Culture

A Plethora of Tongues: Multilingualism in Malayan Writing

From the melting pot of cultures and languages in postwar Singapore came the search for a Malayan identity, negotiated and presented through multilingualism.

Multilingualism in Malayan Writing
Multilingualism

Culture

A Plethora of Tongues: Multilingualism in Malayan Writing

From the melting pot of cultures and languages in postwar Singapore came the search for a Malayan identity, negotiated and presented through multilingualism.

Multilingualism in Malayan Writing
Multilingualism

Culture

A Plethora of Tongues: Multilingualism in Malayan Writing

From the melting pot of cultures and languages in postwar Singapore came the search for a Malayan identity, negotiated and presented through multilingualism.

Multilingualism in Malayan Writing
Multilingualism

Sports

Conquering Everest, the World’s Tallest Mountain

David Lim led the first Singapore team to successfully summit Mount Everest in 1998. This is an excerpt from his book, Mountain to Climb.

Scale the greatest height
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Sports

Conquering Everest, the World’s Tallest Mountain

David Lim led the first Singapore team to successfully summit Mount Everest in 1998. This is an excerpt from his book, Mountain to Climb.

Scale the greatest height
Image alt text

Sports

Conquering Everest, the World’s Tallest Mountain

David Lim led the first Singapore team to successfully summit Mount Everest in 1998. This is an excerpt from his book, Mountain to Climb.

Scale the greatest height

Print

Kaboom! Early Malay Comic Books Make an Impact

The 1950s was the heyday for Malay comic books published in Singapore.

THE HEYDAY OF MALAY COMIC BOOKS
Kaboom!

Print

Kaboom! Early Malay Comic Books Make an Impact

The 1950s was the heyday for Malay comic books published in Singapore.

THE HEYDAY OF MALAY COMIC BOOKS
Kaboom!

Print

Kaboom! Early Malay Comic Books Make an Impact

The 1950s was the heyday for Malay comic books published in Singapore.

THE HEYDAY OF MALAY COMIC BOOKS
Kaboom!

Sports

Chia Boon Leong: The Twinkle-Toed Olympian

Although short in stature, footballer Chia Boon Leong was a force to be reckoned with.

“SMALL BUT TERRIBLE”
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Sports

Chia Boon Leong: The Twinkle-Toed Olympian

Although short in stature, footballer Chia Boon Leong was a force to be reckoned with.

“SMALL BUT TERRIBLE”
Image alt text

Sports

Chia Boon Leong: The Twinkle-Toed Olympian

Although short in stature, footballer Chia Boon Leong was a force to be reckoned with.

“SMALL BUT TERRIBLE”

Places and Buildings

My Childhood Memories: A Slice of Kampong Life

Kampong living reflects an idyllic bygone age, a time when life was much simpler.

Kampong Days
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Places and Buildings

My Childhood Memories: A Slice of Kampong Life

Kampong living reflects an idyllic bygone age, a time when life was much simpler.

Kampong Days
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Places and Buildings

My Childhood Memories: A Slice of Kampong Life

Kampong living reflects an idyllic bygone age, a time when life was much simpler.

Kampong Days
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BiblioAsia Reels

The Modernist Home of Pioneer Architect Lee Kip Lin

The family home of architect Lee Kip Lin has stood the test of time with its simple and yet modern design. His wife, Mrs Lee Li-ming, shares her insights.

Watch the Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

The Modernist Home of Pioneer Architect Lee Kip Lin

The family home of architect Lee Kip Lin has stood the test of time with its simple and yet modern design. His wife, Mrs Lee Li-ming, shares her insights.

Watch the Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

The Modernist Home of Pioneer Architect Lee Kip Lin

The family home of architect Lee Kip Lin has stood the test of time with its simple and yet modern design. His wife, Mrs Lee Li-ming, shares her insights.

Watch the Video

Local Icons

The Salvation Army in Singapore

The history of the Salvation Army in Singapore goes back to at least 1935.

Acts of Charity
Salvation Army

Local Icons

The Salvation Army in Singapore

The history of the Salvation Army in Singapore goes back to at least 1935.

Acts of Charity
Salvation Army

Local Icons

The Salvation Army in Singapore

The history of the Salvation Army in Singapore goes back to at least 1935.

Acts of Charity
Salvation Army

Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
Image alt text
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Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads
Image alt text

Literature

New Books on Singapore History (Jan 2024)

Introducing five new books available in the National Library’s collection.

New Reads

People

Remembering William Lim

The late architect William Lim did more than shape Singapore’s skyline. He was also deeply passionate about urban planning, culture, the arts.

ARCHITECT EXTRAORDINAIRE
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People

Remembering William Lim

The late architect William Lim did more than shape Singapore’s skyline. He was also deeply passionate about urban planning, culture, the arts.

ARCHITECT EXTRAORDINAIRE
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People

Remembering William Lim

The late architect William Lim did more than shape Singapore’s skyline. He was also deeply passionate about urban planning, culture, the arts.

ARCHITECT EXTRAORDINAIRE
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Music

Singapore's Got Talent: When Talentime Ruled the Airwaves

Although Talentime has been replaced by reality talent contests, it will be remembered as a show that launched the musical careers of many Singaporeans.

Down Memory Lane
A Brief History of Talentime
A Brief History of Talentime

Music

Singapore's Got Talent: When Talentime Ruled the Airwaves

Although Talentime has been replaced by reality talent contests, it will be remembered as a show that launched the musical careers of many Singaporeans.

Down Memory Lane
A Brief History of Talentime

Music

Singapore's Got Talent: When Talentime Ruled the Airwaves

Although Talentime has been replaced by reality talent contests, it will be remembered as a show that launched the musical careers of many Singaporeans.

Down Memory Lane

Places and buildings

A Short History of John Little at Raffles Place

A look back at John Little’s 170-year history and the lasting mark the store has made on our island.

170 years of shopping
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Places and buildings

A Short History of John Little at Raffles Place

A look back at John Little’s 170-year history and the lasting mark the store has made on our island.

170 years of shopping
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Places and buildings

A Short History of John Little at Raffles Place

A look back at John Little’s 170-year history and the lasting mark the store has made on our island.

170 years of shopping
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BiblioAsia Reels

Operation Jaywick Retold as a Comic Book for Boys

Disguised as local fishermen, Australian and British commandos launched a clandestine raid on Japanese ships in Singapore’s Keppel Harbour.

Watch The Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

Operation Jaywick Retold as a Comic Book for Boys

Disguised as local fishermen, Australian and British commandos launched a clandestine raid on Japanese ships in Singapore’s Keppel Harbour.

Watch The Video
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BiblioAsia Reels

Operation Jaywick Retold as a Comic Book for Boys

Disguised as local fishermen, Australian and British commandos launched a clandestine raid on Japanese ships in Singapore’s Keppel Harbour.

Watch The Video

Art

Seeking the Unnamed Artists of Diard & Duvaucel's Drawings

Natural history drawings might seem clinical and cold, but an unlikely medium pulls back the curtains to find the humanity behind them.

Naming the Unnamed
About the Painters

Art

Seeking the Unnamed Artists of Diard & Duvaucel's Drawings

Natural history drawings might seem clinical and cold, but an unlikely medium pulls back the curtains to find the humanity behind them.

Naming the Unnamed
About the Painters

Art

Seeking the Unnamed Artists of Diard & Duvaucel's Drawings

Natural history drawings might seem clinical and cold, but an unlikely medium pulls back the curtains to find the humanity behind them.

Naming the Unnamed
About the Painters

Sports

The 1973 SEAP Games in Singapore

The 7th SEAP Games marked the first time that Singapore hosted an international sporting event since gaining independence in 1965.

Gunning for Glory
Women's Relay
Women's Relay

Sports

The 1973 SEAP Games in Singapore

The 7th SEAP Games marked the first time that Singapore hosted an international sporting event since gaining independence in 1965.

Gunning for Glory
Women's Relay

Sports

The 1973 SEAP Games in Singapore

The 7th SEAP Games marked the first time that Singapore hosted an international sporting event since gaining independence in 1965.

Gunning for Glory

BiblioAsia Reels

Professor Yu Chun Yee Plays on NLB's Heritage Piano

Professor Yu, who used to teach at the Royal College of Music in London, plays on the refurbished Chappell grand at the National Library.

Watch the Video
Professor Yu Chun Yee

BiblioAsia Reels

Professor Yu Chun Yee Plays on NLB's Heritage Piano

Professor Yu, who used to teach at the Royal College of Music in London, plays on the refurbished Chappell grand at the National Library.

Watch the Video
Professor Yu Chun Yee

BiblioAsia Reels

Professor Yu Chun Yee Plays on NLB's Heritage Piano

Professor Yu, who used to teach at the Royal College of Music in London, plays on the refurbished Chappell grand at the National Library.

Watch the Video
Professor Yu Chun Yee

BiblioAsia Reels

The Frying Pan Piano

A world-renowned pianist described this concert grand of the Victoria Memorial Hall as a "cooking pot and a frying pan". How did it have such a reputation?

Watch the Video
The Frying Pan Piano
The Frying Pan Piano

BiblioAsia Reels

The Frying Pan Piano

A world-renowned pianist described this concert grand of the Victoria Memorial Hall as a "cooking pot and a frying pan". How did it have such a reputation?

Watch the Video
The Frying Pan Piano

BiblioAsia Reels

The Frying Pan Piano

A world-renowned pianist described this concert grand of the Victoria Memorial Hall as a "cooking pot and a frying pan". How did it have such a reputation?

Watch the Video

WAR

Konfrontasi: Singapore's Experience of an Undeclared War

Opposing the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, Indonesia waged a three-year armed conflict against Malaysia and Singapore.

A campaign of terror
Konfrontasi

WAR

Konfrontasi: Singapore's Experience of an Undeclared War

Opposing the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, Indonesia waged a three-year armed conflict against Malaysia and Singapore.

A campaign of terror
Konfrontasi

WAR

Konfrontasi: Singapore's Experience of an Undeclared War

Opposing the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, Indonesia waged a three-year armed conflict against Malaysia and Singapore.

A campaign of terror
Konfrontasi

Film and Photography

Restoring Classic Films from Asia

Besides restoring made-in-Singapore films, the Asian Film Archive is also involved in the preservation of other seminal Asian works.

SAVING ASIAN CLASSICS
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Film and Photography

Restoring Classic Films from Asia

Besides restoring made-in-Singapore films, the Asian Film Archive is also involved in the preservation of other seminal Asian works.

SAVING ASIAN CLASSICS
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Film and Photography

Restoring Classic Films from Asia

Besides restoring made-in-Singapore films, the Asian Film Archive is also involved in the preservation of other seminal Asian works.

SAVING ASIAN CLASSICS

People

The Curious Visit of Qing Ambassadors to Singapore

The visit by Qing officials to Singapore in 1876 led to the establishment of the first Chinese consulate here a year later.

A Forgotten Encounter
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People

The Curious Visit of Qing Ambassadors to Singapore

The visit by Qing officials to Singapore in 1876 led to the establishment of the first Chinese consulate here a year later.

A Forgotten Encounter
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People

The Curious Visit of Qing Ambassadors to Singapore

The visit by Qing officials to Singapore in 1876 led to the establishment of the first Chinese consulate here a year later.

A Forgotten Encounter
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BiblioAsia Reels

Interview with Rachel Heng, Author of The Great Reclamation

What does it take to write an internationally acclaimed historical novel set in Singapore?

Watch the interview #SingLit
The Great Reclamation
The Great Reclamation

BiblioAsia Reels

Interview with Rachel Heng, Author of The Great Reclamation

What does it take to write an internationally acclaimed historical novel set in Singapore?

Watch the interview #SingLit
The Great Reclamation

BiblioAsia Reels

Interview with Rachel Heng, Author of The Great Reclamation

What does it take to write an internationally acclaimed historical novel set in Singapore?

Watch the interview #SingLit